Asbestos Awareness
Mesothelioma Day – 26th September
Each year on 26th September, Mesothelioma Day is observed to raise awareness of mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. The day provides an important opportunity to highlight the risks of asbestos, remember those affected by the disease, and promote efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Mesothelioma often develops decades after initial exposure, making early detection challenging. Sadly, many cases are diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment options are limited. This is why awareness remains so vital: asbestos exposure is still the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, and thousands of people continue to be diagnosed each year.
Marking Mesothelioma Day is not only about honouring those who have lost their lives, but also about reinforcing the need for vigilance in workplaces and communities. By understanding where asbestos may be found and ensuring safe management, exposure risks can be significantly reduced.
At KNW Training, we support Mesothelioma Day by emphasising the critical role of education. Our Asbestos Awareness Training equips workers with the knowledge to identify potential asbestos risks and take the right precautions. Through greater awareness and proactive training, we can contribute to reducing future cases of mesothelioma and safeguarding health.
KNW are a UKATA Professional Member approved to deliver the following training courses:
Asbestos Awareness
Asbestos Awareness Refresher
Overview
Asbestos awareness training is required to be given to employees whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos. In particular, it should be given to all demolition workers and those workers in the refurbishment, maintenance, and allied trades where it is foreseeable that their work will disturb the fabric of the building because Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) may become exposed during their work.
Occupational Relevance
Supervisors and trades personnel, including trainees such as but not limited to: demolition workers, construction workers, general maintenance staff, electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, painters and decorators, joiners, plasterers, roofers, heating and ventilation engineers, telecommunication engineers, fire and burglar alarm installers, computer installers, architects, building surveyors, shopfitters and other such professionals.
Learning Outcomes
✓ Identify and describe the different types and properties of asbestos minerals.
✓ Analyse the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including the impact of smoking.
✓ Review general epidemiology and statistics related to asbestos.
✓ Recognise various types of asbestos and their common uses.
✓ Identify where asbestos and asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can be typically found within buildings.
✓ Understand the primary purposes behind the use of asbestos in coatings, insulation, asbestos insulating board, asbestos cement, and other asbestos containing materials.
✓ Describe the risks of fibre release from various asbestos containing materials.
✓ Demonstrate how to find information about asbestos presence prior to starting work.
✓ Explain the emergency procedures for situations where asbestos or ACMs are unexpectedly disturbed or discovered during work.
✓ Comprehend the role of asbestos legislation within the broader context of health and safety laws.
✓ Summarise key asbestos legislation, focusing on Regulations 5 and 6 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR).
✓ Understand Regulation 4's framework for managing ACMs.
Additional information
This course syllabus sets out the guidance issued by UKATA for the provision of asbestos awareness training for employees whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos, as defined within the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012)
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