Why Asbestos Awareness Training Is Essential for UK Workers

Asbestos Awareness Training helps workers recognise asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), understand the dangers of asbestos exposure and comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Anyone who may encounter asbestos during their work should complete asbestos awareness training to reduce risks and improve workplace safety.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos-related diseases cause around 5,000 deaths every year in the UK. For this reason, employers must ensure that workers who could disturb asbestos understand the risks and know how to avoid exposure. Completing an Asbestos Awareness Online Course helps workers meet the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, improve workplace safety, and gain an Asbestos Awareness Certificate that demonstrates their training and competence. Asbestos awareness training forms an important part of a wider Health and Safety Training programme for workers in construction, maintenance and facilities management.

This guide explains why asbestos awareness training is important, who needs it, and how it helps prevent potentially life-threatening exposure to asbestos fibres.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of microscopic fibres that are strong, flexible and highly resistant to heat, chemicals and electricity. Because of these properties, builders and manufacturers used asbestos extensively throughout the UK between the late 19th century.

Although builders no longer use asbestos in new buildings, many UK homes, schools, offices and commercial premises built before 2000 still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Understanding what asbestos is and where it may be found is an important part of asbestos awareness training and helps workers avoid potentially dangerous exposure.

Types of Asbestos found in UK buildings

There are six types of asbestos: chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. The three most common types found in UK buildings are white, brown and blue asbestos.

Manufacturers widely used chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite in insulation, pipe lagging, ceiling tiles, roofing products and cement sheeting. As a result, many buildings constructed before the 1999 ban still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

It is important to note that asbestos cannot be identified reliably by colour alone, as it is often mixed with other materials that alter its appearance. If asbestos is suspected, only professional inspection and testing can confirm its presence.

Understanding the different types of asbestos is a key part of asbestos awareness training and helps workers avoid disturbing potentially hazardous materials.

Why is Asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos becomes dangerous when damaged materials release fibres into the air and people breathe them into their lungs. These microscopic fibres can lodge in lung tissue and cause serious diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are generally safe if left undisturbed. However, drilling, cutting, sanding or damaging asbestos can release harmful fibres that workers cannot see, smell or taste. The risk increases with repeated exposure, but even small amounts of asbestos can be hazardous.

Because asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop, workers may not experience symptoms until many years after exposure. This is why asbestos awareness training is essential for anyone who may encounter asbestos during their work.

How was Asbestos used in non-domestic buildings?

The construction industry used asbestos extensively throughout the 20th century, in insulation, floor tiles, partition walls, roofs and a wide variety of other places in a building. Builders also added it to cement for use in both indoor and outdoor projects.

How long will Asbestos remain a risk?

Asbestos will remain a hazard in older premises for decades to come.

On 21st April 2022 the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee recommended that all non-domestic buildings should be free of asbestos within 40 years. However, on 21st July 2022, the government rejected this recommendation. Current asbestos regulations allow duty holders to leave asbestos in place when it remains in good condition, stays well protected and is unlikely to suffer disturbance.

What does the law say about asbestos in buildings?

By law, anyone who has control over a workplace must ensure people are not exposed to health and safety risks – including those posed by asbestos. There are also specific laws about asbestos in commercial buildings. These laws are wide ranging. For example, employers must manage asbestos on a premises, assess the risks, and plan work accordingly. Laws about waste also relate to asbestos.

How do I reduce the risks associated with asbestos?

The best way to reduce the risks associated with asbestos is to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), follow safe working procedures and complete asbestos awareness training.

Before starting work in any building constructed before 2000, carry out a suitable risk assessment, identify asbestos risks and implement appropriate control measures.

Never drill, cut, sand or disturb materials that may contain asbestos unless you have the appropriate training, equipment and authorisation. If you suspect asbestos is present, stop work immediately and report your concerns to the responsible person.

Regular asbestos awareness training helps workers recognise asbestos-containing materials, understand the dangers of exposure and comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Who needs asbestos awareness training?

Anyone who may come into contact with asbestos as part of their work needs asbestos awareness training. They need to understand the dangers so they can avoid any work which may disturb asbestos.

Amongst many others this includes electricians, plumbers, decorators, builders, plasterers, roofers, demolition workers and IT installers.

What does Category A Asbestos training mean?

Category A Asbestos Training, also known as Asbestos Awareness Training, helps workers recognise asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), understand the health risks of asbestos exposure and avoid activities that could disturb asbestos. Employers should provide this training to workers who may encounter asbestos during their work but do not intentionally work on asbestos-containing materials.

If workers need to carry out work that may disturb asbestos, they must complete additional asbestos training. Learn more about the different levels of asbestos training in our guide: How Many Types of Asbestos Training Are There?

How often should Asbestos Awareness Training be renewed?

HSE recommends asbestos refresher training every 12 months. Annual refresher training helps workers stay up to date with asbestos risks, recognise asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), and follow safe working practices. Regular refresher training also helps employers meet their duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and maintain workplace safety.