People in control of workplaces are required to provide asbestos training, and to comply with the “Model Work Health and Safety Regulations” and “How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace” Code of Practice.
Section 39 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations require employers to train all staff in the nature of the work and the risks associated with that work. There is no greater risk in the workplace today than asbestos.
The risks associated with asbestos exposure can only be fully understood those likely to come in contact with the mineral are provided with the proper information.
Quality Building Management has developed a fully online Asbestos Awareness Training Course for all persons that work or may work in a complex that contains asbestos. By having your staff undertake this training, you will be meet your obligations under the Work Health and Safety Regulations for making staff aware of the hazards and risks posed by asbestos.
The main areas that should be presented in the training include:
- Information about the purpose of the training
- Facts and details about the health risks associated with asbestos exposure
- Location of the ACM in accordance with the site-specific layout
- Type and uses of asbestos at the location
- Timetable for removal of ACM
- Location of the asbestos register
- Adopted methodology to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres>
- Information about the correct use of personal protective equipment. The property owner should ensure that enough PPE is available at the worksite. There should also be a specific area for the disposal of used equipment.
All licensed professionals contracted to work with asbestos should demonstrate adequate knowledge and expertise. In all cases, asbestos training is necessary to complete work with asbestos. The appropriate removal and disposal of ACMs should fully be understood by those undertaking these tasks.
Non-commercial property owners must also fully understand the dangers of asbestos exposure before they conduct any activity that could disturb asbestos fibres. Only specific tools can be used when handling asbestos, and knowing this can avoid contamination. The onus is on the property owner or manager to learn about asbestos-related issues. Some of the issues that should be fully understood include types of asbestos, the definition of asbestos, location of asbestos, removal of asbestos, safety precautions when handling asbestos, and types of licensed professionals that can handle asbestos.
People that may not have direct access to areas with asbestos-containing minerals must also be aware of the dangers. Appropriate signage should be placed at areas that have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It is also necessary to indicate where the asbestos register and asbestos management plan are located to ensure that these documents are accessible to even those that may not have access to the mineral.
Contact QBM to find out more about our online asbestos training today!
