Asbestos is a highly hazardous material, once commonly used in buildings but now banned across Australia. Its durability and resistance to heat made it popular in construction, but it poses a dreadful risk to human and animal health as well as the environment.
Asbestos training courses are vital for individuals working in industries where asbestos exposure might occur. This specialised training equips workers with the knowledge to safely identify, manage, and remove asbestos-containing materials.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals known for their fibrous composition and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. Despite these benefits, asbestos fibres are extremely dangerous when airborne. When inhaled, these fibres can become lodged in the lungs, leading to painful, debilitating diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
The risk is not only to humans but also to animals that may be exposed to asbestos-contaminated environments. For these reasons, asbestos has been banned in many countries, including Australia.
Which Industries Require Asbestos Training?
A variety of industries in Australia require asbestos training due to the prevalence of asbestos in older buildings.
Construction and demolition workers, plumbers, electricians, and maintenance personnel are among those who may encounter asbestos in their daily work.
Additionally, those in waste management, fire restoration, and industrial cleaning sectors need this training.
Asbestos can be present in a wide range of building materials, including insulation, flooring, and roofing, making it a potential hazard in many older structures across Australia.
Asbestos training is essential to ensure workers know how to handle asbestos safely, from identifying it to removing it and disposing of it according to regulations.
How Much Asbestos Is In Australia?
Despite the ban on asbestos in Australia since 2003, an estimated one-third of all homes built before 1990 contain asbestos materials. In commercial and industrial buildings, the presence of asbestos can still be found in roofing, insulation and other construction materials.
Is The Training Relevant Today?
With asbestos still prevalent in many older buildings, asbestos training courses remain essential for ensuring safety in homes, offices, factories, and more. Workers across various industries, from construction to waste management, must be equipped with the skills to manage asbestos safely.
Book an Asbestos Training Course to boost your CV today!