Human Resources

Health and Safety

Asbestos Awareness

Course leader

Mark White: Health and Safety Adviser (Estates).

Target audience

Any members of staff who may during the course of their work come in contact with/disturb any asbestos containing material. Or supervise/manage any member of staff or contractor who is likely to come into contact with any asbestos containing material.

Aims of the workshop

This workshop will cover the following topics:

  • The properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including its interaction with smoking
  • The types of products or materials likely contain asbestos and the typical locations where they are to be found
  • The operations which could result in asbestos exposure
  • The University control measures and management of asbestos containing materials which are in place to prevent exposure
  • Emergency procedures to deal with accidental exposure or conformation of suspect materials

Learning outcomes

As a result of attending, participants will:

  • State the properties and the health effects of asbestos containg materials
  • Be aware of the types of locations asbestos is likely to be found
  • Understand the University asbestos management plan and be able to follow/implement the control measures
  • Be able to minimise the risk of exposure to asbestos containing materials
  • Understand the emergency procedures to deal with accidental exposure or suspect material

Other staff development opportunities relevant to this topic

  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Assessments: Targeted at staff in academic and technical roles
  • First Aid at Work: Initial and refresher training for those taking on the role of Workplace First Aider
  • Health and Safety on Field Trips and Educational Visits: Targeted at academic and support staff who are or will be involved in organising and/or leading field trips
  • Manual Handling: Particularly useful for staff in Caretaking and Library Services roles but may be relevant to any member of staff
  • Portable Appliance Testing: For staff in technical roles
  • Risk Assessment: Useful to new staff working in an office or laboratory environment
  • Working at Height: For staff routinely required to work off ladders etc