Asbestos is still present in many UK buildings, and workers across a wide range of sectors may unknowingly come into contact with it. That’s why Asbestos Awareness Training is not just recommended — it is a legal requirement for many roles.
But meeting that requirement is only half the battle. If you're responsible for health and safety, you also need to know:
- Who needs the training in your business?
- Have they completed it?
- When does it expire?
- Can you prove it — right now?
Without a clear, verifiable record, you could be exposed during inspections, tenders, or incidents. A certificate on file is not enough. You need oversight.
Who Is Legally Required to Have Asbestos Awareness Training?
According to UK regulations, Asbestos Awareness Training is required for any worker who may disturb asbestos-containing materials during their work. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Joiners and carpenters
- Builders and demolition workers
- Maintenance and repair staff
- Shopfitters and cable installers
- Site managers and supervisors
Even if asbestos removal is not part of the job, workers need to be aware of the risks, signs of asbestos-containing materials, and the procedures to follow when they are suspected.
Why Tracking Matters More Than Just Taking a Course
There’s no shortage of online asbestos awareness training. But ticking the box once is not enough. Without a system in place to track who’s trained, when they took the course, and when it needs renewing, compliance is easily lost.
That’s where VISION Training Matrix comes in.
It allows you to:
- Assign asbestos awareness training based on role or location
- Track completion and expiry dates across your team
- Send automatic renewal reminders
- Give managers and inspectors instant access to training records via QR codes
- Report on compliance for audits and tenders in seconds
Whether you're responsible for 5 people or 500, VISION takes the guesswork out of compliance.
Don’t Just Train — Prove It
Health and safety compliance isn't about ticking boxes. It's about ensuring your people are trained and your business is protected.
With VISION, you don’t just deliver asbestos awareness training — you manage it, track it, and prove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is asbestos awareness training?
Asbestos awareness training teaches workers how to recognise and avoid exposure to asbestos-containing materials. It is required for workers who may disturb asbestos during their job, even unintentionally.
Who needs asbestos awareness training?
Any worker likely to disturb asbestos materials in their day-to-day work, such as electricians, plumbers, builders, or maintenance workers, must receive this training.
Is asbestos awareness training a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos awareness training is legally required for many roles in construction, maintenance, and related sectors.
How long does asbestos awareness training last?
Most asbestos awareness training is valid for 12 months. Refresher training is recommended annually or when job roles or regulations change.
How do I manage asbestos training across my team?
The best way is using a Training Matrix, like the one in VISION. It tracks training status, renewal dates, and provides real-time proof of compliance across your workforce.