At SAMS were are constantly receiving information about private and public sector companies being prosecuted for failing to manage asbestos containing materials (ACM) on their premises. It is certainly towards the top of the issues that is causing a problem for building and facilities operators particularly within buildings constructed post war.
The level of information available to owners and managers is extensive and as always it is a bit of a mine field, especially when the management of asbestos wrong can trigger HSE costs arising from the fee for intervention scheme. At SAMS we believe in keeping it simple and as with all things to do with safety the basic requirement surrounding asbestos regulation is to manage it. So, how do you manage asbestos?
Firstly you have to have someone responsible for managing it, known within the Regulations as he duty holder, who has to know what asbestos is present, where its located, its condition and how persons may be exposed to it. This information can be dealt with by way of assessment, surveying of the premises, identification of how it may be disturbed which in turn gives rise to the creation of a management plan.
Within the Management Plan the provision of appropriate training of staff should be considered with the most common type being asbestos awareness which should be delivered to those persons who may, during the course of the activity, come across asbestos. Within the market place the type of training delivered is varied which is registered or controlled by a variety of umbrella organisations including UKATA and RoSPA.
As with all training there is a cost implication, both financially and in respect of time that staff are absent from the work place. To overcome this e learning is coming to the fore and in 2011 the HSE recognised the viability of asbestos awareness of on-line training. This lead was also recognised by UKATA who have registered SAMS Ltd, to deliver both classroom and on-line asbestos awareness training.
It is fair to say that UKATA, within their registration of classroom and e learning, asbestos awareness training courses, have exacting standards which adds a fit for purpose element to any asbestos awareness training. Not only is there a clear benefit to both employers and staff in being able to complete asbestos awareness training on line in respect of cost, time saved and convenience but with the asbestos awareness e-learning package being approved and audited by UKATA gives a confidence that the course is of a high standard and meets the needs of the regulations and consequently the HSE in respect of training.
At SAMS Ltd we are able to deliver this quality UKATA registered asbestos awareness training both on line and within a classroom environment at our own training centre or at a location of the clients choosing.