for UK Businesses and Contractors
Asbestos awareness training helps you recognise asbestos risks, understand their responsibilities and reduce the likelihood of accidental exposure. Sirius Online provides flexible online training designed to support compliance requirements and help employers maintain training records and certification.
- Study online at a time that suits you
- Suitable for individuals and organisations
- Designed around UK compliance requirements
- Certification available on successful completion
- Learn from any location
What Is Asbestos Awareness Training?
Asbestos awareness training teaches workers how to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), understand the dangers of asbestos exposure, and follow the correct procedures if asbestos is suspected. It is designed for anyone who may encounter asbestos during their work but is not intended for those carrying out asbestos removal or remediation activities.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing throughout the 20th century. It is made up of microscopic fibres that are resistant to heat, fire, chemicals, and electricity, making it a popular building material for many years.
Why Was Asbestos Used?
Asbestos was valued for its durability, insulation properties, and resistance to heat and fire. It was commonly used in homes, commercial buildings, factories, schools, and public buildings before its use was progressively restricted and eventually banned in the UK.
Types of Asbestos
There are three main types of asbestos commonly found in UK buildings:
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
The most commonly used type, often found in roofing materials, ceilings, walls, and floor coverings.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Frequently used in insulation boards, ceiling tiles, and pipe insulation.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
Considered the most hazardous type and often found in spray coatings, insulation, and cement products.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Asbestos-containing materials may still be present in buildings constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. Common locations include:
- Insulation boards
- Pipe lagging
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Textured coatings
- Roofing sheets and panels
- Cement products
- Boiler and heating system insulation
- Fireproof panels and doors
Why Does Asbestos Awareness Training Matter?
Asbestos remains one of the leading causes of work-related deaths in the UK. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Awareness training helps workers recognise potential asbestos risks, avoid accidental disturbance, and take appropriate action to protect themselves and others. It also helps employers meet their legal responsibilities under UK health and safety regulations.
Awareness Training vs Licensed Asbestos Work
Asbestos Awareness Training
Teaches workers how to recognise asbestos risks
Covers identification, health risks, and emergency procedures
Suitable for tradespeople, maintenance staff, and contractors who may encounter asbestos
Does not permit asbestos removal or disturbance
Licensed Asbestos Work
Trains workers to safely remove or work directly with higher-risk asbestos materials
Covers removal methods, containment, decontamination, and legal requirements
Required for specialist asbestos removal contractors
Who Needs Asbestos Awareness Training?
Electricians
Workers carrying out installation or maintenance work in older buildings may encounter asbestos-containing materials.
Plumbers
Pipework, insulation and building materials may contain asbestos.
Builders
Construction and refurbishment activities may expose hidden asbestos risks.
Joiners
Work involving ceilings, panels and partitions can present exposure risks.
Decorators
Preparation and renovation work can disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Maintenance Workers
Routine maintenance often involves areas where asbestos may be present.
Surveyors
Property assessments require awareness of asbestos risks.
Property Professionals
Knowledge of asbestos risks supports safer property management.
Facilities Managers
Training supports compliance and risk management responsibilities.
What Does the Course Cover?
The Sirius Online Training asbestos awareness course covers the history of asbestos, its common uses, the health risks associated with exposure, and the legislation that led to its ban. Learners will also explore legal duties and training requirements, learn how to identify asbestos-containing materials, and complete a final assessment to test their knowledge.
Together, these modules provide a solid understanding of asbestos hazards and how to work safely around potential asbestos-containing materials.
How Long Does an Asbestos Awareness Certificate Last?
An asbestos awareness certificate does not legally expire. Once completed, the certificate remains evidence that the worker has undertaken asbestos awareness training.
Even so, annual refresher training is widely recommended to keep knowledge current and help workers remain aware of asbestos risks, site procedures and legal responsibilities.
Why Choose Sirius Online?
Flexible Online Learning
Training available remotely and on demand.
Compliance-Focused Training
Designed around UK compliance requirements.
Immediate Certification
Certification available following successful completion.
Suitable for Individuals and Teams
Supports both independent learners and organisations.
Cost-Effective Learning
Online delivery reduces classroom-related costs.
Easy Administration
Supports certification management and training records.
Training for Businesses and Teams
For SMEs
Affordable compliance training delivered online.
For Multi-Site Organisations
Consistent workforce training across locations.
Training Records
Support evidence of workforce training completion.
Certification Management
Help employers maintain training documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos awareness training teaches workers how to recognise asbestos risks, avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials, and know what to do if asbestos may be present.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.
Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.