If you’re looking for an asbestos contractor, always ensure they’re trained and component to perform the services offered. Failure to do so could risk the health and safety of anyone on site. Here’s what you need to know.
Do you need qualifications to perform asbestos removals?
Anyone working with asbestos must have the necessary training to appropriately risk assess the situation and perform their duties safely. This includes companies offering professional asbestos removals, asbestos sampling and testing, non-licensable tasks (e.g., asbestos tile removals) and licensable work.
Licensable asbestos services are carried out by those trained to work with the highest risk forms. This type of job must only be completed by competent individuals who have been given in-depth training and instruction on how to keep themselves and others safe, including the use of respiratory and other protective equipment.
How are asbestos contractors trained?
Asbestos training for those required to work with asbestos-containing materials includes how to perform sufficient assessments about exposure risks, safe work practices and controls, the correct PPE, asbestos waste handling, legal requirements, emergencies and understanding when the job is notifiable.
Annual refresher training is advised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or at any point the need arises. For example, you may require refresher sessions if you’re changing work methods, working with new equipment, taking on more types of work, or you’ve identified competency gaps.
What is asbestos awareness training?
Asbestos awareness training gives employees and supervisors in places of work more information and instruction to keep themselves and others safe. The aim is to provide training to help them avoid any work that could disturb asbestos present in the building. This type of training would be necessary for jobs such as electricians, plumbers, painters, construction workers, roofers, building surveyors and many more.
The training is purely to help you become more aware of the types of asbestos and its effects on health, rather than how to handle it, which should be avoided if you’re untrained to do so. If work is required with asbestos-containing materials, someone with the necessary competencies must risk assess and advise.
What should you look for in an asbestos contractor?
While there’s no legal requirement for employees to hold asbestos training certificates, you should ask any potential companies about their qualifications. They may even have an asbestos licence or work with a partner company that carries out high-risk work.
The UK asbestos licensing system has been designed to ensure companies and individuals are competent to provide the services they offer, having the relevant expertise and knowledge to uphold the highest health and safety standards. You should also check online for reviews about their services to get a better insight into how they operate and what others think of them, including on sites like trustatrader.
Need a trained asbestos contractor? Get in touch
Are you looking for a competent asbestos contractor in the South East, such as Crowborough and Crowthorne? For a free asbestos removal quote, contact us today.
