Employers in Australia have a legal and moral responsibility to protect their employees from workplace hazards. One of the most serious dangers in modern workplaces is asbestos. To address this, Safe Work Australia sets and enforces standards to improve health and safety arrangements across all industries.

Part of fulfilling your duty of care is ensuring that staff understand the risks associated with their work — and asbestos awareness training is essential for anyone who might encounter asbestos in a workplace environment.

QBM offers a user-friendly online asbestos training course designed to keep employers compliant, protect workers, and provide practical guidance for managing asbestos safely.

What is QBM’s Asbestos Awareness Training?

QBM’s asbestos awareness training is designed to inform and empower building owners, managers, real estate agents, and employees. The course helps participants understand their responsibilities under Australian asbestos regulations while promoting safe work practices.

The training focuses on:

• Identifying asbestos in the workplace

• Understanding the health risks associated with exposure

• Implementing safe management procedures

• Responding appropriately if asbestos is discovered

The course is practical, straightforward, and aimed at ensuring that everyone knows how to keep themselves and their colleagues safe from asbestos exposure.

Course Structure

QBM’s asbestos awareness training is divided into three key sections:

Part 1 – Understanding Asbestos:
Participants learn what asbestos is, where it is commonly found, and why it is so dangerous.

Part 2 – Knowledge Assessment:
A multiple-choice quiz reinforces the learning and ensures participants fully understand the material.

Part 3 – Certification:
Successful completion of the quiz results in a Training Certificate, demonstrating compliance and understanding of asbestos safety practices.

The Risks of Asbestos

It’s hard to believe that asbestos was once considered a “miracle material.” Its fire-retardant properties, durability, and resistance to decay made it a staple in construction. However, decades of research have revealed the serious health risks posed by asbestos exposure.

When asbestos fibres become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma and other lung conditions. Some key facts about asbestos in Australia include:

• Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related deaths globally

• Around 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases

• Australia has the second-highest mesothelioma death rate in the world

Understanding these risks underscores why asbestos awareness training is essential for all workplaces.

How Asbestos Exposure Occurs

Exposure happens when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, releasing tiny fibres into the air. These fibres are easily inhaled and can remain in the lungs for decades, causing serious health issues over time.

Even low levels of exposure can be dangerous, and repeated exposure increases the risk of disease. That’s why it’s critical for employers to implement strict safety protocols and ensure workers are trained to:

• Recognise potential asbestos-containing materials

• Avoid disturbing asbestos

• Follow regulations for safe management and removal

Importantly, asbestos should never be removed by untrained personnel. Only licensed professionals should handle asbestos to prevent contamination and protect health.

Types of Asbestos

QBM’s training also explains the two main forms of asbestos:

Non-Friable Asbestos:
This type is bound within a material and cannot be crumbled or pulverised by hand. Non-friable asbestos is less likely to release fibres unless disturbed.

Friable Asbestos:
This occurs when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or deteriorated, allowing fibres to become airborne. Friable asbestos poses the highest risk of exposure and requires professional handling.

Understanding the difference between these types helps employees identify hazards and respond safely.

Why Asbestos Awareness Training is Essential

Completing asbestos awareness training provides multiple benefits for workplaces:

• Compliance with regulations: Ensure your business meets Safe Work Australia requirements.

• Employee safety: Protect workers from life-threatening asbestos exposure.

• Practical guidance: Learn how to manage asbestos safely and respond correctly to incidents.

• Certification: Demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to workplace safety and legal obligations.

Training is especially important for industries that deal with older buildings, renovations, or construction projects where asbestos is more likely to be present.

Online Asbestos Awareness Training with QBM

QBM’s asbestos awareness training is available online, offering flexibility for businesses of all sizes. Our course is:

• User-friendly: Accessible anytime, anywhere, for individuals or teams

• Cost-effective: High-quality training without the need for in-person sessions

• Customisable: Tailored to meet the needs of your workplace and industry

Whether you are a building owner, property manager, or employer, online asbestos training ensures your staff are prepared, informed, and compliant.

Take Action and Protect Your Workplace

Asbestos is a serious and preventable workplace hazard. Completing QBM’s asbestos awareness training equips your team with the knowledge and skills to manage asbestos safely, protect employees, and comply with Australian regulations.

Don’t leave your workplace at risk — ensure your staff are trained, certified, and confident in handling asbestos safely.

Contact QBM today to book your online asbestos awareness training course and safeguard your employees and workplace.