Asbestos training is a legal requirement for many workers in the UK — not just those involved in removal, but anyone whose work could disturb asbestos-containing materials. Understanding which training applies to you, and what the law requires, is essential for compliance under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
Why Asbestos Training Is a Legal Requirement
Regulation 10 of CAR 2012 requires employers to ensure anyone liable to disturb asbestos during their work — or who supervises those who do — has received adequate training. This covers not just removal operatives, but also plumbers, electricians, joiners, painters, surveyors and facilities managers who may encounter ACMs in the course of their normal duties. The HSE estimates around 5,000 people die each year in the UK from asbestos-related diseases — most of them tradespeople who worked in asbestos-containing buildings, not specialist removal sites.
Types of Asbestos Training
- Category A — Asbestos Awareness: For workers who could inadvertently disturb ACMs but do not carry out planned asbestos work. Covers identification, health risks and what to do if you find asbestos. Required for builders, plumbers, electricians, HVAC engineers and decorators working in pre-2000 buildings.
- Category B — Non-Licensed Work Training: For workers carrying out notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) on lower-risk bonded ACMs such as asbestos cement or floor tiles. Covers safe working methods, RPE use, decontamination and waste packaging.
- Category C — Licensed Work Training: For operatives and supervisors employed by HSE-licensed contractors removing high-risk materials including AIB and pipe lagging. Covers enclosure working, NPU operation and full CAR 2012 compliance.
Duty to Manage Training
The UKATA/RSPH Duty to Manage awareness course is the benchmark qualification for facilities managers, property managers, housing association officers and local authority staff who must understand their legal obligations under Regulation 4 of CAR 2012. Specific asbestos management courses are also available for surveyors and consultants who develop and maintain asbestos management plans.
How Often Must Training Be Refreshed?
Category A awareness training is typically refreshed annually or bi-annually; Category B every 1–2 years; Category C on an ongoing basis as a condition of licence renewal. Duty to Manage courses are typically valid for 1–3 years depending on provider.
How AIB Solutions Can Help
AIB Solutions does not deliver asbestos training directly. Training enquiries are passed to our trusted network of third-party UKATA-accredited training providers. We advise on the right training category for your situation and make the appropriate referral. Visit our training page or call 01782 613773. If removal or a survey is also needed, see our removal and surveys pages.