Asbestos Awareness Training for Construction Workers

Author: Chris Jo

Asbestos is a commonly occurring mineral which has been accepted as a construction material for thousands of years. However, it was the Industrial Revolution that introduced asbestos into industrial use, specifically due to its wide range of properties. The fire-resistant, flexible, and relatively durable mineral was used as an additive that was commonly developed into mechanical equipment and building materials of the 1900s. Asbestos has been globally accepted as a carcinogenic material that causes particular harm to unprotected individuals that accidentally inhale or ingest its fibers. Additionally, these microscopic particles can be transported by the wind, stick to fabrics, or contaminate open water sources resulting in secondhand exposure. After entering the body, the carcinogenic fibrils can attach to the lungs, damaging inflammation, scar tissue generation, and eventually leads to mesothelioma cancer.

Removing asbestos is very risky task and which need more attention and care because, asbestos fibers could be present in the buildings and can be spread during the work. Everyone need awareness training so you know how to avoid the risks. Asbestos awareness training should be given to employees whose work or disturb the material of a building and expose them to asbestos which influences the work. Once the presence of asbestos in the workplace has been established, the location, condition, and type of asbestos must be recorded and risk assessed. Any identified risks should be managed and monitored by way of an action plan. These plans should be made accessible to any person working at your premises. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Demolition workers

  • Construction workers

  • General maintenance staff

  • Electricians

  • Plumbers

  • Gas fitters

  • Painters and decorators

  • Joiners

  • Shop fitters

  • Plasterers

  • Roofers

  • Heating and ventilation engineers

  • Telecommunication engineers

  • Computer and data installers

  • Fire and burglar alarm installers

  • Architects

  • Building surveyors

Recent investigations have exposed that contractors involved in construction, building, and demolition have been knowingly violating OSHA asbestos abatement procedures and safety standards for removal and disposal of asbestos. The failure of OSHA rules shows a deficiency of concern for the dangerous diseases and health consequences that can result from exposure to asbestos. OSHA violations that were uncovered include:

  • Improper disposal procedures of asbestos materials.

  • Untrained and unaccredited workers.

  • Lack of proper clothing and respirators for workers.

  • Unlicensed contractors.

  • Improper documentation procedures.

Asbestos Awareness Training will make every worker in a construction site to prevent the exposure of asbestos fiber into the air during their work. There are many institutions which provide online or classroom asbestos awareness for those who handle asbestos on a regular basis.

  • Student and trainer introductions

  • Asbestos in the environment

  • Health effects associated with asbestos exposure

  • The use of asbestos in buildings

  • Asbestos abatement procedures;

  • Provincial and Federal regulations for abatement, transport, and disposal of asbestos

  • Bulk and air sample analysis overview

  • Asbestos Awareness Exam for every participant

Successful completion of asbestos awareness from any affiliated institutions, they will issue a UKATA Category A Certified Asbestos Awareness Course, will provide users with the knowledge required to identify the appearance of asbestos, the different types of asbestos, the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos material and highlight the importance of safe working methods.