There are three main types of asbestos training in the UK: asbestos awareness training, non-licensed asbestos work training, and licensed asbestos work training. The right course depends on the work being carried out and whether a worker may disturb asbestos-containing materials.
The Three Main Types of Asbestos Training
The three main asbestos training categories match different levels of risk and work activity.
| Training Type | Who It Is For | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos Awareness | Tradespeople and maintenance workers | Recognising asbestos and avoiding exposure |
| Non-Licensed Work Training | Workers handling lower-risk asbestos tasks | Safe working procedures |
| Licensed Work Training | Specialist asbestos contractors | High-risk asbestos removal work |
As a simple rule, awareness training is for people who may find asbestos, non-licensed training is for lower-risk work with asbestos, and licensed training is for high-risk asbestos work carried out by HSE-licensed contractors.
What Is Asbestos Awareness Training?
Asbestos awareness training is for people who may encounter asbestos during their work but are not expected to remove or disturb it.
The course helps workers recognise where asbestos may be found, understand the health risks, and know what to do if they suspect asbestos is present.
Who Needs Asbestos Awareness Training?
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Joiners
- Decorators
- Builders
- Maintenance staff
- Facilities teams
Asbestos awareness training usually covers asbestos-containing materials, common building locations, emergency procedures, exposure risks and basic legal duties.
What Is Non-Licensed Asbestos Work Training?
Non-licensed asbestos work training is required for workers who may carry out lower-risk tasks involving certain asbestos-containing materials.
This type of training goes beyond awareness. It covers safe systems of work, control measures, protective equipment, waste handling, decontamination and task planning.
Examples of Non-Licensed Asbestos Work
- Removing asbestos cement sheets
- Working on certain textured coatings
- Minor maintenance work on lower-risk asbestos materials
- Cleaning small amounts of asbestos debris in controlled conditions
Some non-licensed work may also be notifiable non-licensed work, known as NNLW, which carries extra employer duties.
What Is Licensed Asbestos Work Training?
Licensed asbestos training is required for workers carrying out higher-risk asbestos work that must be completed by HSE-licensed contractors.
Licensed work usually involves materials that release asbestos fibres more easily or involve greater exposure risk.
Examples of Licensed Asbestos Work
- Pipe lagging
- Asbestos insulation board removal
- Thermal insulation removal
- Sprayed asbestos coatings
This training is for specialist asbestos contractors, not general tradespeople.
Which Type of Asbestos Training Do You Need?
The right asbestos course depends on what your role involves.
- If you may encounter asbestos but will not disturb it, choose asbestos awareness training.
- If you may work on lower-risk asbestos materials, choose non-licensed asbestos work training.
- If you remove high-risk asbestos materials, you need licensed asbestos work training through a suitable specialist route.
For most builders, plumbers, electricians, decorators, joiners, maintenance workers and facilities teams, asbestos awareness training is the starting point.
Why Choosing the Correct Asbestos Training Matters
Choosing the correct asbestos training helps workers recognise risks, follow safe working procedures and meet legal responsibilities.
Across construction, refurbishment, maintenance and facilities management, asbestos remains one of the most serious workplace health risks in older buildings. Training gives workers the knowledge needed to identify possible asbestos-containing materials and take the right action before work begins.
At Sirius Online, asbestos awareness training is designed to provide practical workplace knowledge that can be applied on site, helping organisations improve compliance and reduce exposure risks.
Is Asbestos Training a Legal Requirement?
Yes. Employers have a legal duty to provide suitable asbestos training where employees may be exposed to asbestos during their work.
Under Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, workers must receive adequate information, instruction and training appropriate to their role and level of risk.
In practice, this means the type of training required depends on the work being undertaken. A maintenance engineer entering older buildings may require asbestos awareness training, while specialist asbestos contractors will require far more detailed licensed asbestos training.
- Unsafe work
- Accidental asbestos disturbance
- Greater exposure risk
- Enforcement action
- Site access problems
- Employer liability
How Often Should Asbestos Training Be Refreshed?
Asbestos training should be refreshed regularly, with annual refresher training widely used as best practice.
- A worker changes role
- Site procedures change
- Regulations or guidance change
- A worker has been away from relevant work for a long time
- There has been an asbestos incident or near miss
Why Choose Sirius Online for Asbestos Awareness Training?
Sirius Online provides flexible workplace training designed for construction, maintenance, property and facilities management professionals throughout the UK.
Industry-Focused Learning
Training content is built around situations commonly faced by tradespeople, contractors and maintenance teams working in buildings where asbestos-containing materials may be present.
Flexible Online Delivery
Learners can complete training at a time that suits them, reducing disruption to projects and day-to-day operations.
Immediate Certification
Upon successful completion, learners receive certification that can be retained as part of an organisation’s training records.
Supporting Workplace Compliance
Sirius Online supports employers by providing accessible asbestos awareness training that aligns with UK workplace health and safety responsibilities and helps organisations maintain training records across their workforce.
Expert Guidance on Workplace Asbestos Training
Asbestos training requirements can vary depending on job role, work activity and the type of asbestos-containing materials present.
Employers should always assess workplace risks and ensure workers receive training appropriate to their duties. Sirius Online supports organisations across construction, maintenance and property sectors with asbestos awareness training designed to improve knowledge, support compliance and promote safer working practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many asbestos training courses are there?
There are three main types: asbestos awareness training, non-licensed asbestos work training, and licensed asbestos work training.
What is the difference between asbestos awareness and asbestos removal training?
Asbestos awareness training helps workers recognise and avoid asbestos risks. Asbestos removal training is for workers who will carry out controlled asbestos removal tasks.
Can asbestos awareness training be completed online?
Yes, asbestos awareness training can often be completed online, provided it covers the required information and is suitable for the worker’s role.
Is online asbestos training recognised?
Online asbestos training can be recognised where it is suitable, relevant and helps employers meet their legal duty to provide adequate training.
Do employers have to provide asbestos training?
Yes. Employers must provide adequate information, instruction and training where workers may be exposed to asbestos at work.
How often should asbestos training be renewed?
Annual refresher training is widely used as best practice, although employers should assess training needs based on role, risk and work activity.
Who needs asbestos awareness training?
Workers who may encounter asbestos during their job need asbestos awareness training. This often includes electricians, plumbers, builders, decorators, joiners, maintenance staff and facilities teams.
Key Takeaways
- There are three main categories of asbestos training in the UK.
- The right course depends on whether a worker may encounter, disturb or remove asbestos.
- Employers have legal duties to provide suitable training.
- Refresher training helps maintain competence.
- Sirius Online offers online asbestos awareness training for construction, maintenance and property professionals.