Asbestos Awareness: How to Protect Your Workforce From the Silent Killer

Asbestos remains a silent but deadly threat in workplace safety. Asbestos-related diseases claim thousands of lives each year, and many of these casualties could have been prevented with the right awareness, diligence, and precautions. Educating employees on the subject is always the first step in developing compliance and ensuring safety.

For this reason, the Astutis Asbestos Awareness Course is a critical tool for organisations to guard against asbestos-related risks that could strike at any moment if left unchecked. 

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of thin, needle-like fibres invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos is resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion, which caused it to become widely used in the military and construction fields for decades.

Over time, it was found that exposure to asbestos came with serious health risks.

Why is Asbestos Awareness Important?

Asbestos, once hailed for its versatility, is now infamous for its association with severe health risks. When inhaled after disturbance or damage, the microscopic fibres it’s made up of can lead to life-threatening conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. 

According to the latest Asbestos statistics published Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Asbestos still kills around 5000 workers each year, which is astonishingly more than the number of people killed on the road. Not only that, around 20 tradesmen die each week from prior exposure to the deadly substance. This isn’t from a few isolated incidents either, as it can be present in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000. This is why proper training on the matter is so important.

The Astutis Asbestos Awareness Course is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it's a proactive step towards mitigating these risks and protecting lives. 

Asbestos Awareness Course Syllabus

The Astutis Asbestos Awareness Course syllabus provides learners with a full understanding of:

• Where asbestos is found.
• The dangers of asbestos.
• The do’s and don’t of working with asbestos.
• Disposal methods.
• Appropriate PPE.

This course can be delivered via a virtual classroom course or on-site by one of our expert tutors. The details of each element of the course are as follows:

Element 1

The course begins with a foundational understanding of asbestos, exploring:

• Who is likely to be exposed to asbestos?
• What is asbestos?
• Why is it harmful?
• When and where is someone most likely to be exposed?
• How to minimise exposure?

Element 2

Learners will then learn about the legislation and regulations surrounding asbestos in the workplace:

• What are the key requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012?
• What is the duty to manage asbestos containing material (ACM)?
• What is notification?
• What medicals and health records are required?
• What training is required?

Element 3

Finally, the course will cover the essential information of removing and protecting against asbestos. They will know answers to questions such as:

• What are the golden rules when working with asbestos?
• What are the key pieces of equipment?
• What are the key removal techniques?
• What about cleaning and disposal?
• How do I avoid personal contamination?
• What about PPE?

Attendees will break out into different groups at the end of each module to consolidate the information they have learnt so far.

What Are the Benefits of Asbestos Awareness Training?

The Astutis Asbestos Awareness Course is a comprehensive program that empowers individuals to recognise, assess, and manage asbestos risks effectively. Beyond legal compliance, investing in this course is an investment in the well-being of employees, contractors, and anyone who could be exposed to asbestos during their work.

By including the Astutis Asbestos Awareness course in your training program, your organisation will benefit greatly from an enhanced understanding of working around asbestos, helping to prevent long-term health issues and increasing workplace safety.

This course transcends traditional training by delving into a comprehensive syllabus that covers everything from the basics of asbestos to industry-specific nuances that apply directly to your industry. Other company benefits include:

• Compliance with Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 which requires employers to ensure “employees are given adequate information, instruction and training to those that are liable to be exposed to asbestos”.
• Enhancement of your reputation amongst potential customers/clients, regulators, insurers, and stakeholders.

Investing in the Astutis Asbestos Awareness Course is not just a commitment to compliance; it's a commitment to a safer, healthier future where the dangers of asbestos are met with knowledge, awareness, and proactive prevention. Safeguard lives and enrol your staff on the Astutis Asbestos Awareness Course below.