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Asbestos Awareness UKATA: Urgent Training for a Continuing Hazard

Posted on Monday, 23rd September 2024

Asbestos Awareness UKATA: Urgent Training for a Continuing Hazard

Despite being banned from use over two decades ago, asbestos remains a serious threat in the UK. With over 5,000 deaths annually linked to asbestos exposure, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a renewed campaign in 2024 called "Asbestos: Your Duty". This campaign aims to improve asbestos management in a wide range of buildings, including schools, hospitals, and workplaces, emphasising the legal obligations of building owners and managers. The focus is on ensuring asbestos is safely managed to prevent exposure, making UKATA Asbestos Awareness Training more important than ever for anyone working in environments where asbestos may still be present.

Whether you’re working on renovations, demolitions, or simply maintaining older buildings, asbestos could pose a significant health hazard if disturbed. The Asbestos Awareness UKATA Course provides critical knowledge to protect yourself, your colleagues, and the public from the dangers of asbestos exposure. In light of the growing focus on asbestos management and recent government campaigns, now is the time to ensure you're fully trained and compliant.


What is the Asbestos Awareness UKATA Course?

The UKATA Asbestos Awareness Course is designed for supervisors, tradespeople, and those who might come into contact with asbestos during their work. This includes but is not limited to: demolition workers, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, painters, decorators, roofers, and surveyors. The course provides essential education on the risks of asbestos exposure, the health effects of inhaling asbestos fibres, and the safety precautions needed to avoid accidental exposure.

For professionals such as architects and building surveyors, a more developed course may be required, which includes additional modules beyond the core syllabus, specifically covering interactions between Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations and asbestos control measures.


Why You Need an Asbestos Awareness Certificate

Upon successful completion of the Asbestos Awareness Course, participants receive an Asbestos Awareness Certificate, valid for one year. This certification is necessary for anyone whose work could disturb asbestos-containing materials, as required by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Employers are legally obligated to ensure their workforce is trained in asbestos awareness, making this course critical for ensuring regulatory compliance and workplace safety.


UKATA Asbestos Awareness Training Online

In addition to in-person courses, we offer UKATA Asbestos Awareness Training Online through interactive video learning. This online option allows participants to receive the same high-quality training remotely, guided by experienced tutors. Delivered via Zoom, the course replicates the classroom experience, providing flexibility for those who need to fit training around their work schedule. Full attendance is mandatory to achieve a pass, and learners must maintain a stable internet connection throughout the course.


Course Aims and Objectives

On completing the UKATA Asbestos Awareness Course, learners will be able to:

  • Recognise the properties and types of asbestos and understand its effects on health, including the heightened risk for those who smoke.
  • Identify where asbestos is commonly found in buildings and know how to avoid disturbing ACMs.
  • Understand how to access asbestos information on a site before starting work.
  • Know the procedures to follow if asbestos-containing materials are suspected or found.
  • Use appropriate workplace precautions and perform risk assessments related to asbestos exposure.
  • Have an awareness of key asbestos regulations and emergency procedures in case of accidental exposure.


How is the Course Assessed?

The attainment of learning outcomes for this course is assessed through a multiple-choice examination consisting of 15 questions. Participants must score at least 12 out of 15 (80%) to pass. If a candidate fails the exam, they are allowed to retake the test under exam conditions. Should they fail a second time, they will need to retake the course in full.


Why Choose Essential Site Skills for Your Asbestos Awareness Training?

At Essential Site Skills, we provide UKATA-accredited Asbestos Awareness Training, available both online and in-person, to suit your learning preferences. Our courses are delivered by experienced tutors, ensuring that you gain the comprehensive knowledge required to work safely in environments where asbestos may be present. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a digital Asbestos Awareness Certificate, valid for one year.


For more information on our UKATA Asbestos Awareness Training and how to obtain your Asbestos Awareness Certificate contact our team today.