Asbestos Training For Guidance for Scaffolders

Asbestos Awareness Training (ACoP L143, Paragraph 235)

Asbestos awareness training must cover the following topics:

• Properties of Asbestos & Health Effects
  Workers should understand the properties of asbestos and its effects on health, particularly the increased risk of lung cancer for workers who smoke.

• Types and Uses of Asbestos
  Workers should learn about the types of asbestos and their likely occurrence in buildings and plant materials.

• Emergency Procedures
  Workers must be trained in procedures to follow in the event of an uncontrolled release of asbestos dust into the workplace.

• How to Avoid Asbestos Risks
  Employees must be aware that no work should disturb the fabric of a building unless the employer has confirmed that Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) are not present.

Guidance for Licensed Scaffolders

For licensed scaffolders, the ACoP L143 (Paragraphs 251-253) lists specific training topics, including:

• Practical Training in PPE & Decontamination
  In addition to asbestos awareness training, licensed scaffolders must receive practical training on using personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination procedures.

L143 also refers to HSG 247 - Asbestos: The Licensed Contractor’s Guide, which provides further guidance on training and mentions role-specific modules available within the guide (See Appendix 4.1).

Guidance for the Licensed Scaffolder

When a licensed scaffolder requires training, the ACoP L143 (Paragraphs 251-253) specifies the topics that should be covered. This includes practical training in the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and Decontamination procedures, in addition to the asbestos awareness training outlined in Paragraph 235 (previously mentioned).

ACoP L143 also refers to HSG 247: Asbestos: The Licensed Contractor’s Guide, which provides further guidance on the training. The guide includes role-specific modules, which are detailed in Appendix 4.1. These modules include:

Module 20: Scaffolders – Health Risks and Avoidance of Exposure

• Understanding how to avoid exposure when working near asbestos.

• Overview of the types of asbestos fibres, their characteristics, uses, and identification methods.

• Introduction to the nature and levels of risk associated with different groups of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs).

• Information on types of products that may contain asbestos, and likely locations.

• Understanding how fibres cause disease and the types of asbestos-related diseases related to exposure.

Module 21: Scaffolders – Use of RPE, PPE, and Emergency Decontamination Procedures

• Identifying when exposure has occurred and how to manage minor and gross contamination.

• Decontamination procedures and the types of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and PPE to use and when to wear them.

Module 22: Scaffolders – Roles and Responsibilities

• Understanding the legal responsibilities of individuals, employers, and management.

• The role of the asbestos removal company and Site Liaison Helper (SLH).

• The information that should be shared between all parties involved, with a focus on Supervisors and Managers.

Module 23: Scaffolders – Management Systems

• Risk Assessment (RA) and Plan of Work (POW)
  An introduction to what enclosures are, their purpose, and how they are built.

• Monitoring of Site Conditions
  Understanding how to monitor and assess site conditions to ensure safe working practices.

• Site Set-Up
  Proper procedures for setting up scaffolding sites to maintain safety and compliance.

• Emergency Procedures
  Clear guidance on how to respond to emergencies on-site.

UKATA Guidelines for Correct Training

Under the Health & Safety at Work Act (H&SAWA) 1974, the employer has a legal duty to provide appropriate information, instruction, and training to workers. To ensure the appropriate training is delivered, the Training Provider is responsible for ensuring the employer fully understands the training requirements and limitations of the course.

Should a breach of legislation occur due to inappropriate training, the Training Provider may be implicated under H&SAWA Section 36, which deals with “offences due to fault of other persons.”

To ensure the correct training is provided, UKATA Members must:

1. Confirm Client/Employer Status - Verify whether the client/employer is licensed or not to ensure the training is appropriate for the role.

2. Undertake Training at the Appropriate Level - Ensure that training is provided at the correct membership level. For example, a Category A member cannot train licensed scaffolders—this training should only be provided by a Category C member.

3. Clearly Display Course Content on Certificates - Ensure that the course content is clearly stated on the certificates to avoid any ambiguity.

Conclusion

It is essential for scaffolding companies to ensure that their asbestos training is aligned with the relevant regulations and that they provide appropriate training based on whether they are licensed or non-licensed. Proper certification and training not only ensure compliance but also help safeguard the health and safety of workers.