About this course
Asbestos is still the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK. Anyone who might disturb asbestos-containing materials during their work needs asbestos awareness training by law.
This course explains where asbestos is found, the health risks of breathing in fibres, the duties set out in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and exactly what to do if you suspect you have found asbestos.
What learners cover
- What asbestos is and why it was used in buildings
- The health effects of asbestos exposure, including asbestosis and mesothelioma
- Where asbestos-containing materials are commonly found
- Duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the duty to manage
- What to do if you discover or disturb asbestos, and emergency procedures
Course content
The course is delivered in short, bite-size sections that learners can stop and restart at any point.
- Section 1
Asbestos and its uses
Types of asbestos, why it was used and the age and type of buildings most likely to contain it.
- Section 2
Health risks
How fibres cause disease, the latency period, and who is most at risk in today's workforce.
- Section 3
The law
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the duty to manage, licensed and non-licensed work, and the asbestos register.
- Section 4
Safe working
Recognising asbestos-containing materials, avoiding disturbance, reporting, and emergency actions after accidental exposure.
Who it is for
Maintenance and repair staff, electricians, plumbers, joiners, caretakers, surveyors, cleaners and anyone whose work could disturb the fabric of a building built or refurbished before 2000.
Entry requirements: No prior knowledge is needed. This is asbestos awareness training only - it does not qualify anyone to work with or remove asbestos.
How it is delivered
Fully online and self-paced
Learners work through the course at their own pace and can pause and resume where they left off.
Any device
Works on desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile, with audio, video and written transcripts throughout.
Interactive throughout
Scenarios, exercises and images keep learners engaged rather than clicking through slides.
Knowledge checks
Short checks at the end of each section so learners can see what has landed before moving on.
Average completion time is around 1 hours, though learners can take as long as they need and return as often as they like.
How it is assessed
Knowledge checks run throughout the course so learners can test understanding as they go. The course ends with a multiple-choice assessment taken online. Learners who do not pass first time can retake it.
Certification
Learners receive a Highfield Online Training digital certificate as soon as they pass the end-of-course assessment. Certificates download straight away and can be saved to a CPD log or staff training record.
Refresher guidance: Most employers refresh this training every 12 months, or sooner if the law, roles or workplace risks change.
How it works for teams
- 1. Choose how many licences you need and pay by card, or request an invoice.
- 2. Add your learners' names and email addresses.
- 3. We set them up on the course platform and they receive their login by email.
- 4. Track who has been set up from your account.