Guide
Asbestos awareness certificate: who needs one and how often to refresh
Updated
Anyone whose work could disturb asbestos, or who supervises or influences that work, should have asbestos awareness training. The HSE says there is no legal requirement to repeat a full formal awareness course every 12 months, but some refresher should be given as necessary.
Who needs it
HSENI's asbestos page says employers must provide adequate information, instruction and training, and that anyone whose work could disturb asbestos, or who supervises or influences the work, should know how to recognise and avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials. The HSE's page for Great Britain sets out the same three levels: awareness, non-licensable work and licensable work.
Sources: HSENI, asbestos, HSE, asbestos training.
How often to refresh it
The HSE says there is no legal requirement to repeat an entire formal awareness refresher course every 12 months, and that a refresher could be given as e-learning or as part of other health and safety updates. A client or main contractor may set its own rule, so check what yours asks for before you book.
What the certificate costs
An online course with its certificate costs £15 to £50 per learner across six UK providers, and a classroom day from £125 + VAT, on the price index.
Source: price index