Clarification of the UKATA Syllabus for Non-Licensable Work With Asbestos Including NNLW

11 August 2014

MEMORANDUM TO ALL MEMBERS:

CLARIFICATION OF THE UKATA SYLLABUS FOR NON-LICENSED INCLUDING NNLW

Since the reintroduction of the Non Licensed Syllabus on the 31st July, 2014 a few members have queried the detail set within and rather than reply to individuals it seems sensible to respond to all members collectively.

It seems that there are two issues raised by several members which require clarification:

• The additional ½ day required to complete this course?

• The requirement for asbestos awareness training to have been delivered within 6 months prior to the non-licensed part of the training, thus reducing it to 1 day in duration?

Basically the syllabus breaks the non-licensable course into three separate areas for training, these being.

1. UKATA Asbestos Awareness
2. Non-Licensable training (Theory)
3. Practical

The issue that UKATA was faced with was the lack of practical training that was being offered to the delegates and the rushing of the core theory modules. If we take the asbestos awareness element in accordance with the UKATA syllabus, the duration is 3-4 hours which would leave between 2-3 hours to allow the tutor to deliver both the theory and practical elements. UKATA consider this is insufficient time to ensure the delegates understand the correct measures to be applied when working with asbestos, albeit non-licensable work activities.

Although the syllabus states that a delegate should have received UKATA asbestos awareness within the 6 months prior to the course, the training provider may use their discretion when assessing the delegates asbestos awareness knowledge. For example if a delegate arrived with no previous asbestos awareness training the course duration would be 1½ days. If the delegate has proof that training had been delivered albeit outside of the 6 months stated, (eg 12 – 18 months), then a TNA should be undertaken to assess their awareness knowledge.

If appropriate the delegate could then undertake a refresher of a lesser duration (for instance 2 hours), thus allowing the course to be offered to clients who meet this requirement in one day, albeit extended to approximately 8 hours. UK Asbestos Training Association Ltd. Unit 7, Markham Vale Environment Centre, Markham Lane, Markham Vale, Chesterfield, S44 5HY T: 01246 824437 | F: 01246 828541 | E: info@ukata.org.uk Registered Office: Unit 7, Markham Vale Environment Centre, Markham Lane, Markham Vale, Chesterfield, S44 5HY Company number 06462721 | ICO Reg. No. Z125 3123 DN/CE/GL.06.08.14

UKATA has set the approximate times for each of the three areas by referring to the HSG 247 which states one days training is 6 hours. If a member chooses to extend their definition of one day to 7 or 8 hours (allowing sufficient break times) this shall be at the complete discretion of the training provider. If the preferred option is to complete the course within these extended timescales the member must make the definition clear to delegates prior to training.

UKATA has previously worked tirelessly to set the standards required for asbestos training for both Category C and Category A. Since the inception of UKATA the Board has been aware that a syllabus for Non-Licensed training has been lacking and believes that to maintain the very high standards set by their members the Category B syllabus is the minimum requirement to meet standards as laid down in CAR 2012, L143 paragraph 243 (Theory) and 244 (Practical).

As a professional asbestos training provider you will be qualified to assess the needs of the clients, advising them on the most appropriate training course to meet their training needs.

I trust this clarifies the situation and as a UKATA Professional Member you will undoubtedly wish to uphold the consistently high standards of training UKATA is recognised for.

Kind Regards,

Chair of Membership Sub-Committee

UK Asbestos Training Association Ltd

NB: A table is presented below for ease of reference

UKATA SYLLABUS FOR NON-LICENSED INCLUDING NNLW