Overview

When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. These fibres can then be inhaled, which can cause serious diseases. Most usually, these diseases take a long time to develop and so the effects of asbestos are not immediately apparent.

Asbestos is known to kill thousands of people each year and although often considered a problem of the past, it is still a danger to people working in buildings that were built prior to the year 2000.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on employers to ensure that all members of staff have access to sufficient instruction, information and training before taking part in any work that may expose them to asbestos. Therefore, it is crucial that employees are provided with adequate training to help protect them from the dangers. It is also vital that employers understand and appreciate the risks.

Objectives

• Investigate the origins and production of asbestos and its historical usage
• Identify the risks that asbestos poses to our health and the impact it can have on our body
• Establish where asbestos is commonly found in residential and commercial buildings, its uses and how to avoid disturbing it
• Deploy techniques to avoid the risks of asbestos and what to do when you come into contact with it
• Examine the legal framework surrounding asbestos usage, management, assessment, and licensed practices

Audience

This e-learning course is aimed at providing awareness to anyone that is likely to carry out work that may disturb asbestos, and further than ensuring employers fulfil their legal obligations, its aim is to help protect employees from any potential harm from asbestos-related illness.