Asbestos Awareness
Online Training Module
OBR Construction — Mandatory Health & Safety Module
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Asbestos is the single largest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, killing around 5,000 workers every year — more than road accidents. As a construction worker, you are in one of the highest-risk groups.
This training satisfies the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the HSE's duty to provide awareness training to anyone who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during their work.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s until it was fully banned in the UK in 1999. It was valued for its strength, fire resistance, and insulating properties.
There are three main types of asbestos encountered in construction:
Most hazardous type. Used in spray coatings, pipe insulation, and cement products. Fine, needle-like fibres that penetrate deeply into lung tissue.
Second most hazardous. Commonly found in insulation boards, ceiling tiles, and thermal pipe insulation. Straight brittle fibres.
Most commonly used type. Found in roofing, floor tiles, textured coatings (Artex), gaskets, and corrugated sheeting. Curly fibres but still dangerous.
All three types are classified as Group 1 human carcinogens. Asbestos fibres are microscopic — invisible to the naked eye — and cannot be smelled or tasted.
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found throughout buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000. As a construction worker, you must assume asbestos may be present until proven otherwise.
Common locations include:
The condition and location of the material matters. ACMs that are undisturbed and in good condition pose a low risk. Risk increases significantly when materials are damaged, deteriorating, or disturbed during work.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, microscopic fibres are released into the air. These fibres can be inhaled and become permanently lodged in the lungs. The damage can take 15 to 60 years to manifest as disease — meaning workers exposed today may not develop symptoms until decades later.
Asbestos-related diseases include:
A cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Almost always caused by asbestos exposure. Invariably fatal, usually within 12–18 months of diagnosis. Around 2,700 people die from it every year in the UK.
Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer similar to that caused by smoking. The risk is multiplied significantly in smokers who have also been exposed to asbestos.
Scarring of the lung tissue caused by inhaling large amounts of asbestos fibres over time. Causes progressive breathlessness and has no cure. Associated with heavy occupational exposure.
Swelling and scarring of the pleura (lung lining) that can cause breathlessness. Does not always cause serious disability but indicates significant past exposure.
Asbestos is the most heavily regulated hazardous material in the UK construction industry. The primary legislation is the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), which implements EU Directive 2009/148/EC.
Key duties under CAR 2012:
If you think you may have found or disturbed asbestos-containing material during your work, follow this procedure immediately:
Answer all 10 questions. You must score 75% or above (8/10) to pass and receive your certificate. Read each question carefully before selecting your answer.