Decontamination for asbestos removal operatives

Standard details

CITB has developed this standard in discussion with industry

Duration

Minimum 3 learning hours

Purpose/Scope

The purpose of training delivered against this standard is to provide candidates with the training content specified by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for operatives doing licensed work with asbestos.

The scope of this standard covers:

• the health risks to employees’ families and others from taking home contaminated equipment and clothing and the increased risk of lung cancer for asbestos workers who smoke
• the operations which could result in asbestos exposure and the importance of preventive controls to minimise exposure
• the importance of following the decontamination procedures
• decontamination procedures, particularly within enclosures, airlocks (including bag locks) and hygiene units
• waste handling procedures including bagging, storage and disposal;
• monitoring of the decontamination process
• emergency procedures
• the different types, maintenance, inspection and cleaning of DCU
• connections to services including electrical and earthing requirements
• record-keeping.
• Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational groups:

• analyst 
• operative 
• supervisor
• manager

Candidate pre-requisites

There are no candidate pre-requisites as part of this standard.

Instruction/Supervision

As a minimum, course instructors must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

• a train the trainer or instructional techniques course certificate e.g. NVQ Level 3 award in learning and development or higher
• at least 5 years relevant industrial experience
• a verifiable CV

Delivery

Delivery in an off the job environment.

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for candidates to achieve learning outcomes, and must comply with relevant legislation.

The following practical equipment must be available during the training course:

• a fully functioning decontamination unit (including functioning hot shower, disposable towels, nail brush, shower gel);
• personal protective equipment (PPE) - (coveralls, disposable underwear, transit shoes)
• respiratory protective equipment (RPE) - (full-face and ori-nasal RPE kits)

The candidate/instructor ratio must not be more than 8:1 to allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable candidates to achieve the learning outcomes.

The following delivery methods may be used in the delivery of this standard:

• a mixture of classroom and demonstration and practice

The following elements of training must be delivered using demonstration and practice utilising the practical equipment detailed above:

• a practical decontamination, using a live decontamination unit
• use of PPE and RPE
• waste removal procedures on-site, including double bagging and removal through the bag lock

This standard is considered to contain 51% or more practical learning.

This standard is considered to be set at an intermediate level.

Assessment

For the successful completion of training, candidates must complete an end of course practical assessment and knowledge test that measures the learning outcomes and has a pass or fail criteria.

Quality assurance

Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard. 

CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the Training Standard. 

Approved training organisations will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team.

Renewal/refresher

Renewal/refreshment may be required as the result of an employer TNA and should be delivered under the asbestos licenced operative refresher training standard.

Approval date

April 2019

Review cycle

Either on request or in 3 year(s) from approval date.

Learning outcomes

The candidate will be able to:

• Outline the health risks associated with taking home contaminated equipment and clothing and the increased risk of lung cancer for asbestos workers who smoke
• State the importance of following the decontamination procedures.
• State the waste handling procedures including bagging, storage and disposal.
• State the cleaning procedures, including the need for a certificate of cleanliness.
• Demonstrate the decontamination procedures within enclosures, airlocks and hygiene units.
• Demonstrate the suitability, correct use, storage and maintenance of protective clothing, including clothing used for transit
• Explain the warning signs used on the decontamination unit doors and waste bags.
• State the required test certification that should accompany a decontamination unit and what to do in their absence.

Additional information

Other organisations who work with asbestos awareness

• ACAD (Asbestos Control and Abatement Division)
• ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association
• HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
• NFDC (National Federation of Demolition Contractors)
• UKATA (UK Asbestos Training Association)
• IATP (Independent Asbestos Training Providers)
• BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society)
• RSPH (Royal Society for Public Health)
• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Removal of Hazardous Waste (Licensed Asbestos)