Decades after its usage ban in 1999, Asbestos remains a significant hazard in the UK. Found in millions of homes and buildings constructed before the ban, asbestos becomes dangerous when disturbed, releasing fibres that can cause life-threatening illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. For businesses and tradespeople, managing and mitigating asbestos risks is a vital part of ensuring health and safety compliance.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is tackling asbestos risks through two core campaigns:

• Asbestos and You: This campaign raises awareness among tradespeople who may unknowingly disturb asbestos in buildings constructed before 2000. It highlights the importance of identifying hidden asbestos risks and provides resources to protect workers and others during repair and refurbishment work.
• Asbestos – Your Duty: Aimed at those responsible for the maintenance of non-domestic buildings, this campaign focuses on the legal obligation to manage asbestos. Dutyholders must assess the presence of asbestos, maintain a management plan, and communicate risks to workers and contractors.

So how can employers take action to protect employees and others from the dangers of asbestos? For workers whose roles may disturb the fabric of a building, employers must take specific steps to ensure their safety, which includes providing asbestos awareness training to employees. This training is designed to help employees understand the dangers of asbestos, how to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), and how to avoid disturbing them.

However, it’s important to note that asbestos awareness training does not authorise employees to handle or remove asbestos—specialised training and licensing are needed for those tasks. You can read more on licensing on the Health & Safety Executive website via the link here.

For businesses and organisations, providing asbestos awareness training is not just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding lives. Our Asbestos Awareness E-Learning Course is designed to equip staff with the knowledge to recognise and avoid asbestos risks, making it ideal for tradespeople, maintenance teams, and any employees who may encounter asbestos in their work. Click here to access a free trial.

Providing asbestos awareness training reduces risks, enhances workplace safety, and demonstrates a commitment to protecting both staff and the public. Whether working on a building site or managing facilities, understanding asbestos risks empowers employees to make safer decisions and avoid potentially life-altering exposure.

Course features include:

• Comprehensive modules covering the properties of asbestos, identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), avoiding exposure, and understanding legislation.
• The flexible and accessible platform ensures that staff can complete the course online at their own pace, fitting training around work schedules.
• Industry accreditations from organisations such as IIRSM and CPD, ensuring that this is training that can be trusted.

Asbestos awareness isn’t optional—it’s essential for compliance and safety. By training your staff and staying vigilant, you can minimise risks, ensure legal compliance, and create a safer working environment for everyone.

Start your journey toward asbestos awareness today with our Asbestos Awareness E-Learning Course, trusted by organisations across the UK. Contact us to learn more, and access client discounts!

Need a course specific for architects and designers? The Asbestos Awareness for Architects and Designers is a variation of the Asbestos Awareness course tailored for designers and architects.

Or do you need an Asbestos Awareness course accredited and audited by IATP? Click here to check out the ITAP version of Asbestos Awareness.