How many types of asbestos training are there?
If your team works in construction, maintenance or any setting where asbestos might be present, asbestos training is a legal requirement. But with so many different courses available it’s easy to wonder, how many types of asbestos training are there? And which one do you actually need?
There are three main levels of asbestos training, each designed for different roles and responsibilities. Let’s look at what they involve.
1. Asbestos awareness training
This is the starting point for anyone who might come across asbestos during their work but won’t disturb it. Think office staff, electricians, plumbers or decorators. Awareness training explains:
- What asbestos is and why it’s dangerous
- Where it’s commonly found
- How to avoid accidental exposure
It’s about giving people the knowledge to stay safe and make informed decisions. If your team could encounter asbestos but won’t handle it, this is the level they need.
Who this applies to
Asbestos awareness training is designed for workers whose jobs may bring them into the vicinity of asbestos but do not involve deliberately disturbing it. Typical roles include:
- Maintenance workers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Painters and decorators
- Caretakers and facilities teams
- HVAC engineers
- Office and commercial staff who work in older buildings
These individuals need awareness so they can recognise asbestos-containing materials and avoid accidental exposure.
2. Non-licensable work training
Sometimes, work involves disturbing asbestos-containing materials – for example, drilling into textured coatings or removing small amounts of asbestos cement. This type of work doesn’t require a licence, but it does require specific training.
Non-licensable training covers:
- Safe removal techniques
- Correct use of PPE and RPE
- Waste handling and disposal procedures
If your staff carry out minor asbestos-related tasks, this training ensures they do it safely and legally.
Who this applies to
Non-licensable asbestos training is for workers who will intentionally disturb or remove small amounts of low-risk asbestos materials as part of their job. Common roles include:
- General builders
- Roofers working with asbestos cement
- Maintenance staff carrying out drilling or fixing work
- Plasterers or decorators working around textured coatings
- Window installers
- Joiners and carpenters
- Demolition workers involved in low-risk removal
These workers need hands-on skills training to ensure the work is done safely and in line with HSE guidelines.
3. Licensable work training
For higher-risk work, such as removing asbestos insulation or working with sprayed coatings, a licence from the HSE is mandatory. Licensable training is far more detailed and includes:
- Advanced control measures
- Air monitoring and enclosure procedures
- Emergency response planning
This level is for specialist contractors who handle the most hazardous asbestos materials. It’s comprehensive because the risks are significant.
Who this applies to
Licensable asbestos training applies to workers who carry out high-risk asbestos removal, including materials that are friable, damaged or easily disturbed. Typical roles include:
- Licensed asbestos removal operatives
- Supervisors and managers within licensed asbestos companies
- Specialist contractors handling pipe insulation, sprayed coatings or insulation board removal
- Enclosure builders
- Analysts and air-test professionals who work alongside licensed removal teams
These individuals work directly with dangerous asbestos materials and therefore require extensive, regulated training.
Which type does your organisation need?
Ask yourself: Will my team disturb asbestos, and if so, how much?
- If the answer is no, asbestos awareness is enough.
- If the answer is yes, but only small amounts, you’ll need non-licensable training.
- If the answer is yes, and it’s high-risk work, licensable training is essential.
Getting this right isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting people.
At Ouch, we also offer a variety of other asbestos training courses, including the below:
- Asbestos Awareness Refresher (CAT A) Courses
- Duty to Manage Asbestos Courses
- Non-licensed Asbestos Work Refresher (CAT B) Courses
- Asbestos Awareness for Groundworkers Courses
- Asbestos Awareness for Groundworkers Refresher Courses
- Non-Licensed Asbestos Groundworker Refresher Courses
- Non-Licensed Asbestos Groundworker Courses
The regulations are clear, but they can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Ouch Learning and Development, we make asbestos training practical, relevant and easy to understand. Our courses are delivered by industry experts who know the legislation inside out, so your team leaves confident and compliant.
Ready to talk it through?
If you’re unsure which level of training fits your organisation, let’s have a conversation. We’ll guide you through the options and help you choose the right course for your team.
References
For further reading and official guidance: