CSCS Asbestos Awareness 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the legal requirement for asbestos awareness training for construction workers under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012?
- Training is only required for asbestos removal operatives
- All workers whose work could foreseeably disturb asbestos must receive asbestos awareness training before starting such work, including information on properties of asbestos, health effects, likely locations, and emergency procedures (Correct answer)
- Training is optional and at the employer's discretion
- Training is only required for workers over 25 years of age
Correct answer: All workers whose work could foreseeably disturb asbestos must receive asbestos awareness training before starting such work, including information on properties of asbestos, health effects, likely locations, and emergency procedures
Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that all employees whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos receive adequate asbestos awareness training. This includes construction workers, maintenance staff, electricians, plumbers, and any tradesperson working in buildings that may contain asbestos. Training must be repeated at regular intervals.
Question 2: What must be included in an asbestos management plan for a non-domestic building?
- Only the location of asbestos materials
- The location and condition of all known ACMs, a risk assessment for each, a monitoring programme, an action plan for management or removal, and information to be given to anyone who might disturb the materials (Correct answer)
- Just a statement that asbestos may be present
- The management plan is only required for buildings built before 1970
Correct answer: The location and condition of all known ACMs, a risk assessment for each, a monitoring programme, an action plan for management or removal, and information to be given to anyone who might disturb the materials
Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the asbestos management plan must include: a register of all known and presumed ACMs with their location and condition; a risk assessment for each; a monitoring programme to check condition over time; a prioritised action plan; procedures for communicating ACM information to contractors and occupants; and procedures for dealing with emergencies.
Question 3: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when carrying out licensed asbestos removal work?
- A standard dust mask and overalls
- Type 5 disposable coveralls (or decontaminated reusable suits), RPE with an assigned protection factor appropriate to the work (typically powered air-fed), and boot covers — all as specified in the plan of work (Correct answer)
- Normal work clothes with a hi-vis vest
- PPE is not required if the work is done quickly
Correct answer: Type 5 disposable coveralls (or decontaminated reusable suits), RPE with an assigned protection factor appropriate to the work (typically powered air-fed), and boot covers — all as specified in the plan of work
Licensed asbestos removal requires comprehensive PPE including Type 5/6 disposable coveralls (or decontaminated reusable suits), respiratory protective equipment (RPE) with an adequate assigned protection factor (typically full-face powered air-purifying or air-fed), and disposable boot covers. All RPE must be face-fit tested. The specific PPE requirements are detailed in the plan of work submitted to the HSE.
Question 4: What is the procedure for disposing of asbestos waste under UK regulations?
- It can be placed in normal skip waste
- Asbestos waste must be double-bagged in labelled red asbestos waste bags or wrapped in polythene, transported by a licensed carrier, and disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste site with a consignment note (Correct answer)
- It can be burned on site
- It can be buried in the site excavations
Correct answer: Asbestos waste must be double-bagged in labelled red asbestos waste bags or wrapped in polythene, transported by a licensed carrier, and disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste site with a consignment note
Under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos waste must be double-bagged in labelled red-striped asbestos waste bags (or wrapped in 1000-gauge polythene for larger items), transported by an Environment Agency registered waste carrier, accompanied by a hazardous waste consignment note, and disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste landfill site.
Question 5: What is an asbestos enclosure and when is it required during removal work?
- An enclosure is a storage container for asbestos tools
- A sealed, air-tight enclosure with negative pressure ventilation is required around the work area during licensed asbestos removal to prevent fibre release into the surrounding environment (Correct answer)
- An enclosure is only required outdoors
- Enclosures are optional and only used for convenience
Correct answer: A sealed, air-tight enclosure with negative pressure ventilation is required around the work area during licensed asbestos removal to prevent fibre release into the surrounding environment
During licensed asbestos removal, a full enclosure must be constructed around the work area. This enclosure must be air-tight, fitted with negative pressure units (NPUs) that filter exhaust air through HEPA filters, and include a three-stage decontamination unit (dirty end, shower, clean end). Smoke testing verifies the enclosure's integrity. This is required under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Question 6: How often must asbestos-containing materials that are being managed in situ (left in place) be re-inspected?
- They never need re-inspection once identified
- At regular intervals as determined by the management plan — typically at least annually, and more frequently if the ACM is in a location where it may be disturbed (Correct answer)
- Only when a complaint is received
- Every 10 years is sufficient
Correct answer: At regular intervals as determined by the management plan — typically at least annually, and more frequently if the ACM is in a location where it may be disturbed
ACMs managed in situ must be regularly re-inspected to check their condition has not deteriorated. The frequency depends on the material type, condition, and likelihood of disturbance, but is typically at least annually. High-risk materials in busy areas may require more frequent checks. This is a requirement of the duty to manage under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
CSCS Asbestos Awareness 3
What is the legal requirement for asbestos awareness training for construction workers under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012?