Description

Asbestos awareness courses give you the ability to detect asbestos-containing material and avoid releasing harmful fibers into the air. At OHS.com.au, we provide affordable in-person asbestos training in Frankston. Enroll today to explore the dangers of asbestos and the most common sources of asbestos-containing material. Or visit our main Asbestos Awareness Training Course page.

Why Does Asbestos Safety Matter?

Asbestos remains a health threat close to two decades after it was officially banned in Australia. The government started banning asbestos products at the end of the 20th century, but many domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings still have asbestos-containing material (ACM).

Insulation is the most common source of asbestos in older buildings. Asbestos was often used in pipe insulation, thermal insulation, spray coatings, and other insulating materials. Some asbestos is relatively harmless when left undisturbed while other materials can release harmful fibers into the atmosphere.

Asbestos is typically categorized as friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos breaks or flakes easily, which distributes more fibers in the air. Non-friable asbestos is less likely to distribute fibers, as it is more difficult to crush.

Friable material that may be found in older homes includes pipe lagging and other types of insulation. Non-friable material includes cement sheets and textured decorative coatings for walls and ceilings. 

The health risks related to asbestos occur when you breathe in the small fibers from asbestos-containing material. The small fibers can scar the insides of your lungs, leading to a condition called asbestosis. Other potential safety concerns include mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Avoiding exposure to asbestos fiber requires awareness. Our face-to-face asbestos awareness courses in Frankston give you the skills and knowledge needed to identify and report asbestos. 

Is Asbestos Awareness Training Mandatory?

Asbestos training is a mandatory requirement for workers who are likely to come across asbestos during their normal job duties. This often includes individuals in the construction industry. Construction workers, demolition workers, and emergency services workers may need to earn an asbestos awareness certificate of completion.

Ensuring that workers complete the required training is the responsibility of the PCBU. PCBUs need to provide workers with a reasonably safe work environment, which includes providing training for dealing with all potential safety hazards. 

Other professions that may need asbestos certification include plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and maintenance workers. Anyone who needs to work in areas that may contain asbestos should earn an asbestos awareness certificate.

Do You Need an Asbestos License or an Asbestos Awareness Certificate?

An asbestos awareness certificate is provided after the successful completion of the 10675NAT unit of competency, but it does not qualify workers to remove asbestos. The legal requirement for an asbestos removal license includes the completion of one or more asbestos removal courses. Relevant training may include:

• Asbestos removal courses (class A and class B)
• Asbestos supervisor course
• Asbestos assessor course

A Class A asbestos license is needed for the removal of any amount of friable asbestos. A Class B license is needed for the removal of 10m2 or more non-friable asbestos. 

Our in-person courses also include an asbestos assessor course. Assessors are qualified to develop an asbestos management plan for licensed asbestos removal work. The plan is then carried out by a licensed supervisor and workers who have completed the necessary asbestos removal courses.

Comprehensive Asbestos Courses Frankston

Our asbestos awareness courses are taught face-to-face, which is the most effective way to learn new skills and information. Asbestos is not the easiest material to identify. With in-person learning, participants gain a better understanding of how to identify asbestos and other topics covered in the 10675NAT course.

This unit of competency covers several topics, including:

• The main properties of asbestos products
• Likely sources of asbestos products
• Health risks related to asbestos exposure
• Safety requirements for working around asbestos

Asbestos awareness does not permit you to remove asbestos. However, participants learn how to recognize and report asbestos, which keeps them from handling material that could release harmful fibers into the air.

After enrolling, you receive access to pre-course materials. After successful completion of the course, you receive a certificate of completion. The certificate demonstrates your knowledge of asbestos safety procedures. 

Learn Asbestos Safety From a Leading Training Organisation

OHS.com.au works with registered training organization's (RTO’s) that offer relevant training for a wide range of occupations and safety procedures, including asbestos safety. Awareness courses completed at our training facility typically last four hours. We have a variety of dates and times available to suit different schedules. Contact us today to find a time that works for you and receive a quote for asbestos awareness training.  For a full list of asbestos training courses visit here.