Why do I need to consider asbestos awareness training now ?

With the introduction the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, there is now an explicit asbestos awareness training requirement for employees engaged in refurbishment, demolition, general building or maintenance work, where there is risk of disturbing asbestos during the course of their work. Employers need to adequately educate their workforce on the risks associated with asbestos - the HSE estimates that some 1.8 million workers will need appropriate training.

Who is the need for training so urgent ?

Through the HSE's Duty to Manage Asbestos Enforcement Initiative 2007/8 it has been made clear that non-compliance will not be tolerated. The HSE is escalating its enforcement activity and a number of county councils and unitary authorities, as well as private companies, have already been issued with either improvement or prohibition notices. If you have not yet made sufficient provision for information, instruction and training in respect of Regulation 10, then you need to rectify the situation immediately.

What are the penalties for non-compliance ?

Currently, non-compliance is resulting in the issue of improvement notices and in the event of persistent offending, prohibition notices. The latter enforces an immediate cessation of works with all the attendant disruption, inconvenience and expense. It is also important to note that non-compliance increases the risk of asbestos-related incidents in the workplace, which could have serious health, legal and financial ramifications. Fines, prosecutions, even a prison sentence could result, hence the need to invest in preventative awareness training for managers and employees..

Who needs asbestos awareness training

The Regulations identify the following trades people as likely to be at risk of coming into contact with asbestos during their work:

>> General maintenance staff
>> Electricians
>> Plumbers
>> Gas fitters
>> Painters and decorators
>> Joiners
>> Plasterers
>> Demolition workers
>> Constructions workers
>> Roofers
>> Heating and ventilation engineers
>> Telecommunications engineers
>> Fire and burglar alarm installers
>> Computer installers
>> Architects, builders, surveyors and other such professionals
>> Shop fitters

What is the specific training requirements ?

Regulation 10 gives specific details of the instruction and training that needs to be given to employees. In summary, any course should cover:

i) The properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including the increased risk of lung cancer for asbestos workers who smoke

ii) The types, uses and likely occurrence of asbestos and asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in buildings and plant

iii) The general procedures to be followed to deal with an emergency, for example, an uncontrolled release of asbestos dust into the workplace

iv) How to avoid the risks from asbestos, for example, for building work no employee should carry out work which disturbs the fabric of a building unless the employer has confirmed that ACMs are not present.

The TSA course exceeds the requirements of Regulation 10 for asbestos awareness training. Please note that the regulations require annual refresher training

What are the benefits of TSA training ?

The key benefit is compliance with Regulation 10. The Asbestos Aware Contractors Scheme (TSA) was the first specialist training course designed specifically for non-licensed trades people, to enable their employers to fully comply with their legal requirements. The TSA course has been running successfully for the past three years and thousands of people are now working more safely and securely as a result of their participation.

While the course is designed to comply with Regulation 10 it also includes useful instruction as regards Regulation 4 The Duty to Manage Asbestos in Non-domestic Premises and various other regulations.

Courses can be arranged at any time - they're 'ready to go', designed along best practice and can be provided quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. There is no need to partner with someone to design an expensive tailor-made course - the TSA scheme is proven and deliverable today.

Ultimately, training is not just about keeping within the law but keeping people safe. Thousands of avoidable asbestos-related accidents happen every year with consequent risk to health, reputation and the corporate wallet. The HSE is determined to get these numbers down through preventative training and we would urge compliance at the earliest opportunity.

What does TSA offer ?

The half-day course is one of the leading - and most established - asbestos awareness training initiatives in the UK, having trained over 4000 delegates to date. Every delegate receives a comprehensive overview of the subject in line with Regulation 10's recommended content.

What does the course cost ?

TSA course costs depend on numbers of delegates and training location, whether on site or at our offices. On-site prices are £550 for one half-day course (recommended 15 -20 delegates) or £900 for two courses held on the same day. Public courses, aimed at individuals, contractors and smaller companies. Public course costs start at £50 per person for a five delegate booking rising to £75 per person for 1-4 delegates.

How do I book ?

For more information or to discuss a booking please contact Ken Jenkins on 07590563739 or email info@tsassociates.ltd.uk