Current asbestos awareness training is delivered by our company Health and Safety Officer using the HSE software training package. However, a local company, which our company uses to identify type of asbestos from samples we provide to them for analysis, appears to be 'touting for business' and is attempting to undermine the credibility and 'validity' of our in-house training stating "asbestos awareness training must be carried out by a UKAS approved training provider" (which they just happen to be) . Surely this cannot be true ? We have 40 installers to keep updated so there are quite high cost implications potentially involved here if we have to use such an approved provider every year. Can't see anything in regs or acops reference this......I am getting involved where I shouldn't but have the opinion that our current in-house training is acceptable......do you think like I do that the local company are scaremongering and touting for business??????

I have not seen anything to state this but the HSE are running free courses across the country if you look at their website

I read somewhere that:- Competence of those providing the training All training should be provided by someone who is competent to do so. The individual must have adequate personal practical experience and someone who has the theoretical knowledge of all relevant aspects of the work to be carried out by the employer. In my view if you want the certificate to have bells attached then go to someone with the ukas but there is a e-learning on-line so if they can do it then i reacon your H&S PERSON ALSO CAN what happens if you need to ask the computer a question.it is much better to come from someone with as above.Not all H&S persons will but if you can show that you have as stated above then go for it and save the company some money. In house training is great as it would be specific to the task/activities you do

I think the posts above have covered it with the points.... UKATA is the asbestos training accreditation provider and does it make the training worthwhile still, it depends on who the trainer is and how their style would fit in with your company. I do know a few companies who had this accrediation and decided not to renew for cost cutting purposes. Can a HSE person deliver training, of course they can if they are competent and understand what they are stating. Asbestos Awareness varies depending on what the people you are teaching require. I have delivered this training in the past after sitting BOHS courses and working with asbestos contractors, I could ensure that not only did the training meet the HSE requriements but that to make it easier I could communicate it against company policies and procedures so staff knew exactly what was required. Regards Karel