Who is required to take asbestos awareness training?
If you work in construction, maintenance or any role where asbestos could be present, you’ve probably heard about asbestos awareness training. But who is required to take asbestos awareness training? And is it a legal requirement? Let’s clear that up.
Is asbestos awareness training a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, employers must make sure that anyone who might come into contact with asbestos during their work has the right level of training. This isn’t optional, it’s about keeping people safe and preventing exposure to a material that can cause serious illness.
What the law specifically requires
The Regulations set out several key duties that relate directly to training:
Regulation 10 – Information, instruction and training:
This regulation states that employers must provide adequate asbestos training to employees whose work could expose them to asbestos. This includes awareness training for those who may encounter asbestos, and more detailed training for those who work with it.
Duty to manage (Regulation 4):
Anyone responsible for managing non-domestic premises must identify asbestos, assess risks and ensure that anyone working on the building is appropriately trained before work begins.
Preventing exposure (Regulation 11):
Employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent exposure to asbestos. Ensuring workers are properly trained is recognised as a core part of complying with this duty.
Competency requirements:
Training must be refreshed regularly, be fit for purpose, and delivered by someone competent to provide it. Simply issuing a leaflet or showing a video is not considered sufficient.
What this means in practice
If your employees could potentially disturb asbestos, whether through maintenance, drilling, repair work or facility management, you are legally required to provide training. Even those who will not disturb asbestos but may work near it still require asbestos awareness training to ensure they can recognise risks and avoid unsafe situations.
Failing to provide this training can lead to enforcement action, including improvement notices, fines and prosecution.
When is asbestos awareness training required?
You need asbestos awareness training if your work could accidentally disturb asbestos-containing materials. Even if the job doesn’t involve removing asbestos, the risk of coming across it is enough to make training essential.
Common situations include:
- Working in buildings constructed before 2000
- Carrying out repairs, refurbishments or installations
- Drilling, cutting or sanding surfaces that may contain asbestos
- Accessing ceiling voids, pipework or floor spaces
Who needs asbestos awareness training?
Think about the jobs that involve drilling, cutting or working in older buildings. If asbestos is present, the risk is real. Roles that require training include:
- Construction workers such as joiners, roofers, bricklayers and labourers
- Electricians and plumbers often working behind walls or under floors
- Painters and decorators especially in properties built before 2000
- Maintenance staff and caretakers carrying out repairs in schools, offices or housing
- Surveyors and architects inspecting or planning work on older sites
- Telecoms and IT engineers installing cables in older premises
- HVAC and heating engineers working on boilers and pipework
If your team could encounter asbestos during their work, awareness training is a legal requirement.
Why does this matter?
Imagine drilling into a wall without knowing what’s inside. If that wall contains asbestos, the fibres released can cause life-threatening diseases years down the line. Awareness training gives people the knowledge to:
- Identify asbestos-containing materials
- Avoid disturbing asbestos during routine work
- Follow safe working practices and emergency procedures
Why choose Ouch for asbestos training?
At Ouch Learning and Development, we make compliance straightforward. Our expert-led courses:
- Explain the risks clearly and simply
- Cover the latest HSE guidance and best practice
- Give your team practical steps to stay safe
- Are delivered by trainers who understand real-world challenges
No jargon, no confusion just the knowledge your team needs to protect themselves and others.
Ready to make sure your team is covered?
If you’re unsure whether asbestos awareness training applies to your organisation, let’s talk. We’ll help you understand the requirements and choose the right course for your team.
References
For further reading and official guidance: