Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe Campaign

UKATA members offering FREE asbestos awareness training as part of a national campaign.

Predominantly aimed at those who may not otherwise have previously known about, or received asbestos training, UKATA members have been taking part in Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe over the last two years by offering free asbestos training courses during September and October. 

“When it comes to dealing with asbestos, training in handling it safely is paramount, which makes the Expo the perfect platform to launch our Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign for 2016,” said Craig Evans, General manager of UKATA. “Asbestos remains the biggest single cause of work related deaths in the UK, so we still have a massive job on our hands to change perceptions of this hidden killer.”

In 2015, members of the Association involved in the Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign offered over 3500 hours free asbestos training, in an attempt to further raise the profile of the importance of the correct handling of asbestos and the 2016 campaign  will look to deliver a similar outcome.

“It is imperative that any tradesperson who may come across asbestos during the course of their work is aware of the legal requirement and furthermore knows how to protect themselves and those around them,” added Craig Evans. “Asbestos Awareness training is the absolute minimum requirement for anyone who may come into contact with the fibres although this level of training does not permit them to work with any forms of asbestos. Too few people are fully aware of the facts and UKATA seeks to change that.”

The facts on asbestos make for uncomfortable reading. For those tradespeople with a cavalier approach, asbestos is estimated to be present in some 25% of buildings, a figure that rises considerably in public buildings. Over 75% of school buildings still contain asbestos and more than 140 teachers have died from mesothelioma in the last ten years.

UKATA exists to set and verify standards and to emphasise the importance of best practice in training when it comes to the safe handling, removal and disposal of asbestos. Tasked by the HSE in 2008 for taking-on, managing and developing the list of training providers for licensed asbestos work in the UK, UKATA is now the leading authority in all levels of asbestos training in the UK. A full list of Training Providers can be found by visiting: www.ukata.org.uk/http://www.ukata.org.uk/training-provider-directory/. 

 

For further information on UKATA, visit www.ukata.org.uk or call 01246 824 437 where a member of the UKATA Team will be happy to speak with you.

[This editorial was brought to you by UKATA, partner of Contamination Expo]