Asbestos training is a vital part of maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
However, not all asbestos-related jobs are the same, and they require different training and instruction.
There are different asbestos training courses for the various levels of activity. There are split into 3 main categories.
Cat A – Asbestos Awareness
Cat B – Non-Licensed Asbestos Training
Cat C – Licensed Asbestos Training
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between Cat A, Cat B, and Cat C asbestos training and provide insight on which course is right for the needs of your team.
Cat A Asbestos Training: Asbestos Awareness
Asbestos Awareness (Cat A) asbestos training is for those who may work in buildings where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present. It includes the awareness of the properties of asbestos, where it has been used in buildings and when it may present a risk.
This will help delegates to protect themselves from the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres and to comply with health and safety legislation.
Target audience:
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Demolition workers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Plumbers
- Roofing contractors
- Painters and decorators
- Plasterers
- Construction workers
- Fire and burglar alarm installers
- Shopfitters
- Gas fitters
- Computer and data installers
- General maintenance staff eg caretakers
- Telecommunications engineers
- Architects, building surveyors, and other such professionals
- Cable layers
- Electricians
Course content:
- Section 1 – Why is Asbestos Dangerous?: This section will explain the dangers of asbestos in detail and why it is important to avoid disturbing ACMs.
- Section 2 – Asbestos Facts: This section will introduce you to different types of asbestos and their properties.
- Section 3 – Types of Asbestos: This section will detail the different types of asbestos and how they can be identified.
- Section 4 – Uses of Asbestos: This section will explain the previous uses of asbestos.
- Section 5 – Asbestos Applications: This section will explain the asbestos application and the places and materials in which it is used.
- Section 6 – Asbestos Legislation and Compliance: Basic legislation and avoiding the risk of asbestos exposure, including emergency procedures.
- Section 7 – Asbestos Exposure: This final section will teach delegates the dangers of asbestos exposure and the course of action after exposure.
Duration and certification:
This Cat A course takes approx. 60-90 minutes to complete. After passing, workers will receive a certificate of completion that confirms their basic understand of asbestos awareness.
Cat B Asbestos Training: Non-Licensed Work
Non-Licensed Asbestos (Cat B) training is for workers who will knowingly disturb asbestos containing materials during the course of their work activities, including building maintenance workers and supervisory personnel, and building maintenance managers.
Target audience:
It is a legal requirement that anyone whose work require them to remove handle, remove, drill, clean, repair or paint non-licensed asbestos materials.
Common workers that may be required to undertake asbestos Non-Licensed Cat B
Construction & Demolition workers
Electrical contractors
Builders
Plumbers
Painters and decorators
Roofers
Engineers
Maintenance staff
Painters and decorators
Scaffolders
Please see asbestos essentials 210 for a list of all the Non-Licensed Tasks
Course content:
- What to do if you discover or accidentally disturb asbestos during your work
• Using a class-H vacuum - Drilling into asbestos-containing materials
• Wetting asbestos materials to reduce airborne fibres
• Personal protective equipment (including RPE & PPE)
• Personal decontamination procedures
• Asbestos Waste disposal and using asbestos waste bags
• Using damp rags to clean surfaces of minor asbestos contamination
• Emergency procedures
• Cleaning up loose asbestos debris (small quantities)
• Control Limits and short-duration work - Legislation
- Removal & disposal techniques of non-licensed asbestos products of your choice (this is catered for the asbestos products you commonly work with)
Duration and certification:
The Cat B initial asbestos training course is typically completed in 1 day, and upon successful completion, participants receive certification to safely handle asbestos in regulated environments.
Cat C Asbestos Training: Licensed Work
Cat C asbestos training is for Licensed Asbestos Workers. Those who work for an existing Asbestos Licensed Contractor or are seeking to be employed by one. A company must have a licensed from HSE to complete licensed asbestos work.
Target audience:
Workers undertaking Licensed Asbestos Work, such as Licensed Operatives, Licensed Supervisors & Licensed Managers.
Course content:
Types uses and risks of ACMs
Health hazards of asbestos
Legislation
Site set up & dismantling
Controlled stripping techniques
Respiratory protective equipment
Personal protective equipment
Transit procedures & decontamination
Cleaning & clearance air testing
Plant & equipment
Waste management & disposal
Emergency procedures
Non asbestos hazards
Fault finding
Roles & responsibilities
Site inspections & record keeping
Management systems & monitoring
Risk assessments & plans of work
Information, instruction and training
Practical Training Modules
Decontamination & transit procedures
Use & maintenance of RPE
Construction of enclosures & airlocks
Use of controlled stripping techniques
Duration and certification:
For a new Licensed operative, it is 3-day training course. new Licensed Supervisor is 2 days and new Licensed manager is 2 days.
You will receive certification upon successful completion, which would need to be annually refreshed.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Training?
When you choose the right asbestos training, you ensure workers are properly equipped for their roles, which is vital for both safety and compliance. Employers have a responsibility to protect their staff from asbestos-related diseases by providing appropriate training based on the level of risk involved.
Here at NATAS, we offer a range of asbestos courses that cater to different levels of risk, covering Cat A, Cat B, and Cat C training. Our online courses provide the flexibility for your employees to complete training at their own pace and at times that suit their schedules. For those who prefer in-person learning, we offer interactive classroom sessions, delivering comprehensive training for teams.
Get Your Team Fully Certified with NATAS
At NATAS, we make it easy to give your employees the right training, whether you choose asbestos awareness online courses or in-person sessions.
Don’t leave safety to chance. Book your asbestos training with NATAS today to make sure your team is trained, compliant, and ready to work safely around asbestos.
