At NATAS, we know there’s no room for error in asbestos awareness. Asbestos-related risks are real and should be taken seriously, especially in construction or renovation jobs. Making sure your contractors are properly trained in asbestos awareness is both a legal requirement and a vital step in protecting workers and the public. But how can you be sure they’re fully prepared to handle the risks?
In this blog, we’ll uncover five signs your contractors may not be asbestos aware and why it’s crucial to get them properly trained.
1. They don’t have accreditation or proper training
It’s a huge red flag if your contractors can’t show you valid training certificates or fail to provide proof of recent asbestos awareness training. Asbestos awareness training, online or in-person, is a must.
Proper training from accredited bodies, such as IATP (Independent Asbestos Training Providers), ensures that your contractors are up to date with safety standards and ready for the job. If they haven’t completed an accredited asbestos awareness course, they’re not legally compliant, and you’re putting everyone at risk.
2. They skip pre-work asbestos surveys
Before any work begins, especially in older buildings, a proper asbestos survey is essential. Contractors should be assessing the site to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and understand the precautions they need to take.
If your contractor is bypassing this vital step and hasn’t conducted a survey, it’s a major sign they’re either untrained or unaware of the risks. Always ask for confirmation that this survey has been completed before they start work.
3. They don’t use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
PPE is a non-negotiable when working with asbestos. Contractors should always have respirators, protective suits, and gloves to avoid contamination. If your contractors aren’t insisting on using the proper PPE, or if they’re not using any at all, it’s a clear sign they don’t fully understand the risks involved.
This could be because they’re lacking the proper asbestos awareness training. Any certified asbestos awareness course will cover PPE and the proper safety protocols.
4. They don’t follow safe work practices
There are very specific safety measures that need to be followed when working with asbestos, including writing materials down, using the right equipment, and avoiding actions that disturb the asbestos. If your contractors are cutting corners or not following these safe practices, they’re not following standard procedure.
This could indicate that they haven’t received sufficient training on how to safely handle asbestos. Our duty to manage asbestos course helps to ensure proper work practices are in place.
5. They can’t provide risk assessments or method statements
Each and every asbestos-related task should be backed up by a clear method statement and risk assessment. These documents will outline how the work will be carried out safely and what precautions need to be taken.
If your contractor can’t provide these, it’s a red flag. They should be able to detail the potential hazards and how they’ll manage them.
Protect Your Workforce Today with NATAS
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your contractors, don’t panic. Here at NATAS, our accredited asbestos awareness courses are designed to make sure your contractors are fully prepared to safely manage the risks of asbestos.
With our courses, your contractors can complete the training at their own pace, making it easier than ever to meet the required safety standards. Give us a call on 0121 285 0795 today or enquire online to book your training with NATAS and give your workforce the protection they deserve.
