In today’s demanding work environment, acquiring specialised skills is key to advancing one’s career or business. Particularly in sectors like construction, mining, civil construction, and logistics, where hazards are prevalent, specialised training becomes paramount.
One type of critical training revolves around managing asbestos, a hazardous material posing serious health risks.
In this article, we look at the risks associated with asbestos and the history of asbestos in the construction and telecommunications industries. We detail the asbestos courses in Perth, offered by KI Training and Assessing and discuss how your career may benefit from this training.
Understanding the Risks of Asbestos
Asbestos has earned its notorious reputation due to the significant health hazards it poses. The risks are many and can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, conditions.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a term for a group of naturally occurring fibres. These mineral fibres are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, and each fibre comprises many microscopic “fibrils”. Asbestos was popular in many industries due to its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, not to mention its sound absorption capabilities and tensile strength.
The Health Implications of Asbestos Exposure
When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases which are responsible for around 4000 deaths a year. There are four main diseases caused by asbestos: mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone who uses or disturbs asbestos is potentially at risk. This could be during building work, renovations, repairs, maintenance or any other activity where asbestos is disturbed. It’s worth noting those in the construction, mining, civil construction, and logistics sectors are particularly at risk due to the nature of their roles.
Managing the Risk
Given the severe health implications, managing the risk is essential. Proper training is key to equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to handle asbestos safely. Understanding what asbestos is, where it might be found, and the procedures to follow if it is discovered can save lives.
Asbestos Awareness in Western Australia
It’s not an exaggeration to say asbestos awareness is a matter of life and death. In Western Australia, it’s estimated more than one third of all homes built before 1987 contain asbestos products. This includes private residences, public buildings, and workplaces, emphasising the widespread prevalence of asbestos exposure. The relevance of asbestos training in Perth, therefore, cannot be overstated.
To help address these concerns, the WA government has published guidance on asbestos.
Where Is Asbestos Found?
Common places where asbestos may be found include fibro sheeting in walls, ceilings and floors, corrugated roofing, guttering and downpipes, as well as in window putty, floor coverings and certain types of insulation.
When Does Asbestos Become a Health Risk?
Asbestos becomes a health risk when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, causing the release of asbestos fibres into the air. Activities which may lead to this include renovation, demolition, maintenance, repair, or removal work.
Telecommunications and Asbestos – The Unique Challenge
In the telecommunications sector, asbestos presents a unique challenge. This industry’s infrastructure often dates back to periods when asbestos use was common, contributing to a significant yet less obvious risk. From underground pits to ducts and even in some equipment, asbestos is often present.
The necessary safety measures
Specific safety measures are crucial for telecom workers due to the potential for accidental asbestos exposure. This includes wearing personal protective equipment and following safe work procedures when dealing with asbestos-containing materials. Training in identifying and safely handling asbestos is not only a safety requirement, but it is a critical competency for anyone involved in the telecommunications industry.
Such training equips individuals with the knowledge to maintain their safety and the safety of their co-workers, helping reduce the potential risks associated with asbestos in the telecommunications industry.
The Telecommunications Industry and the Nbn Incident
A critical incident highlighting the lingering issue of asbestos was the National Broadband Network (NBN) situation in 2013. Work on the NBN project was abruptly halted due to fears surrounding potential asbestos exposure from underground telecommunications pits. The incident, although disconcerting, served as a stark reminder of the dormant danger of asbestos, particularly in industries like telecommunications, where its presence might not be readily perceived.
The NBN incident also underscored the urgency of the need for comprehensive asbestos training for all workers who might come in contact with this hazardous material. From telecommunication engineers to construction workers and mining personnel, the incident reiterated the importance of knowledge and awareness in mitigating the risks of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Training in Perth
KI Training and Assessing provides tailored training solutions designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills, and help organisations meet industry standards and regulations:
Removing Non-friable Asbestos: A Comprehensive Guide for the Telecommunication Industry
This bespoke course by KI Training and Assessing is explicitly tailored to address the challenges faced by those in the telecommunication industry. It focuses on non-friable asbestos, a common form of asbestos often found in telecom equipment.
The training covers various facets of handling asbestos, beginning with the crucial task of correctly identifying asbestos. Trainees are then guided through the process of using appropriate protective equipment to ensure personal safety while dealing with this hazardous material.
The course includes expert instruction on the correct procedures for safely removing asbestos and disposing of it without causing any harm to the individual or the environment.
This hands-on course incorporates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enhancing the trainees’ understanding and competence in managing asbestos-related tasks safely.
Supervising Asbestos Removal: Ensuring Safety in the Telecommunication Industry
For those in supervisory roles, KI Training and Assessing offers a course specifically designed to manage and oversee asbestos removal projects. This training focuses on equipping attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to supervise the safe removal of asbestos in the workplace.
The course covers aspects such as ensuring the use of correct protective equipment by all personnel involved in the process, enforcing safe removal and disposal methods, and dealing with any emergency situations arising during the process.
By offering a blend of theory and practical sessions, the course allows participants to gain comprehensive insights into the supervision of asbestos removal, from planning and preparation stages to final disposal.
Both these courses not only impart necessary skills to the trainees but also prepare them to meet industry requirements. By completing these training courses, individuals can demonstrate their competency in safely handling asbestos, thereby enhancing their employability and career prospects.
Requirements for Asbestos Training in Perth
Before enrolling for the asbestos training courses in Perth, it’s important to understand what’s required of you. While the specifics may vary from course to course, there are some general prerequisites you should be aware of.
- A sufficient understanding of English. All training material and instructions are given in English. Therefore, a basic comprehension of the language is necessary to grasp the course’s content and instructions.
- A current White card and you should be working in the telecommunications industry.
- A Photo ID, such as a driving licence or passport.
- For the “Supervising asbestos removal…” training course, you must be at least 18 years old to participate. This age limit ensures participants are mature enough to comprehend the seriousness and complexity of the topics covered.
Careers After Asbestos Training
Whether you’re a worker, a supervisor, or an employer in an asbestos-prone industry like telecommunications, upskilling with asbestos training in Perth can make a significant difference.
Improved Employability
Asbestos training can open up a host of career opportunities. Individuals who have completed asbestos training can safely handle and manage asbestos, skills highly valued in several industries.
Varied Career Paths
These courses can also serve as a stepping stone to various careers. Individuals can use this training as a rung on the ladder providing them access to fields such as construction, mining, civil construction, and telecommunications, where knowledge of safe asbestos handling is essential. With additional training, a huge range of employment opportunities are available.
KI Training and Assessing for Asbestos Training and More?
As a premier provider of vocational training in Perth, we at KI Training and Assessing take pride in offering a comprehensive suite of courses, with asbestos training being one of our specialities.
Our Expertise in Asbestos Training
Over the years, we have developed an in-depth asbestos training programme tailored to suit the unique requirements of the telecommunications industry. Our courses are designed not only to enhance individual skills but also to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
Other Training Courses
Our expertise is not limited to asbestos training. We offer a broad range of courses in different areas such as construction, mining, civil construction, and logistics. Our course catalogue is extensive, allowing both individuals and organisations to find a training programme guaranteed to align with their goals and needs.
Qualified Trainers
Our team consists of qualified trainers with extensive industry experience. They’re committed to providing a learning environment not only informative but also engaging and conducive to learning.
We invite you to explore our course offerings. If you’re seeking asbestos training in Perth or looking to expand your skills in any other industry, we’re here to support your journey.
Trust KI Training and Assessing to be your one-stop shop for all your training needs.