Asbestos Online
16 October 2008
A new e-learning programme has been launched to help build awareness to the dangers of asbestos and how to manage exposure.
Natas have launched the Asbestos Awareness E-Learning, a new online asbestos awareness training system. The service, designed to address asbestos health and safety, aims to provide high quality, standardised training that complies with legislative guidelines and in particular, makes workers aware of the dangers of working with asbestos.
The rock fibre, asbestos was commonly used for fire proofing and insulation in buildings from the 1950’s to the 1980’s and tend to be found in ceilings, floors, textured coatings, floor tiles and textiles as well as cement products. Asbestos fibres are safe unless airborne, which occurs when materials are damaged and the risk is higher in older buildings.
Natas have made the online training system cost efficient and versatile in order to encourage people who perform jobs that carry a risk of contamination to be informed and put their own safety first.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/) Asbestos is “The greatest single cause of work-related deaths in the UK” and is responsible for around 4000 deaths a year. The dangerous and often fatal side effects from long term, excessive exposure to asbestos are lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammation of the parenchymal tissue of the lungs and results in extreme shortness of breath which can cause respiratory failure. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that forms malignant cells in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs and principally attacks the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos exposure related diseases do not tend to affect people immediately but surface later on in life therefore precautionary measures are crucial. It was only until 1954 that asbestos fibres were banned from the filters of cigarettes. In accordance with the HSE regulations, ‘Respiratory protective equipment is an important part of the control regime but it must not be the sole measure used to reduce exposure and should only be used to supplement other measures.’
Natas Group Ltd is a nationally respected asbestos consultancy. As a UKAS accredited organisation, it offers a full portfolio of asbestos management services including asbestos surveyors, analysts, consultants and laboratory personnel. The new training system provides a 24/7 training facility which allows you to train at your own pace, whenever and wherever necessary, eliminating the costly travel, accommodation and trainer expense.
Single and multiple licenses are available, with a facility to monitor candidate’s progress, and - subject to successful completion of an assessment - candidates will be issued with an Asbestos Awareness certificate.
The online training program does not require any pre-qualifications and on average should take between 4 hours and a day to complete. The cost of the course is subject to the individual upon application. The system is also available in a multi-lingual option and can be supplied create bespoke health & safety system. An online FAQ element is available for candidates to access; alternatively, candidates can contact the Natas helpline 0870 751 1880.
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 08/06/2009 - The return of the Asbestos Challenge 2009 review
- 14/11/2008 - Is the Asbestos Industry Ready for e-Learning?
- 04/11/2008 - Asbestos Awareness e-learning platform launched.
