Asbestos removal is a highly regulated activity that requires specialised training to ensure work is carried out safely and in compliance with national legislation, but in all cases, training should cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
a) Competency requirements: High-risk activities, such as the removal of friable asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), must be carried out by licensed companies, and lower-risk tasks may not require a full licence but still demand formal asbestos awareness and task-specific training.
b) Training content: At a minimum, asbestos training should cover the health effects of asbestos exposure, types and locations of ACMs, legal requirements, exposure limits, risk assessment, and safe work practices. It must also include the correct use of personal and respiratory protective equipment, decontamination procedures, emergency response measures, and proper waste handling and disposal.
c) Refresher training: Workers are required to complete refresher training at intervals set by national regulations or whenever procedures or equipment change. Employers must keep accurate, up-to-date training and certification records, which should be available for inspection by authorities.
d) Record-keeping for training and certification: Employers must maintain up-to-date training and certification records for all personnel.
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