I am pleased to say I am, having successfully completed an Asbestos Awareness course with training provider High Speed Training.
Asbestos is an extremely hazardous substance which can cause serious health problems to those who handle it. It is vital that anyone likely to be around asbestos is aware of the risks and the correct health and safety procedures.
Asbestos Awareness (Category A) training aims to help learners:
• Understand why asbestos containing materials can be harmful and need to be treated as a hazardous substance
• Understand the ill-health effects that asbestos can cause
• Know how to undertake an asbestos risk assessment
• Understand the measures needed to eliminate or reduce the risks from asbestos
• Recognise the responsibilities of employers and employees are under health and safety law
• Understand the necessary emergency procedures
The course itself was divided into five separate interactive modules culminating in an assessment. The modules covered:
1. Introduction. Explaining what asbestos is, where it might be found and what it was used for. The different types of asbestos were described as well as the possible health risks.
2. Legal Framework. This section dealt with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the responsibilities of duty holders and employees and asbestos surveys.
3. Risk Assessments. How to identify hazards, evaluating the risks involved, keeping records and reviewing and updating risk assessments.
4. Asbestos Containing Materials. A broad section dealing with control of exposure, asbestos related diseases, smoking, Work Place Exposure Limit, respiratory protective equipment and health surveillance.
5. Emergency Procedures. These include what to do if illness occurs, fire procedures, and what to do if there is an asbestos leak or a hazardous substance is released.
I have no doubt that at some stage I will encounter a job involving dealing with asbestos and am pleased to confirm that any customer can be sure that I am fully trained to deal with this dangerous substance.