Think about the biggest causes of harm and death in New Zealand workplaces. Naturally, heavy machinery, slips, and falls would come to mind. Possibly the last thing you would think of would be a naturally occurring mineral. However, asbestos claims the lives of 170 people in New Zealand annually. Now, more than ever, it’s time to focus on asbestos awareness for people in the building industry. 

What is Asbestos?

Knowing that so many people lose their life to asbestos exposure every year, it’s worth learning as much about this mineral as possible. Asbestos-containing materials have fibres that can become hazardous to your health when breathed in. They cause conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Until the 1990s, asbestos was commonly used in building materials, insulation, and a variety of other products like roofing and floor coverings. While it is no longer used in new building materials, it’s still present in thousands of buildings and homes across New Zealand. That means it remains a risk – and still will for many years to come. 

Who Can Remove Asbestos?

Asbestos awareness is essential for people in the building industry because new licensing dictates that only certified and licensed experts can remove large quantities of it. As of April 2018, anyone wanting to remove asbestos over 10m2 had to have a Class A or B license.

Class A means you can remove:

• Asbestos-containing material (ACM) and friable asbestos

• Asbestos-contaminated dust or debris (ACD)

• Non-friable asbestos or ACM

Class B means you can remove:

• Non-friable asbestos

• Non-friable asbestos-containing materials 

Non-licensed people can remove:

• 10m2 or less of non-friable asbestos and asbestos-containing materials

• Minor amounts of asbestos-contaminated dust or debris

Asbestos Awareness for People in the Building Industry

You now know what asbestos is and what you can safely and legally remove with various licenses. However, those who are new to the building industry, or want to educate themselves on asbestos exposure, may not know where to begin. Why not look at an asbestos awareness training course?

Such a course can prepare you for acquiring your Asbestos Removal Class A or Class B license. It can also offer all the safe handling instructions you need for working with asbestos products.

Those who can benefit from such a training course include:

• Electricians

• Plasterers

• Builders

• Roofers

• Demolition workers

• Carpenters

• Floor finishers

• General building and construction workers

• Maintenance and repair workers

• Emergency service workers

What Will You Learn in an Asbestos Awareness Training Course?

Courses that cover asbestos awareness can have more value in your everyday life and work than you might think. You can learn about the safe handling of this hazardous material, as well as the implications of exposure.

Topics in such a course can often include:

• Relevant legislation on asbestos in New Zealand

• What asbestos is

• Where you can find asbestos

• Where asbestos is commonly used

• How to identify asbestos-containing materials

• Public health threats

• The identification of when a license is required

• Safety requirements of working with friable and non-friable asbestos

What Courses are Available for Safe Asbestos Handling?

An asbestos awareness course for people in the building industry can be advantageous. Still, you don’t have to stop with awareness. There are plenty of other training courses that can both complement your license and offer information to help you get it. 

Those in the building and construction industry can undergo asbestos training, Class A asbestos removal courses, and Class B asbestos (non-friable) removal courses.  Anyone looking to enter into a supervisory role may also see the value in an asbestos supervisor course, too.

How to Enrol in an Asbestos Course

Many workplaces help their workers upskill and broaden their career opportunities. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enhance your education without employer support.

Many training academies, such as CC Training Academy, for example, offer tools, content, and expertise to a variety of people and businesses. They offer a wide range of training programmes in building and construction including demolition courses and welding courses. For this specific trade however, get in touch with an asbestos training provider to see what they can do for you.

The sooner you learn about this potentially hazardous material, the safer you can be on job sites in the months and years to come.