Booking options
£15
£15
On-Demand course
All levels
This IATP-approved asbestos awareness online course explains what asbestos is, what to do if you discover asbestos, and the dangers that asbestos exposure can cause.
Asbestos is a serious danger to workers in the UK, so it is vital to take health and safety responsibilities seriously. Employers must provide asbestos awareness training for any staff who could be exposed to asbestos. They face heavy fines if they fail to do so and if there is an accident on site.
The law requires employers to take reasonable steps to safeguard the health and safety of all employees. In particular, Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that every employer must ensure that any employee who could be exposed to asbestos is given adequate training so they can protect themselves and other people.
At the end of the course you will be able to describe:
The types and properties of asbestos.
The history of asbestos in the UK.
Health effects of asbestos.
Additional risks of asbestos for smokers.
The use of asbestos in buildings and plant.
Key laws and regulations relating to asbestos.
The purpose of asbestos surveys and registers.
What to do in an emergency.
How to avoid the risks of asbestos.
The first topic describes asbestos. You will learn about the colour, nature and name of three common types of asbestos. The topic also outlines the properties of asbestos.
The second topic presents a short history of the use of asbestos in the UK. It identifies when asbestos harms became known and when asbestos use reached its peak. You will also learn about when the government banned different asbestos types.
The third topic describes how asbestos affects health. It outlines the main cause of asbestos diseases and why there are increasing numbers of asbestos deaths. The topic explains why it can take decades for symptoms to appear. You will learn about the main diseases and about who is most at risk. The topic also covers the increase in risk due to smoking and secondary asbestos exposure.
The fourth topic is all about asbestos-containing material (ACM). It identifies the difference between asbestos and ACMs. The topic describes the uses of ACMs in buildings and equipment. You will also learn about when ACMs were used, what is meant by friability and when various ACMs will release fibres.
Topic five outlines the main laws that protect people in the workplace. The topic also describes specific asbestos-related law.
Topic six is about asbestos surveys and registers. It outlines the purpose of surveys and identifies two types of survey. You will also learn about what a survey should include and where to record the information gathered in a survey.
Topic seven is about emergencies. It defines what constitutes an asbestos emergency and how you can recognise it when it happens. You will learn about the general procedure to follow if you discover or damage a suspected ACM. You will also learn about what an organisation should do if there is a release of asbestos in the workplace.
The last topic identifies what you can do to avoid the risks posed by asbestos.