I would be of the opinion that you attend formal training in addition to what you have described due to the nature of the risks, control measures and contingency. Unless you are formally trained or have significant detailed experience in a specific area you should not be training others in it. Look at it this way, you will learn and take something from it even if you think you know all there is to know about asbestos. Additionally you will probably pick up new techniques, controls or equipment that you weren't otherwise exposed to and no-one will be able to question your expertise on the subject.

Hi Dunn, there are asbestos training organisations who might be able to help. Try the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association or the Independent Asbestos Training Providers - they might be able to give you advice on what qualifications / experience a trainer should have. Failing that, prepare your own material using the headings from Reg 10 of the asbestos regulations which specifies what information should be included in an asbestos awareness course. A

The company that I work for has just applied to UKATA for accredited to deliver asbestos awareness training. Although I was not involved in the application process I believe to gain the accreditation the two nominated people on the application form had to have the minimum P402 and 3 years practical experience of working in the surveying industry.

Bob - practical experience of the work and work environment is not a problem. Its the practical experience in terms of asbestos. I don't intend to sell myself as a asbestos trainer, more in-house awareness training i.e. what to do if you suspect, how to report etc.

Dunn, Have you ever smoked AIB, or sprinkled old lagging on your Christmas tree like snow? I'm struggling to see exactly what 'experience' would be required to make you competent to discuss an emergency procedure with your colleagues. A

There are alot of developments with IATP so please keep a look on the web site.

I'm with Alex and Frank. Delivering Asbestos Awareness Training does not require experience of working with asbestos (and if you read the UKTA guidelines it says that for asbestos awareness training you need H&S or asbestos experience). As long as the trainer themselves knows about asbestos, has H&S experience and preferably a training qualification, then that should suffice. I have never worked with asbestos but I do provide asbestos awareness training for clients. I have been trained myself in asbestos awareness (by the HSE and in my post grad) and I put together my training presentation based on the UKTA guidelines for content of asbestos awareness training. It took me a very long time to put the presentation together to make sure it was comprehensive enough....and no, no one can have it as it took a lot of work for me to put it together and I charge for my services!! ;-)