Asbestos Matters - no other matters just Asbestos Matters

Asbestos, a material that once epitomised construction robustness, now stands as a stark reminder of occupational hazard and health adversity. Recognising this, UKasl, the UK’s premier online training provider, has curated a RoSPA Assured Asbestos Awareness Training Course tailored to those who wish to navigate asbestos with knowledge and safety.

Priced competitively at £22.50 plus VAT, this course offers more than mere compliance. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has audited and approved the certification, ensuring that it meets the stringent requirements set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and boasts external accreditation. This positions the course as a robust alternative to the UKATA qualification, making it a suitable choice for individuals across all trades, supervisors, and anyone looking to refresh their understanding of asbestos awareness.

Understanding the risks associated with asbestos is not just a regulatory requirement but a significant health investment. The HSE underscores the necessity of training for anyone who might encounter asbestos fibres during their workday or supervises such individuals. This course imparts crucial knowledge, enabling both employers and self-employed workers to foster safe work environments and uphold their duty of care.

Who Stands to Benefit?

This course isn't just for those directly handling asbestos. It's for anyone who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). By equipping workers and their supervisors with the know-how to recognise ACMs and the correct procedures to follow upon detection, the course aids in mitigating potential asbestos-related incidents.

Critically, this training doesn't qualify one to undertake asbestos removal. For that, UKasl recommends their Asbestos Specialists' Non-Licensed Removal course, which is designed for those needing to disturb or remove ACMs actively.

Why Opt for UKasl’s RoSPA Assured Course?

• HSE Compliance: The content is fully compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 10), ensuring you meet legal obligations.


• RoSPA Audited: The independent audit by RoSPA assures the quality and rigour of the training material.


• Immediate Certification: On completion, participants receive a certificate that remains valid indefinitely, reflecting a long-term understanding of asbestos awareness.


• Accessibility: With round-the-clock access, learners can undertake the course at their convenience, whether early in the morning or late at night.


• User-Friendly: The course accommodates different learning preferences with male and female presenters and a professional voice-over throughout.

What Will You Learn?

The course covers a comprehensive range of topics including:

• The history and uses of asbestos.


• The types of asbestos and associated risks.


• The health implications of asbestos exposure, compounded by smoking.


• Procedures for emergency situations involving asbestos.


• Legal responsibilities of employers and employees concerning asbestos.

The training is tailored to be completed within two hours, culminating in a multiple-choice assessment to ensure a robust understanding of the material. It’s optimised for various devices, with a recommendation for a 10" screen size for the best experience, and accessible ideally via Chrome or Firefox browsers.

In an era where health and safety take precedence, UKasl's RoSPA Assured Asbestos Awareness Training Course emerges as a beacon of educational excellence and safety advocacy. For those ready to commit to safety and compliance, more information and the option for a free trial or course purchase can be found at UKasl's RoSPA Assured Asbestos Awareness Training Course page.

 

The Asbestos Specialists: We know training, so you'll know asbestos.

Asbestos, a once widely-used building material, is now recognised for its health risks, particularly when its fibres become airborne. UKasl, at the forefront of providing e-learning solutions for health and safety compliance, offers an IATP Approved Asbestos Awareness Training Course. This course is designed to fulfil the mandates set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), ensuring that individuals likely to encounter asbestos receive adequate training to navigate the dangers safely.

The course, priced at £22.50 plus VAT, delivers immediate certification upon completion, which is not only HSE compliant but also audited and endorsed by the Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP). This stamp of approval places it on par with the well-recognised UKATA qualification. It is an essential tool for tradespeople, supervisors, and also serves as a necessary refresher course.

One of the common questions surrounding asbestos is about the benefits of awareness training. The course’s primary benefit is its informative curriculum, which includes a brief history of asbestos use, the health impacts of exposure, legal aspects, and the safe handling of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It's structured to instil an understanding without training individuals to work directly with asbestos. For those needing hands-on skills, the Asbestos Specialists' Non-Licensed Removal course is recommended.

The online training is accessible 24/7, allowing flexibility for self-employed individuals, particularly in the construction sector, to learn at their own pace. It is compatible with a range of devices, though a 10" screen is recommended for optimal viewing, and Chrome or Firefox browsers are preferred for course completion.

In summary, the IATP Approved Asbestos Awareness Training Course by UKasl represents a significant step towards safe practice and legal compliance for anyone likely to come into contact with asbestos in their professional activities. It's an investment in safety, health, and peace of mind, underscoring the critical nature of asbestos awareness in the modern construction and demolition industries.

For further details or to enrol in the course, please visit UKasl's course page.

 

The Asbestos Specialists: We know training, so you'll know asbestos.

The Asbestos Specialists take great pride in our originality and continuous improvement across all our market-leading courses. We are excited to announce a significant advancement: our already industry-leading asbestos awareness course has now received full approval from RoSPA, the UK's leading accident prevention organisation.

Need to know more about RoSPA? Here is their mission and vision:

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is a cornerstone in accident prevention work. Their activities are founded on two key statements:

• Mission: To save lives and reduce injuries.


• Vision: To lead the way in accident prevention.

These statements are the basis for RoSPA's long-term goals and day-to-day operations. Their mission reflects their passion and commitment to improving lives through preventing accidents. RoSPA holds a fundamental belief that too many people suffer preventable accidents, leading to loss and severe impact on families. Each "statistic" in accident reports represents a real person and a family enduring the consequences. Therefore, RoSPA's efforts are dedicated to preventing such unnecessary suffering.

RoSPA's vision outlines their approach towards their mission. Since its inception in 1917, RoSPA has been a pivotal figure in accident prevention in the UK and globally. Despite the significant toll of death and injury from accidents, RoSPA remains committed to using its extensive expertise, built over decades, to further accident prevention efforts both domestically and internationally.

Explore their website to learn more about RoSPA's work and their impact:

RoSPA Official Website

As part of our commitment to providing exceptional asbestos awareness training, we are honoured to have our online course endorsed by such a prestigious organisation as RoSPA. To learn more about our courses, accredited by IATP, RoSPA, ASPS, and UKATA, visit our online asbestos awareness courses, onsite training, 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' training course, and 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course'. Enhance your knowledge and skills to manage asbestos safely and effectively with The Asbestos Specialists.

The Asbestos Specialists: We know training, so you'll know asbestos.

Construction workers and tradespeople, including carpenters and painters, could come into contact with asbestos more than 100 times a year, with many unaware of its presence in newer buildings, according to a report.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a new safety campaign to address concerns and confusion about combating exposure to asbestos. With 20 people dying every week from asbestos-related diseases, the HSE aims to dispel common myths, such as the effectiveness of drinking water or opening a window for safety.

A survey of 500 tradespeople revealed that fewer than a third could identify correct safety measures for working with asbestos, and only 15% were aware that asbestos dust could be found in buildings constructed up to the year 2000. Surprisingly, fewer than one in five knew that asbestos could be present in items like toilet seats and cisterns.

Health and Safety Minister Mark Harper commented, "The number dying every year from asbestos-related diseases is unacceptably high. Despite its ban in the construction industry, asbestos exposure remains a serious risk to tradespeople. This campaign is about raising awareness of the risks and the simple steps that can be taken for protection."

Philip White, HSE's Chief Inspector for Construction, stated, "Asbestos is still a very real danger. The survey findings suggest that those who come into regular contact with it often don't know where it could be and don't know how to handle it safely, which could put them at risk. Our campaign and new web app are designed to help tradespeople understand simple steps for staying safe and provide straightforward advice for safe working practices."

Steve Murphy, General Secretary of construction union Ucatt, emphasised the need for widespread awareness campaigns. "Construction workers are at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure. Any campaign that warns workers of the dangers of asbestos is welcome, but it should be comprehensive and not confined to one company distributing information. Over the last four and a half years, thousands of workers have been needlessly exposed to asbestos, risking their health," he said.

"It's crucial for construction workers to receive proper training on the dangers of asbestos, its likely locations, and actions to take if asbestos is suspected. There should be pressure on employers to ensure training occurs and that workers can raise concerns about asbestos without fear of victimisation, which is often the case," Murphy added.

For more information on asbestos and our UKATA and RoSPA approved courses, visit our online courses or onsite training pages. We offer a comprehensive 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' training course for duty holders, which can be found at this link, and our 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course' is available here.

Source: Yahoo News

UKASL: We know training, so you'll know asbestos.

Back by popular demand, and revisiting one of our original blogs... This interesting article was first published in August 2014. We're revisiting an old 'chestnut in the asbestos training game' to shed light on the myths and facts of this mysterious mineral.

MYTH: Chrysotile (white asbestos) is safe.
FACT: Despite chrysotile (white) asbestos accounting for 95% of all asbestos used in the UK, it is not safe. The public might find it less concerning if this type of material was considered non-carcinogenic, making it cheaper for businesses. However, medical research links all types of asbestos, including chrysotile, to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Consequently, any asbestos-containing material must be regarded as hazardous and handled according to current HSE Regulations and guidance.

MYTH: You can tell that a material contains asbestos just by looking at it.
FACT: Asbestos was used in thousands of construction materials and products from 1920 to 1978. Due to its various forms, it's impossible to confirm the presence of asbestos in a material just by looking at it. The only definitive way to identify asbestos is through lab testing of a sample. Always test suspect materials before starting any refurbishment or demolition work.

MYTH: It is safe to remove asbestos-containing materials yourself.
FACT: Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release fibres into the air, posing serious health risks if inhaled or swallowed. Without proper training, equipment, and safety measures, asbestos removal can contaminate large areas, including homes, schools, or workplaces. Thus, only fully trained, competent, and insured contractors should handle asbestos. In some cases, HSE licensed contractors are required for dealing with high-risk materials.

MYTH: The symptoms of asbestos disease appear immediately or soon after exposure.
FACT: The latency period for asbestos diseases typically ranges from 10-40 years post-exposure. While it's possible for this period to be shorter, asbestos-related diseases don't develop as quickly as common illnesses like colds or the flu.

MYTH: Asbestos diseases are contagious.
FACT: Asbestos diseases, not caused by viruses, are not contagious. They result from the body's reaction to inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibres. However, workers exposed to asbestos can inadvertently expose their families to asbestos fibres brought home on clothing. Therefore, work clothes contaminated with asbestos should not be worn home or washed in household machines.

The best way to protect against asbestos disease is to prevent exposure to any kind of asbestos material.

For more information on asbestos and our UKATA and RoSPA approved courses, feel free to call us or book directly from our website.

The Asbestos Specialists.....we know training so you'll know asbestos

Creating an asbestos management plan is crucial for building owners to effectively manage and maintain Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) within their properties. The primary objective of this plan is to ensure that ACMs are kept in a state that prevents the release of asbestos fibres. The plan should also encompass both proactive and reactive strategies to prevent accidental exposure to airborne asbestos fibres for anyone working in or on the buildings, including sub-contractors, members of the public, and visitors.

Here are some key components of an effective asbestos management plan:

1. Ensuring the asbestos register is passed to any worker or contractor carrying out maintenance work on the property.


2. Assessing the potential risk from the ACMs, particularly how likely they are to be disturbed.


3. Recording the location, amount, and condition of the ACMs.


4. Evaluating the ease of access to the ACMs.


5. Determining if activities near the ACM are likely to disturb it.


6. Considering the number of people using the area and the likelihood of maintenance work, refurbishment, or other activities in areas containing ACMs.


7. Giving high priority to damaged materials and those likely to be disturbed.


8. Ensuring that any work on ACMs that may need repair, sealing, enclosure, or removal is carried out only by trained or licensed contractors.


9. Remembering that if the material is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, it is usually safer to leave it in place and manage it effectively.

This series of blogs provides a brief guide to managing asbestos in buildings. If you require further information on your responsibilities regarding asbestos management or need assistance in fulfilling these legal duties, do not hesitate to contact us. Our range of courses, including online asbestos awareness training, onsite training, the 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' training for duty holders, and the 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course', are designed to help you meet these responsibilities effectively.

At UKASL, we are committed to providing high-quality, accredited training in asbestos awareness and management, ensuring that you and your team are well-equipped to handle asbestos safely and comply with current regulations.

There's a common misconception among building owners and employees that conducting an asbestos survey is sufficient to comply with legal duties. However, the survey is just the beginning of the management process. A crucial aspect of this process is the creation and maintenance of an asbestos 'risk' register, which is a simplified extract from the survey designed to inform those working on your premises about the presence of asbestos.

The asbestos risk register is an essential part of the management plan, detailing current information about the presence and condition of any asbestos in the building. To ensure effective management, this register must be regularly updated (at least annually). To maintain the accuracy of the asbestos risk register, you should:

1. Conduct regular inspections to check the current condition of asbestos materials.


2. Make deletions to the register when any asbestos is removed.


3. Add new entries when new areas are surveyed and asbestos is discovered.


4. Update the register whenever asbestos-containing materials are found to have deteriorated.

The risk register can be maintained as a paper or electronic record. It's crucial that this document is kept up-to-date and easily accessible. Paper copies can be useful for visiting maintenance workers who need information about the location and condition of asbestos before starting work. On the other hand, electronic copies are easier to update and are often more suitable for individuals responsible for managing large numbers of properties or more extensive premises.

At UKASL, we specialize in providing comprehensive asbestos awareness training, approved and accredited by IATP, RoSPA, ASPS, and UKATA. Our courses, available both online and onsite, are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage asbestos effectively. For more detailed training, explore our 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' training course and our 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course'. Stay informed and compliant with the latest regulations and best practices in asbestos management.

For buildings with complex structures, particularly those constructed before the late 1990s, it's crucial to engage a trained and competent asbestos surveyor. While it's advisable, and often necessary, to choose a surveyor or survey company accredited by UKAS, the final decision should be made after an initial consultation between the surveyor and you, the building owner. There are two primary types of surveys to consider:

The Management Survey

The purpose of the Management Survey is to manage Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) during the normal occupation and use of premises. Building owners (duty-holders) can conduct a Management Survey themselves if the premises are simple and straightforward; otherwise, a surveyor is required.

A Management Survey aims to:

1. Ensure that nobody is harmed by the presence of ACMs in the premises or equipment.


2. Guarantee that the ACMs remain in good condition.


3. Prevent accidental disturbance of ACMs.

This survey involves minor intrusion and asbestos disturbance to assess the materials. It identifies ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed by normal activities, foreseeable maintenance, or the installation of new equipment, guiding the client in prioritising any necessary remedial work.

The Refurbishment / Demolition Survey

Required for premises, or parts of premises, needing upgrades, refurbishment, or demolition, the Refurbishment / Demolition Survey does not focus on the condition of ACMs. This type of survey is generally conducted by a surveyor.

The Refurbishment / Demolition Survey aims to:

1. Ensure that nobody is harmed by work on the premises or by any ACMs during such work, including plant.


2. Guarantee that the work is carried out by the right contractor in the right way.

This survey involves destructive inspection and disturbance of asbestos. It locates and identifies all ACMs before any structural work begins, either at a specific location or on specific equipment within the premises. The surveyed area must be vacated and later certified 'fit for reoccupation' following the survey.

At UKASL, we are dedicated to providing expert asbestos awareness training and specialise in a range of courses approved and accredited by IATP, RoSPA, and ASPS, and as UKATA training providers. For more information about our training courses, visit our online asbestos awareness courses, our onsite training, the 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' training course for duty holders, and our 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course'. We're here to help you manage asbestos safely and

We are excited to launch a comprehensive 4-part blog series designed to help you understand your responsibilities in managing asbestos. Navigating asbestos management can indeed feel like a 'minefield', especially for employers and building owners with extensive health & safety duties aimed at protecting employees from various hazards.

From slips, trips, and falls to work at height, electrical hazards, and confined spaces, the list of potential dangers in a workplace is extensive. When you add asbestos to this list, the complexity increases. However, it's crucial to ensure your building or workplace is safe from harm for your workers or contractors engaged in activities in your buildings.

Unlike immediate injuries caused by more apparent hazards, asbestos has a more insidious nature. The inhalation of asbestos fibres might not cause immediate physical harm, but over time — anywhere between 10 to 50 years — these fibres can cause significant scar tissue in the lungs, leading to severe lung function problems or even death.

It's imperative for you as an employer or building owner to manage the asbestos in your buildings effectively and proactively. But how is this achieved? The process starts with conducting the correct asbestos survey and concludes with a comprehensive management plan.

We invite you to read parts 2-4 of our series, where we aim to demystify the process and guide you through the complexities of asbestos management. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to create a safe and compliant workplace.

At UKASL, we offer a range of online asbestos awareness courses and onsite training, all approved and accredited by IATP, RoSPA, and ASPS, and as UKATA training providers. We also provide specialised training like the 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' course for duty holders and the 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course', ensuring you and your team are fully equipped to handle asbestos safely and comply with regulations.

Stay tuned for the next parts of our series, and learn how to navigate the challenges of asbestos management with confidence and competence.

Every year, over 4,000 workers are affected by asbestos-related diseases, leading to an alarming number of fatalities. These diseases are not just a concern of the past but continue to impact numerous lives, disproving the misconception that they are merely 'an old man's disease'. Families are still grappling with the consequences of exposure to asbestos.

For years, the Control of Asbestos Regulations have mandated employers and self-employed individuals to undergo statutory training to protect themselves and their employees from asbestos exposure at work. Since our inception in 2003, The Asbestos Specialists have led the way in asbestos-related training, consistently delivering the highest standard of training to our clients and their employees.

Our commitment to maintaining excellence and meeting client needs is central to our business growth strategy.

We now hold IATP approval

Quality has always been our guiding principle at The Asbestos Specialists, striving to uphold our status as the UK's leading asbestos training provider. We are delighted to announce our recent accreditation by The Independent Training Providers (IATP) following a successful audit of our Non-Licensed Works with ACMs and NNLW training courses. This latest endorsement adds to our existing accreditations with UKATA and RoSPA, affirming the quality of our online asbestos awareness training course.

Our Managing Director Les Cooper commented on this achievement:

“We are extremely pleased to have passed another stringent audit of our first-class training courses. IATP is a forward-thinking asbestos training approval organisation. We look forward to collaborating with them to enhance standards within the asbestos training industry."

If you require training in Non-Licensed Works with ACMs or Asbestos Awareness (available both face-to-face and online), do not hesitate to contact us for a competitive quote. An added benefit for clients who do not require a UKATA certificate is that our IATP-certified asbestos awareness course does not have an expiry date, as this is not a legal requirement.

Explore our range of courses, including our onsite asbestos awareness training, the 'Duty to Manage Asbestos (Appointed Person)' training course for duty holders, and our 'UKATA & IATP Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course'. At The Asbestos Specialists, we are dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and skills to safely manage and work with asbestos, in line with the highest industry standards.