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This course follows United Kingdom law only.

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HygieneReady

Asbestos Awareness: syllabus

United Kingdom version. Last updated 31 October 2026.

3 online modules, each with a real-life scenario and a short quiz, then a final test of 15 questions. Pass with 11 correct answers in 20 minutes. Refresher training is recommended every year.

  1. Module 1. What asbestos is and why it is dangerous

    Asbestos is still the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain. It was widely used in buildings until 1999, and it is still present in many of them today.

    What you will learn

    • Explain what asbestos is and the main types.
    • Describe the diseases asbestos causes.
    • Explain who is most at risk.

    Key points

    • Asbestos was used widely until 1999; any building built or refurbished before 2000 may contain it.
    • All types are dangerous; colour does not tell you the type.
    • Disturbed asbestos releases invisible fibres that can cause cancer and lung disease decades later.
    • Trades and maintenance workers are most at risk.

    Based on: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (regulations 4 and 10); Control of Asbestos Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012; Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; HSE guidance (L143 and the Asbestos essentials series).

  2. Module 2. Where asbestos is found

    Asbestos was used in hundreds of products. Knowing where it is likely to be helps you stop before you disturb it.

    What you will learn

    • Name common asbestos-containing materials and where they are found.
    • Explain the asbestos register and survey.
    • Recognise when to suspect asbestos.

    Key points

    • Asbestos can be in sprayed coatings, lagging, insulating board, textured coatings, floor tiles, cement products and more.
    • Duty holders of non-domestic premises must manage asbestos and keep a register.
    • Always check the asbestos register before work that could disturb the building.
    • If in doubt, presume it is asbestos.

    Based on: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (regulations 4 and 10); Control of Asbestos Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012; Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; HSE guidance (L143 and the Asbestos essentials series).

  3. Module 3. What to do if you find or disturb asbestos

    Asbestos awareness training is about avoiding asbestos, not working with it. If you find suspected asbestos, the right response is to stop.

    What you will learn

    • Follow the emergency procedure if you find or disturb suspected asbestos.
    • Explain the difference between licensed, notifiable and non-licensed work.
    • Explain what this awareness training does and does not allow.

    Key points

    • Found suspected asbestos: stop, do not disturb, keep others away, report.
    • Disturbed it: stop, leave, close off, do not sweep or vacuum, report.
    • Awareness training does not qualify you to work with asbestos.
    • Employers must give awareness training to anyone liable to disturb asbestos, with yearly refreshers recommended.

    Based on: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (regulations 4 and 10); Control of Asbestos Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012; Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; HSE guidance (L143 and the Asbestos essentials series).

HygieneReady certificates confirm completion of training. They are not a regulated qualification. Definitions of the key terms are in the glossary.