Asbestos remains one of the most significant health hazards in UK workplaces—particularly in buildings constructed before the year 2000. Although asbestos is now banned, it still exists in millions of structures across the country, and many workers unknowingly disturb it as part of their day-to-day roles.
As an employer, it is your legal responsibility to ensure that staff who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) receive the correct training. That’s where asbestos awareness training comes in.
In this guide, we explain what asbestos awareness training is, who needs it, and how we deliver accredited courses both nationwide at customer premises and at our training centre in Bromborough, Wirral.
What Is Asbestos Awareness Training?
Asbestos awareness training is designed to ensure that employees can recognise potential asbestos risks and know how to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials. It does not qualify individuals to work with or remove asbestos—instead, it focuses on knowledge, prevention, and safe working practices.
The course provides essential information on:
- What asbestos is and why it is dangerous
- Common locations of asbestos in buildings
- The health risks associated with asbestos exposure
- How to avoid accidental disturbance of ACMs
- What to do if asbestos is discovered or suspected
The primary goal is simple: to keep employees safe and ensure employers remain compliant with UK regulations.
Why Asbestos Awareness Training Is Essential
Every week in the UK, tradespeople are still exposed to asbestos without realising it. Exposure can lead to life-threatening conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Providing accredited asbestos awareness training helps employers:
- Meet their legal duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Protect employees from preventable health risks
- Ensure safe working practices in older buildings
- Reduce the likelihood of costly incidents or investigations
- Improve overall workplace safety culture
It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect staff from a very real and ongoing hazard.
Who Needs Asbestos Awareness Training?
Asbestos awareness training is required for any worker who may encounter asbestos during their normal job role—even accidentally. This includes anyone who drills, cuts, repairs, maintains, or works on older buildings.
Typical roles that require asbestos awareness training include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Joiners and carpenters
- Construction workers
- Maintenance and facilities staff
- Painters and decorators
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Telecoms and IT installers
- Warehouse and logistics teams working in older structures
- General property, housing, and FM workers
If there is even a small chance that an employee may encounter asbestos-containing materials, they must receive asbestos awareness training.
What the Course Covers
Our asbestos awareness training course follows the requirements of Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It provides a comprehensive understanding of asbestos safety and is suitable for organisations of all sizes.
Course content includes:
- The properties and types of asbestos
- The health effects of asbestos exposure
- How asbestos was used in buildings and products
- How to recognise asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
- How to avoid disturbing asbestos
- Emergency procedures if asbestos is found or damaged
The training is delivered in a clear, practical format and is suitable for both individuals and groups.
How Often Does Asbestos Awareness Training Need to Be Renewed?
While the law does not specify an exact renewal period, industry best practice recommends refresher training every 12 months or whenever there is a significant change in work processes.
Regular training ensures staff remain confident and up-to-date on safe working procedures.
Where We Deliver Asbestos Awareness Training
We provide flexible training options to suit businesses across the UK. You can choose between:
✔ On-Site Training at Your Premises
Our trainers deliver asbestos awareness courses directly at your workplace, anywhere in the UK. This option is ideal for teams that want to train together or minimise travel time.
✔ Training at Our Bromborough, Wirral Centre
Our dedicated training centre offers a professional learning environment and is perfect for organisations located in the North West or those who prefer off-site training.
Benefits of Choosing Our Asbestos Awareness Training
- Accredited, high-quality content delivered by experienced trainers
- Nationwide delivery at your premises or at our training centre
- Competitive pricing for individuals and group bookings
- Clear, practical instruction suitable for all experience levels
- Improved safety and compliance for your workplace
Our goal is to ensure every delegate leaves feeling confident, informed, and able to work safely around asbestos-containing materials.
Book Asbestos Awareness Training for Your Team
If your employees may come into contact with asbestos, providing asbestos awareness training is a legal requirement—and one of the most effective ways to prevent exposure.
We deliver asbestos awareness training across the UK or at our training centre in Bromborough, Wirral. p>To learn more or request a quote, visit the official course page. You can also call us on 0151 343 0588 or email[email protected].