Asbestos is a dangerous material that was widely used in building construction until the 1980s. While the use of asbestos is now banned in many countries, many buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Anyone who works with or near asbestos-containing materials, such as construction workers, maintenance personnel, and demolition workers, must be trained to work safely with this material. This blog’ll explore why asbestos training is essential for anyone working with the material.
Asbestos exposure can cause various respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. These illnesses can take years to develop and significantly impact a person’s health and quality of life. By providing asbestos training, employers can ensure that workers understand the risks of asbestos exposure and know how to work safely to minimize their risk of exposure.
One of the critical components of asbestos training is learning how to identify asbestos-containing materials. This is important because many materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation, are only sometimes recognizable. Workers who are trained in how to identify these materials can take appropriate precautions to minimize their risk of exposure.
Asbestos training also covers safe work practices for working with asbestos-containing materials. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respirators and disposable coveralls, and using specialized tools and techniques to minimize the release of asbestos fibres into the air. Workers who are trained in safe work practices can work with asbestos-containing materials without putting themselves or others at risk.
Many countries have regulations governing the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. By providing asbestos training, employers can ensure that their workers understand these regulations and can work in compliance with them. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal liabilities.
Asbestos training is essential for anyone who works with or near asbestos-containing materials. By understanding the risks of asbestos exposure, identifying asbestos-containing materials, and practising safe work practices, workers can minimize their risk of exposure to this dangerous material. Asbestos training also helps employers to comply with regulatory requirements and protect their workers from the health and financial costs associated with asbestos exposure.
At Fibre Safe, we are deeply committed to educating businesses on the importance of proper asbestos management and the safe handling of asbestos-containing materials. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases hazardous fibres into the air, which, when inhaled, can cause severe health issues, primarily affecting the lungs. Asbestos is less of a risk if it is left undisturbed and structurally stable. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises against the deconstruction of asbestos-containing materials wherever possible due to the potential for these fibres to become disturbed and pose a hazard.
Fibre Safe offers two comprehensive courses that cover all the essential knowledge of working with asbestos-containing materials.
The first course, Category A – Asbestos Awareness, focuses on working in an environment where asbestos is present. This course teaches how to take the necessary precautions to prevent disturbing asbestos while working in such environments. It introduces the hazards and risks associated with working with asbestos, particularly when it becomes disturbed. Additionally, this course highlights the legal requirements for ensuring that workers receive proper training in asbestos management, which is a legal obligation and a moral responsibility.
The second course, Category B – Asbestos Training Non-Licensed Removal, centres around the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials when it is absolutely necessary to complete the work. This course covers all the material taught in Category A and provides additional training on the safe removal of asbestos.
Contact Fibre Safe Today
Fibre Safe offer the best Asbestos Awareness Training Courses so, get in touch with Fibre Safe by calling 0800 458 4136 or by filling out the contact form on https://fibresafe.com/contact/.
You can also explore the asbestos awareness training courses in a little more detail by visiting the dedicated page https://fibresafe.com/asbestos-training/
