Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: what it requires

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set the duty to manage asbestos in non domestic premises. They also cover the information, instruction and training for anyone whose work could expose them to it.

What it actually says

The regulation requires that “Every employer must ensure that any employee employed by that employer is given adequate information, instruction and training”

Regulation 10(1), Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, on legislation.gov.ukIt then applies that to any employee who is or may be exposed to asbestos, and to anyone who supervises them, covering the properties and effects of asbestos, the products likely to contain it, safe work practices, protective equipment and emergency procedures.Quoted to the end of the opening words; the caption says what the provision goes on to require.

Statutory InstrumentApplies to: Employers whose staff are or are liable to be exposed to asbestos, and those who supervise them.

Courses that cover the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

These 2 ProCompliance courses name this law as their governing framework. They are the training this law asks for. Each course page states its own accreditation.

Asbestos Awareness TrainingIATP audited and endorsedEmployers must provide adequate information, instruction and training to employees who are, or may be, exposed to asbestos, appropriate to the work and risk.View info Free trial

Duty to Manage Asbestos TrainingIATP audited and endorsedFor non-domestic premises, the duty normally sits with the person whose contract or tenancy makes them responsible for maintenance or repair; where no such agreement exists, it follows the degree of control.View info Free trial

Read our guides: Asbestos awareness.

What the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require

Regulation 10

“Every employer must ensure that any employee employed by that employer is given adequate information, instruction and training where that employee is or is liable to be exposed to asbestos”. It also covers anyone who supervises those employees.

Regulation 10

Employers must also repeat that training at regular intervals. Then they must adapt it when the type of work or the methods change.

Read the official text on legislation.gov.uk

What the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 mean for training

In practice the duty reaches wider than direct work with asbestos. It catches any trade who might disturb it in an older building. The test is the risk of exposure, whatever the job title.

Common questions

Who needs asbestos awareness training?

Anyone whose work could expose them to asbestos, and anyone who supervises them. Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets the duty. It asks for adequate information, instruction and training. That has to happen at regular intervals.

This plain English summary is not legal advice. The wording above comes from the official text. This page links to that text, and you should rely on it instead. Some duties depend on your own risk assessment, so only that assessment can tell you what they mean.