Course Outline
Introduction to Asbestos
• What asbestos is
• Historical use of asbestos in Ireland
• Types of asbestos fibres
• Common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
• Why asbestos presents serious health risks
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
• How asbestos fibres enter the body
• Short-term and long-term health implications
• Asbestos-related diseases:
o Asbestosis
o Mesothelioma
o Lung cancer
o Pleural thickening
• Importance of preventing fibre release and exposure
Locations Where Asbestos May Be Found
Common Workplace Environments
• Industrial buildings
• Offices and commercial premises
• Schools and healthcare facilities
• Construction and maintenance environments
• Older residential buildings
Typical Asbestos-Containing Materials
• Insulation materials
• Ceiling and floor tiles
• Pipe lagging
• Cement products
• Textured coatings
• Roofing materials
Legal Responsibilities and Organisational Duties
• Employer responsibilities
• Employee responsibilities
• Duty to manage asbestos risks
• Importance of asbestos registers and surveys
• Risk assessment and safe systems of work
Identifying and Managing Asbestos Risks
• Recognising potential asbestos-containing materials
• Understanding warning labels and signage
• Avoiding accidental disturbance
• Reporting suspected asbestos materials
• Importance of competent asbestos contractors
Safe Working Practices
Preventing Exposure
• Avoiding drilling, cutting, or disturbing materials
• Safe isolation procedures
• Access restrictions and controlled areas
Emergency Procedures
• What to do if asbestos is accidentally disturbed
• Reporting procedures
• Evacuation and isolation considerations
Asbestos Awareness as an Ongoing Responsibility
• Supporting workplace safety culture
• Maintaining awareness during maintenance activities
• Communication between contractors and management
• Continuous risk awareness and reporting
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for individuals who may encounter asbestos-containing materials during their work activities, including:
• Maintenance Personnel
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Workers
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Engineers and Technicians
• Health & Safety Officers
• Site Supervisors
• Property and Building Managers
• Contractors and Subcontractors
• Operations and Maintenance Teams
No previous asbestos training is required.
Why This Training Is Important
Risk Reduction
Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release hazardous fibres that pose significant long-term health risks.
Legal Responsibility
Employers must ensure employees are informed about asbestos risks and safe working procedures where exposure may occur.
Workplace Safety
Awareness training helps employees recognise asbestos risks and avoid unsafe activities that could lead to exposure.
Compliance
Training supports organisational duties under Irish workplace health and safety legislation relating to hazardous substances and asbestos management.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
• Understand what asbestos is and why it is hazardous
• Recognise common asbestos-containing materials
• Identify environments where asbestos may be present
• Understand employer and employee responsibilities
• Apply safe working practices around suspected asbestos materials
• Respond appropriately if asbestos disturbance occurs
• Support organisational compliance and workplace safety awareness
Course Format & Delivery
Instructor-led training
Includes:
• Interactive discussion and case examples
• Workplace risk awareness scenarios
• Visual identification guidance
• Practical reporting and response procedures
Delivered:
• Onsite at client premises
The course focuses on awareness and prevention rather than licensed asbestos removal activities.
Irish Legislation Supported
This training supports employer obligations under:
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006
Irish legislation requires employers to:
• Assess asbestos-related risks
• Prevent employee exposure where reasonably practicable
• Provide information, instruction, and training
• Implement safe work procedures
• Maintain appropriate asbestos management arrangements
Why Choose Samson Training
Samson Training delivers professional workplace safety training focused on practical risk awareness and organisational responsibility.
Our approach emphasises:
• Real workplace asbestos awareness
• Practical hazard recognition
• Clear understanding of legal responsibilities
• Observation-led workplace safety discussions
• Consistent professional delivery
We position asbestos awareness as part of a broader organisational safety culture — not simply a compliance exercise.
FAQ's
Is Asbestos Awareness Training legally required in Ireland?
Where employees may encounter asbestos-containing materials during their work activities, employers must provide appropriate asbestos awareness information and training.
Does this course qualify participants to remove asbestos?
No. This course is awareness training only and does not qualify participants to undertake licensed asbestos removal work.
Who should attend Asbestos Awareness Training?
Anyone involved in maintenance, refurbishment, construction, inspection, or operational activities where asbestos-containing materials may be present.
What buildings are most likely to contain asbestos?
Buildings constructed or refurbished before asbestos bans were introduced may contain asbestos materials in insulation, ceilings, flooring, roofing, and pipework.
What should employees do if they suspect asbestos?
Employees should stop work immediately, avoid disturbing the material further, and report concerns in line with workplace procedures.
