There are three types of asbestos training in the UK: Category A Asbestos Awareness Training, Category B Non-Licensed Asbestos Training and Category C Licensed Asbestos Training. The correct training depends on the type of work you carry out and the likelihood of disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Because asbestos exposure can cause serious diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, employers must ensure workers receive the appropriate asbestos training. Understanding the differences between Category A, B and C training helps employers comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and protect workers from unnecessary exposure.
This guide explains the three categories of asbestos training, who needs each type of training and how to choose the right asbestos course for your workforce.
Why is asbestos bad?
Asbestos exposure is the number one cause of work-related deaths in the world. In the UK, asbestos-related diseases still kill around 5000 workers each year. Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Schools are a particular concern because thousands of pupils, teachers and maintenance workers spend time in buildings constructed before the ban. To learn more, read our article Asbestos in UK Schools.
To learn more about the risks of asbestos you can read our article The importance of asbestos awareness training.
The 3 types of Asbestos training explained
There are three categories of asbestos training:
| Types of Asbestos Training | Who It’s For | Typical Roles | Type of Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category A Asbestos Awareness Training | Workers who may encounter asbestos-containing materials but will not disturb them | Electricians, plumbers, builders, decorators, maintenance workers, roofers and contractors | Awareness only. Workers learn how to recognise asbestos risks and avoid disturbance. |
| Category B Non-Licensed Asbestos Training | Workers who may carry out lower-risk, non-licensed work with asbestos-containing materials | Maintenance workers, demolition workers, roofers, construction workers, plumbers, electricians and HVAC engineers | Non-licensed asbestos work, such as work involving asbestos cement sheets, textured coatings or minor repairs. |
| Category C Licensed Asbestos Training | Workers who carry out higher-risk licensed asbestos work | Licensed asbestos removal contractors, asbestos supervisors, asbestos operatives and asbestos specialists | Licensed asbestos work, such as removing asbestos insulation, asbestos insulation board (AIB), pipe lagging and other high-risk ACMs. |
1. Category A – Asbestos awareness training
Asbestos awareness training is a requirement for employees who might come in contact with asbestos during their work. In general, it explains what asbestos is, what to do if you discover asbestos, and the dangers that asbestos exposure can cause.
Consider it the best overall approach when it comes to looking at risks, responsibilities and what to do in an Asbestos emergency.
Who needs Category A – Asbestos awareness training
Most electricians, plumbers, builders, maintenance workers and contractors only require Category A Asbestos Awareness Training.
2. Category B – Non-licensed asbestos training
Category B Asbestos Training is designed for workers who may carry out non-licensed work with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Examples of non-licensed asbestos work include removing asbestos cement sheets, drilling textured coatings, repairing minor damage to asbestos-containing materials, and carrying out maintenance work where asbestos may be disturbed. However, workers must follow appropriate control measures and safe working procedures to minimise exposure to asbestos fibres.
Who needs Category B – Non-licensed asbestos training
Workers who may need Category B Asbestos Training include maintenance workers, demolition workers, roofers, construction workers, plumbers, electricians, heating and ventilation engineers, and telecommunications engineers.
3. Category C – Licensed asbestos training
Category C Asbestos Training is designed for workers who carry out licensed asbestos work. This type of work involves higher-risk asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that can release significant amounts of asbestos fibres if disturbed.
Examples of licensed asbestos work include removing asbestos insulation, asbestos insulation board (AIB), pipe lagging and other high-risk asbestos-containing materials. Because this work presents a greater risk of asbestos exposure, only trained and authorised workers should carry it out. It is an offence to undertake licensable tasks without an asbestos license, and it could lead to prosecution.
Who needs Category C – Licensed asbestos training
Workers who typically require Category C Asbestos Training include licensed asbestos removal contractors, asbestos supervisors, asbestos operatives and other specialists who work directly with high-risk asbestos materials.
What are the current asbestos regulations?
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out the legal requirements for managing asbestos in UK workplaces and protecting workers from asbestos exposure.
Under the regulations, employers, building owners and duty holders have a legal responsibility to identify, assess and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within their premises. This includes:
- Identifying the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
- Carrying out suitable risk assessments to identify asbestos-related hazards
- Assessing the likelihood of asbestos being disturbed during maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work
- Implementing appropriate control measures to manage asbestos risks
- Maintaining an up-to-date asbestos management plan where required
- Providing information, instruction and training to employees who may encounter asbestos
- Monitoring and reviewing asbestos management arrangements on an ongoing basis
The regulations also require employers to provide asbestos awareness training to workers who could come into contact with asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos awareness training forms an important part of a wider Health & Safety Training programme, helping organisations comply with legal requirements and create safer workplaces.
What is asbestos awareness training?
Asbestos awareness training (Category A training) is the basic level of asbestos training required for workers who may encounter asbestos-containing materials but will not intentionally disturb them.
An asbestos awareness training programme helps employees understand the dangers of asbestos exposure, take appropriate precautions and respond correctly if they accidentally disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Typical roles that require the training would be:
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Electricians
- Construction workers
- Carpenters
- Maintenance Staff
- Plasterers
Choosing the right training course
As a business manager, you should learn about different levels of asbestos training and how to choose the right course. Here are some of the things you should think about:
1. Accessibility
The asbestos awareness training should avoid very technical terms that might confuse participants. Instead of complex explanations, it should offer real-world scenarios. The training course you choose for your employees must be accessible to everyone.
2. Provides Practical Knowledge
The right training course should teach employees what kind of buildings may contain asbestos, what materials may contain asbestos, what the health risks are of coming into contact with asbestos, and what steps to take if they encounter it. Remember that asbestos deaths are preventable, and a little bit of training can go a long way.
3. Offers Accredited Certification
The training should offer an accredited asbestos awareness certificate. This certificate should include logos from certification bodies like IATP or UKATA, which are both universally recognised by the construction industry and local authorities. It should also clearly include the training completion date and recommended renewal date.
4. Affordability
For small to medium businesses, choosing an affordable asbestos awareness training programme is vital. Even for larger businesses with many employees, there is no need to spend a small fortune on courses that offer the same information as more affordable options.
5. Convenience
Lastly, you do not want your employees to have to participate in face-to-face training sessions that last for hours on end. There are excellent training courses, that are totally online to maximise both efficiency and convenience. Online courses can be taken at a time that is convenient to your workforce and can be taken in multiple sessions. Employers also have the peace of mind that all their workforce receive the same high-quality content.
How often is asbestos awareness training required?
Workers should complete awareness training before starting any work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials. To ensure that workers are up to date with the latest safety procedures, refresher training must be provided on a yearly basis.
Why choose an online asbestos awareness course?
Online training is a cost-effective way of delivering training materials without the need for costly face-to-face sessions.
It is a flexible way to train your staff. That’s because employees complete the course at their own pace. They can set their schedule without needing to block out specific dates and travel to training centres. They are able to complete the training during a time that suits them.
The use of multimedia elements, like quizzes, videos, and images, helps to make online training engaging. When learners are engaged and interested, they are more likely to retain information.
Online training makes life easier for the employer and the employee. It is accessible, cost-effective, and reliable.
Asbestos Awareness Online Course
Asbestos exposure can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Therefore, employers must ensure that workers receive appropriate asbestos awareness training before carrying out work that could expose them to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Our Online Asbestos Awareness Training Course helps employers comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 while giving workers the knowledge they need to recognise asbestos risks, avoid exposure and work safely.
Choose our IATP-approved and RoSPA-assured asbestos awareness course because it:
- Complies with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Has been audited and approved by IATP
- Is assured by RoSPA Qualifications
- Includes audio voiceover
- Is 100% online training
Start your Asbestos Awareness Online Course today and receive your accredited certificate immediately after successful completion.