Please note - this event will be held both online and in person. The session will still be run by Alannah, but to minimise contact, please only come along to this event in person if you have to have in person training.

The online session will be facilitated through Google Meet and attendees will be able to hear the tutor and contribute throughout the session as if they were in the boardroom!

This 6 module course is designed to provide anyone whose work could expose them to asbestos, or working on projects that may involve asbestos, with sufficient knowledge to avoid putting themselves or others at risk. Course Content

Background - what is asbestos & history

An overview of the history of asbestos and why we are at the point we are now. We will put into context the way the industry has evolved over the years and discuss the different types of regulated asbestos fibres and their key properties. This will set the context for why we find asbestos where to do in New Zealand.

Health risks

The health risks of working in a country where asbestos containing materials were used prevalently is why we need to be asbestos aware. This module will highlight the health issues we know come from asbestos exposure. We will also discuss latency periods for asbestos related diseases and additional risk factors.

Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and where to find them

We will explore the common ACMs you are likely to come across in domestic and commercial properties. This will be a visual section for the most part to aid identification of suspect materials when working. Feedback on the kinds of work you do prior to the course will help make this section more relevant to your work.

Work involving asbestos & the law

General and specific duties the law requires regarding the risk asbestos can pose. We will talk about guidance and other documents which assist in the management of asbestos risk. In particular, the purpose of asbestos surveys and asbestos management plans and the information they should contain.

Risk Management

Look at what control measures we can put in place to reduce the risk of asbestos fibre release. We will also discuss the types of respiratory and personal protective equipment that are to be used when working around or with asbestos and how to use it.

Emergency procedures

What constitutes an asbestos emergency and the general procedures to be followed for if a suspect material is discovered or there is an accidental release of fibres and accidental damage of ACMs.