There are several types of asbestos training and we’ve outlined the main ones below:
Online / Classroom
The first main distinction is between online and classroom (or face to face) training. Online courses, like the one we offer on this website, are taken on computer (or tablet or phone) at the candidate’s own pace. The training can be carried out at home or at a place of work, perhaps on an office computer. Online training should be taken individually – candidates wouldn’t sit together and work through an online course as a group. All the course content would be presented to the candidate via the website
Classroom training is usually conducted in a group with a qualified instructor leading the session. The advantages of learning in a classroom environment are that you have an instructor and other participants to ask questions of and discuss the course content with. The disadvantages of classroom training compared with online courses are generally considered to be cost and time – classroom courses can take longer and cost more.
We also offer classroom training through Bainbridge Asbestos, which is run by Steve Bainbridge. Steve has been providing face to face classroom training since 2002.
Training associations
There are several training associations whose members offer asbestos courses. You should note that at the time of writing, the HSE only list UKATA, IATP and BOHS as recognised training associations. UKATA is often the certificate required by companies within the construction and facilities management industries. If you are in any doubt whether your certificate will be accepted by your employer or a client, you should confirm with them directly.
There are other organisations whose members offer training, such as ROSPA. Certificates obtained from training courses from such organisations may not be as widely accepted but, again, you should confirm with your employer or client.
Some companies who are not members of any training body also offer training. This is often cheaper but will be less widely accepted by employers and clients.
Different categories
As well as awareness training, the HSE identify two further categories of training, namely non-licensable work with asbestos and licensable work with asbestos.