Employer training obligations
Businesses, employers and other PCBUs have a general duty to provide information, training and instructions to their workers. Asbestos removal work has specific training and licensing requirements.
If you are an employer or business (or other PCBU) who carries out removal work (or may have contact with asbestos), you must ensure that you and you workers complete asbestos awareness training.
If loose fill asbestos insulation or naturally occurring asbestos is likely to be found at a workplace, you must provide training in how to identify and manage the associated risks and hazards.
You must keep training records while the worker is carrying out the work and for five years after the worker finished. Training records must be readily accessible at the asbestos removal area.
Asbestos awareness training (less than 10sqm non-friable asbestos removal)
Less than 10sqm of non-friable asbestos removal
Asbestos awareness training must be provided to workers who are who are carrying out non-friable asbestos removal work of less than 10m2 and/or workers who are at risk of being exposed to asbestos while on the job, for example, electricians, plumbers, bathroom and kitchen renovators.
The training must be relevant to the task and must cover:
- asbestos identification
- safe handling of asbestos
- suitable control measures.
Completion of SafeWork NSW's online Asbestos Awareness and Safety Course will satisfy employer's legal obligation to provide asbestos awareness training to workers who are likely to encounter asbestos on the job.