Posted By Ben Dickens We are a large construction company, and are currently looking for a suitable asbestos awareness course for our managers. As well as an awareness of what asbestos is where it is found and the dangers etc, we need a course that will include information for our managers so they know that when an asbestos removal contractor is on site, they are following the correct procedures and methods, e.g construction and air test of an enclosure. Rather than assume that because they are licensed they are doing it correctly. Is anybody aware of some suitable providers?

Posted By Robert K Lewis Ben Drop me an email as I can assist with this Bob

Posted By Bruce Sutherland Hi Please make sure that whoever replies has the necessary practical experience to deliver the training - the emphasis in CAR is on competence - usual mix of theory and practical - the Asbestos Training Providers Working Group suggest that 3 years of working with asbestos is likely to give this. There are not that many trainers who can fulfill this. Cheers Bruce

Posted By DAVID WRIDE My company sent myself and 11 others on a 4 day asbestos p405 course - it seems we all failed the new, tougher, practical exam. Does anybody have any information on pass rates for the practical exam. We are not sure wether the training is inadequate, or the new pass rate is very challenging. Thanks

Posted By Robert K Lewis Just picking up on Dave Ws comment, I would be concerned at a training company taking people on to training courses that are clearly not aligned to the work and business needs of the delegate. It can disrupt course learning and lead to a great deal of misunderstanding. The various requirements for training under CAR 2006 are clearly differentiated but the edges are occasionally blurred by trainers overselling what is offered. The simple awareness programmes are fairly straightforward and I find them relatively easy to tailor to meet the needs of various organisations. When one enters the realms of deliberately setting out to do removal work then the training is far more rigorous. In the case of a contractor supervising the work of a licensed contractor the awareness course can be adapted to meet these needs. In essence then I am becoming worried that courses are being sold that can be far too detailed for the needs of most employers and operatives. The end game is that employers will see the whole business as far too costly to achieve and therefore take a risk on not being caught. I still meet some who think that they can break down a 20 day job into one hour mini-projects and thus class it as short duration work exempt from the licensing requirements etc. The training is desperately needed across all areas of business so let us hope that trainers will see the sense of making sure the right course is delivered to the right people at the right time, if I may modify a recent HSE phrase. Bob

Posted By Bruce Sutherland to reiterate - HSE have a register of asbestos training providers on their web site - if you are looking for practical training then it would seem sensible to use a company who has been recognised by HSE. Many of you will appreciate just how much pain we have been through to get this far - it would be appreciated if IOSH members supported this. In order to be on the list you have to have external audits and competent trainers. The latter have to have had 3 years practical experience of working with asbestos - yes it does rule out some IOSH members who would not qualify, but surely this is to be applauded as it means that the training is given by people who have experience. Regards Bruce

Posted By Phil Pinnington I would recommend that you don't go for the BOHS P405. I went on the course with the understanding it was for managing asbestos in buildings only to find it went from identifying, through to disposal and every stop in between. If you want to know the exact measuring method to identify the concentration then this course is for you. If you only want to understand the basic concept then steer away from this course. BOHS still ask questions on the 1994 CDM Regs, how useless is that.