Clydebank event to boost training to help apprentice tradespeople tackle hidden killer

Date:

12 February 2012

Release No:

SCO/007/12

Apprentice tradespeople across Clydebank are set to benefit from a new e-learning package to help them better understand the risks from asbestos.

Those who train apprentices are being offered the opportunity to find out how they can use the interactive resource at a free event at Clydebank College, Queens Quay Campus, Clydebank on Wednesday, 6 March, 1-4.30pm.

The event has been organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in partnership with Clydebank College, the Federation of Master Builders and the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives.

It will equip lecturers and training providers with information about the "Introduction to Asbestos Training Package", developed by HSE, that includes a lesson plan, power point presentation including notes for lecturers, task sheets and posters so that they can build it into training for their apprentices.

HSE Principal Inspector Archie Mitchell said:

"This event continues HSE's drive to tackle ignorance about Britain's biggest industrial killer.

"Many young tradespeople believe that, because asbestos is no longer used in buildings, it's no longer a threat to them. But that simply isn't true. The material was widely used in domestic, commercial and industrial premises. Such buildings contain asbestos materials now and will continue to do so for many years into the future."

"I want to encourage those involved in training our workers of the future to join us to ensure they are aware of this new package to help get this important message across."

Approximately 4,000 people across Great Britain die each year due to asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos can be found in many buildings built or refurbished before 2000, the group of workers now most at risk is the 1.8 million tradespeople who routinely disturb the fabric of buildings during their work.

The "Introduction to Asbestos" learning package is available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/learning-package/index.htm

Places are still available to attend this event, although bookings are made on a first come first served basis. For more information and to reserve a place please contact Linda Aitken by email at Linda.aitken@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to prevent death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. http://www.hse.gov.uk/
2. Asbestos can be found in many buildings built or refurbished before 2000 but it only becomes dangerous when it is broken up and fibres are released into the air. More information on managing asbestos safely is available at: www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos

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