Guide
Asbestos awareness course online: does e-learning count?
Updated
Yes, an asbestos awareness course online can count: the HSE says it recognises e-learning as a viable way to deliver asbestos awareness training, provided it meets regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Approved Code of Practice. UK providers publish online courses at £15 to £50 per learner.
What the HSE says
The HSE's training page says e-learning is increasingly used for asbestos awareness and that it recognises it as a viable delivery method, among others, provided it satisfies regulation 10 and the supporting Approved Code of Practice. It also says that attending a training course on its own will not make a worker competent.
Source: HSE, asbestos information, instruction and training.
What online courses cost
HSQE and Echo3 publish £15 + VAT, Boss Training £19.90 + VAT for a UKATA licence, THSP and Pembrokeshire College £25, and Flourish £50 excluding VAT. THSP says its e-learning takes around two hours. Every price is on the price index.
Source: price index
When a classroom is better
Online awareness suits people who need to recognise asbestos and stop work. It does not train anyone to work on asbestos: the HSE lists non-licensable and licensable work as separate, higher levels of training.