Asbestos Awareness Training

Have you completed the accredited asbestos awareness training course through an approved training provider?

WorkSafe ACT Inspectors continue to identify workers who have completed asbestos awareness training, however, the course they have completed was not the mandatory accredited course delivered by an approved provider.

During a recent workplace inspection, workers in the building industry provided Inspectors with ‘asbestos awareness cards’ that did not meet the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 section 445 - Duty to train workers about asbestos awareness.

The workers told Inspectors that they completed their training online and received their asbestos awareness cards. However, the training providers used were not approved to deliver the accredited course 11084NAT - Course in asbestos awareness.

This is not an isolated incident for WorkSafe ACT Inspectors. When workers are being enrolled for asbestos awareness training, the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure that the training provider is approved to deliver it.

What is the right training for asbestos awareness?

Asbestos awareness training undertaken prior to 1 January 2008 does not meet the requirements of the WHS laws, and workers must be retrained by an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

A full list of approved RTOs can be found on the asbestos awareness training webpage.

If you or your workers completed asbestos awareness training prior to 19 August 2022 you can check if your training provider was an approved RTO.

What will an Inspector check for on site?

A WorkSafe ACT Inspector may ask to see training records. The Inspector may also request a worker show them their asbestos card or certificate of attainment.

If you don’t have it on you, you will need to provide it or evidence of completion of the course within a reasonable time. If you need to get a new card or certificate, you can contact the RTO who delivered your course.

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