Asbestos, a naturally occurring substance, was widely used in the UK’s construction sector until its ban in 1999. Despite this ban, estimates suggest that about 1.5 million buildings still contain asbestos in the UK.
Individuals working in sites with asbestos may not even realise that they have been exposed since the health consequences of asbestos can only appear decades later. These consequences include potentially fatal conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. It may also lead to non-cancerous conditions such as asbestosis, cardiovascular issues, pleural plaques, pleuritis and pleural effusions.
Asbestos causes over 5,000 deaths each year, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In 2022, there were 2,257 deaths from mesothelioma in the UK, a slight decrease from the previous year. Additionally, there were 493 reported deaths from asbestosis, also fewer than in 2021. These statistics underscore the need for asbestos awareness training to further reduce these numbers.
Anyone who may be exposed to ACMs must be provided with this training. Since asbestos is so widespread in the UK, many sectors are affected by this requirement, including construction workers, renovators, painters, decorators, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers and demolition workers. Without proper awareness, these workers may risk their health and the health of others by disturbing asbestos during their routine work.
This training provides them with the knowledge of where ACMs may be present and the emergency procedures to follow should they be exposed. It helps workers reduce the risk of asbestos exposure to protect themselves and those around them.
Training also helps employers:
Promote Health and Safety: Awareness training helps employees recognise potential asbestos hazards in their environment, reducing the risk of exposure and associated health problems.
Prevent Accidental Exposure: Asbestos can be present in structures built before 2000. Workers may unintentionally disturb ACMs without proper awareness, releasing harmful fibres into the environment. Training helps people understand where asbestos might be found and how to avoid disturbing it.
Comply with Legislation: There are stringent regulations in the UK regarding asbestos safety due to its health risks. Compliance with these regulations is important for employers to prevent legal repercussions. Asbestos awareness courses ensure that employees and organisations are well-informed about and adhere to asbestos safety regulations.
Protect Employees: Employees in industries like construction, demolition and renovation are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Training protects them by providing knowledge and skills to safeguard themselves and others when working in sites that may contain ACMs.
Are You Aware of Your Responsibilities?
As an employer, it is your legal duty to provide asbestos awareness training to employees at risk of asbestos exposure.
Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that employers must provide adequate training to employees who may disturb asbestos during work and those who supervise such employees. The training must provide a thorough understanding of asbestos, covering its properties, potential sites, health effects, safety practices, control measures, emergency procedures and waste handling. The regulation requires employers to provide employees with this training at regular intervals.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 also emphasises asbestos safety by placing a duty on employers to safeguard their employees’ health, safety and welfare.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in legal repercussions such as fines, penalties and lawsuits.
Individuals working in asbestos-containing sites are often unaware of its presence and may unknowingly disturb it during their day-to-day activities. When asbestos is disturbed or in poor condition, it can release fibres into the environment. When inhaled, these fibres enter the body and cause severe health consequences.
Our online asbestos awareness course offers an in-depth understanding of asbestos to reduce the risks of exposure. You’ll learn common places where asbestos can be found as well as how to identify ACMs, letting you minimise the risk of accidental exposure. The course will also prepare you to respond to emergencies should you accidentally encounter ACMs.
