We have just been informed by our facilities department that ALL contractors who maybe undertaking any work in our premises must have completed an Absbestos awareness training, course. Then to undertake any work they must have also completed the Non Licenced work/removal training (category 2). They should be registered with UKATA and produce a certificate before we can allow them to undertake any work.......Good news for a Friday ?

Depending on the circumstances, it might be reasonable to require this of the window cleaners. (Ladders v asbestos soffits?). Asking for UKATA "registration" is IMHO somewhat spurious and anti-competitive and will tend to compound the erroneous practice of refreshing CAR Reg 10 awareness by regurgitation of the initial course. The time to explore these competency issues is at tender and contract review, not at the job start up.

One cannot work in a "premise", only in premises. The word "premises" in the context you intend is a legal term, and is always used in the plural (although abuse is all too frequent). A premise is proposition upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn. Pet hate. Nothing personal. Confirmed Pedant. Rant over.

That would be "You're slipping" Bob. ;-)

Excillant pist aboot "Absbestos" hipe da originol queshtion his bean answerred. Tank Dog fir spellcheek!

Ronaldo The OP does demonstrate however how even now asbestos control is not fully understood and that means more people will still die because bits of paper do not stop the dust. Bob

I'll try and avoid the smarty pants attitude employed by others. It sounds like your facilities people are at least switched on to asbestos related matters. If they are insiting on all contractors being asbestos awareness trained they may well have justification in the asbestos register(s) and the priority assessments contained therein. I agree that asbestos controls and management are not fully understood. And that is before the new CAR2012 come into my mind. Yes, yes, I know there are apostrophes missing and that. This isn't Radio 4. Is it?

Well it all got a bit Friday afternoon there for a while guys.... Lets see if I can distil this down to a few simple statements. The CAR 2012 regs (reg 10) require that anyone who is likely to be exposed to asbestos is given appropriate training. In practical terms that means awareness or level 1 training for a building contractor who may disturb asbestos if he cannot recognise it. UKATA is the industry body, so if the certificate has their name on it, chances are the training was of a reasonable standard. It is not a legal requirement though. Level 2 training is required for non-licensed work with asbestos, such as asbestos cement. Level 3 is for licensed removal contractors. SO, essentially your facilities people are correct, Thundercliffe, provided they mean level 2 to work with asbestos and that by "contractors" they mean mean builders and electricians and the like. As has been noted, the drinks dispenser refill boy is unlikely to be exposed to asbestos and so does not need the training. Personally, I think everyone on the planet ought to be at least aware of the hazard posed by asbestos and at least be aware of what not to do with the damn stuff.

MEden380 this is a discussion forum a little gentle banter goes a long way, if you don’t like the heat!

It appears they have, Ray? http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2009/coiwm43409.htm

Well spotted Ron!