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In this edition of “Ask the Expert”, we’re handing the blog over to one of 3B Training’s specialist trainers, Cathryn Shean, for a deep dive into who needs asbestos courses, the main types of asbestos training, and how to identify asbestos. Cathryn has over ten years of experience working with professional safety teams before becoming an accredited trainer at 3B. From legal requirements to common myths, Cathryn shares her expert insights in her own words.
Q: Who needs asbestos training? Are there legal requirements for different job roles to complete specific types of training?
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, employers have a legal duty to their employees to provide training for anyone who is likely to encounter asbestos. For example, anyone in the construction industry, plumbers, maintenance workers, electricians, engineers, and architects.
Q: What are the main categories of asbestos training currently available in the UK? There are three types of asbestos training available in the UK:
Q: Can asbestos always be identified by visual inspection alone? No, professionals must confirm the presence of asbestos by conducting an asbestos sample test.
Q: What tools or methods are used by professionals to identify asbestos? Professionals take a sample of the asbestos to a laboratory to determine if asbestos is present.
Q: Is lab testing always necessary to confirm the presence of asbestos? Yes, laboratory tests determine the amount of asbestos present. This will help with the management.
Q: Are there mobile apps or digital resources that assist with identifying potential asbestos? Yes, there are a number of apps to assist with identifying asbestos. Sitemate and Phoenix Asbestos Software.
Q: Is there a difference between “recognising” and “identifying” asbestos? Recognising is the initial process of noticing the possible presence of asbestos. Identifying is the process of confirming asbestos through professional testing.
Q: Can someone without specialist training safely recognise asbestos risks? Someone without specialist training cannot identify asbestos. Asbestos Awareness gives delegates the knowledge about identifying asbestos but not the knowledge to remove it. Further training is needed for removal work.
Q: Are there any tell-tale signs that should immediately raise concern? If the building was built pre-2000s, it could contain asbestos. In these buildings, look for crumbling drywall, cracked cladding, and be wary of insulation around pipes or boilers or vinyl floor tiles in poor condition.
Q: Why is asbestos awareness training so important? The training gives delegates the knowledge of how to identify possible asbestos at work. This will protect themselves and members of the public.
Q: If you could say one thing to someone ignoring the risk, what would it be? Exposure to asbestos can lead to health issues that are not apparent for many years after the exposure. Protect yourself and others by learning how to identify it.
Q: What’s the most surprising thing delegates learn about asbestos that they didn’t know before? The most surprising part of the training is how long we’ve known about the health risks of asbestos, yet it was continued to be used.
As our expert reminds us, knowing what to look for and understanding the risk is critical to safety on site. Whether you’re in a trade role, site management, or design, asbestos training could make all the difference in protecting lives and staying compliant.
If you’re looking to update your knowledge or get trained for the first time, explore our full range of asbestos training courses at 3B Training.
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