The importation, supply and use of all types of new asbestos have been prohibited since the 13th November 2006. This followed previous bans on using blue and brown asbestos (1985) and white asbestos (1999), and continues the ban on using second-hand asbestos and products containing asbestos.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 also make training mandatory for anyone who may come into contact with the substance in the context of their professional activities. The responsibility for compliance with these regulations lies with employers and self-employed workers.
The Regulations can affect those in the construction industry, but can equally be relevant for fire and burglar alarm fitters, general maintenance workers, and telecommunications and computer engineers amongst others.
The UKATA Asbestos Awareness Programme is a health and safety training course designed to deal specifically with the risks and challenges posed by asbestos, and complies with both the 2006 Regulations, as well the latest Health and Safety Executive Regulations.
The course demonstrates how to protect workers exposed to asbestos, how to conduct asbestos surveys and how to react in the event of an emergency. A nationally-recognised certificate, valid for one year, is issued upon successful completion of the course.