ASBESTOS - 12.10.2011

Free asbestos training, no catches

Freebies

As we stated previously, as part of the HSE’s “Hidden Killer” campaign, it has managed to convince training providers across the country to give away places on asbestos awareness courses (yr.10, iss.2, pg.8, see The next step). Now, whilst many of our subscribers have already booked up, some have questioned why the courses are being given away for free and are worried that signing up could lead to problems with inspectors. So what’s the story?

Note. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 state it’s a legal requirement that all those who may come across asbestos during their work should have been provided with asbestos awareness training.

Cashed out

We know that we’re starting to sound like a broken record, but the situation is that the HSE doesn’t have any money. And this predicament isn’t likely to change any time soon. However, even though it’s strapped for cash, it still has a duty to promote good health and safety practices and help to keep workplaces safe. Therefore, as it doesn’t have the funds to provide training places, it has asked commercial training providers to step in.

And they have

So far the HSE has received offers to deliver just over 6,500 hours of free classroom-based training from providers throughout the UK. It has also received pledges of just over 4,800 hours of online awareness training.

What’s in it for them?

Although the organisations aren’t getting paid for this work, giving up a relatively short amount of time is certainly good publicity. And when it comes to refreshing the training (which is required by law) chances are that the same company will get the booking.

Tip. Ignore any pronouncements from companies to the effect that because they’re taking part in this giveaway it means their courses are “HSE approved”. A statement on the HSE website makes it clear that this isn’t the case.

Is it worth signing up for?

If you have staff who may come into contact with asbestos during their work, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t send them on a course.

Tip. If your work involves dealing with asbestos, i.e. removing it, the training on offer won’t be sufficient for your staff. What they need will depend on the type of work they carry out. The training providers who offer the free courses will be able to identify the right training course for them.

What about inspector contact?

As far as we can make out, inspectors will have no involvement in the courses. The only contact that they should have with the trainers is to check on the number of attendees.

For a previous article on asbestos training, visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk(HS 10.03.03).