Asbestos Training Update

Background

Ireland is currently preparing national legislation to implement Directive (EU) 2023/2668. The new Asbestos Directive (EU) 2023/2668 is due to be transposed into national law by December 21, 2025. Until the new law is enacted, existing Irish regulations (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 and 2010) remain in force.

This new EU Directive 2023/2668 is part of broader EU efforts to reduce occupational cancer and ensure safety during work activities. [BM1] The Directive includes enhanced requirements for training. Overall, the Directive specifies the contents for mandatory training for workers at risk of exposure to ACMs. Together with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the following training is mandated:

1. Asbestos awareness training for all employees who may need to be aware of suspected asbestos material that may be damaged or disturbed during their work.
2. Specific training for workers who are, or who are likely to be, exposed to dust from asbestos or materials containing asbestos including training regarding the use of equipment and machines.

In order to ensure minimum requirements for high-quality training, an annex to Directive 2009/148/EC provides for minimum training requirements, including specific requirements, for workers in specialised asbestos removal undertakings.

This document provides a short update for employers on their responsibilities in relation to the provision of training in relation to current legislation and the new Asbestos Directive. The information on training provided below is subject to change. However, please bear this in mind in relation to the specification of future training policy, worker training needs assessment and worker training planning.

Asbestos Awareness Training

Asbestos awareness training must be provided for all employees who may need to be aware of suspected asbestos material that may be damaged or disturbedduring their work. This includes workers not directly handling asbestos but likely to encounter it in maintenance, renovation, or other work where materials[BM2]  containing asbestos could be present For example, this includes (non-exhaustive list) architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, IT infrastructure etc. Completion of an awareness course will help learners to improve their awareness of ACMs and how to protect themselves and others. However, it does not in any way allow individuals to work with ACMs.

Training for Workers Working with Asbestos Containing Material

Workers who are, or who are likely to be, exposed to dust from asbestos or materials containing asbestos shall receive additional mandatory training beyond basic awareness training. These include workers who intentionally disturb, remove, or work on ACMs (for example, asbestos removal workers). This training shall enable them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in terms of prevention and safety.

The employer is required to develop a training policy and plan which is appropriate to the nature of the work. The training shall be adapted as closely as possible to the characteristics of the profession of the workers and the specific tasks and working methods of that profession. A training needs assessment should be undertaken and documented to identify the specific training needs.

Training must be provided

• at the start of an employment relationship,
• during supervised on the job training covering all aspects
• whenever additional training needs are identified for example new equipment, new technology, new procedures, new legislation, significant changes in the type of work carried out or methods of work used by the employer
• at regular intervals not exceeding 2 years (that is, refresher training)

Training content should be “easily understandable” for workers. Training must be provided in a form, manner and language likely to be understood by the employee/worker.

The Directive does not specify the numbers of hours of training required. The training depends on the work to be undertaken. [BM3] We would expect training to take at least 3 days not including on the job training. As such, the length and depth of the training shall be adequate in relation to the tasks and risk exposures of the workers concerned. Overall, it must be of sufficient duration to provide relevant theory, practical training and assessment. The classroom-based days do not need to be consecutive.

Supervised on the job training must be provided in addition to classroom-based training. The details of this must be recorded in the training plan.

All training shall be provided by a competent person.

• The trainer should have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to be a trainer.
• The trainer should have adequate personal practical experience in the asbestos sector, theoretical knowledge of all relevant aspects of the work and the ability to deliver effective training courses
• Training (other than on the job) must be carried out by a competent independent trainer.

Workers require theoretical and practical training concerning the following mandatory content areas/topics:

1. relevant occupational Irish safety and health legislation;
2. the properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including the synergistic effect of smoking;
3. the types of products or material likely to contain asbestos;
4. the operations that could result in exposure to asbestos and the importance of preventive controls to minimise such exposure;
5. safe working practices, controls /control measures and protective equipment;
6. the hygiene requirements necessary, including the need to refrain from smoking, vaping eating or drinking where there is a risk of exposure to asbestos-containing dust
7. the use of technological equipment and machines to contain the release and spread of asbestos fibres during work processes
8. the existence and meaning of the established exposure limit value / the occupational exposure limit and the need for atmospheric(background) and personal monitoring;
9. the appropriate role, choice, selection, limitations and proper use of protective equipment, with particular regard to respiratory equipment;
10. the special precautions to be taken to avoid or minimise risks associated with exposure to asbestos-containing dust, including the need to wear protective clothing and the need to use protective equipment;
11. emergency procedures;
12. decontamination procedures for personnel and equipment.
13. waste disposal procedures;
14. medical surveillance requirements.

Every worker who has attended training in a satisfactory manner shall receive a training certificate indicating the following:

• the date, the duration, the content and language of the training;
• the name, qualification, and contact details of the instructor, or the institution providing the training, or both.

On the Job training must be provided in a manner appropriate to the nature and degree of exposure identified by the risk assessment, and so that the employees are aware of and understand

• the significant findings of the risk assessment, and
• the results of any air monitoring carried out with an explanation of the findings.

Every employer shall take account of any relevant guidelines published by the European Union (EU) when providing training for his or her employees engaged in work with asbestos or materials containing asbestos (ACMs).

Employers must maintain specific records relating to the training given to individual employees.

Further Information

For further information about asbestos regulations, please see the HSA website: Asbestos - HSA Website