If you employ anyone who might disturb asbestos, the law puts the responsibility squarely on you. This guide explains exactly what Irish employers must do about Asbestos Awareness Training, how to meet the duty without disrupting operations, and how to prove you have done it.
Get this right and you protect your workforce, avoid enforcement action and keep main contractors happy.
Key takeaways
- Yes, where employees could be exposed to asbestos.
- For general awareness, yes.
- You risk worker harm, HSA enforcement and loss of contractor approvals.
- Keep dated certificates and completion records in a central training matrix and safety file.
Asbestos Awareness Course: the key facts
| Detail | What you get |
|---|---|
| Format | 100% online Asbestos Awareness Training - phone, tablet or laptop |
| Time to complete | Around 45 minutes, start and stop whenever you like |
| Price | EUR 35 per person, with bulk pricing for teams |
| Certificate | Download your Asbestos Awareness Certificate instantly on passing |
| Accreditation | CPD certified and RoSPA approved, aligned with CAR 2006 (SI 386/2006) |
| Valid for | Refresher recommended every 12 months by the HSA |
Your legal duty
Under CAR 2006 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, you must identify ACMs, assess exposure risk, and provide adequate information, instruction and training. The HSA can and does inspect for this. Full detail in employer responsibilities.
A simple compliance routine
- Identify whether staff could meet ACMs
- Provide awareness training before they do
- Keep dated certificates and a training matrix
- Refresh annually and after guidance changes
Ready to get certified? Complete the Set up team Asbestos Awareness Training online in about 45 minutes for EUR 35 and download your Asbestos Awareness Certificate the moment you pass.
Training teams efficiently
Online bulk training lets you certify everyone quickly and track it centrally - see training for staff. It scales from a two-person crew to a national workforce.
Evidencing it to inspectors and clients
Centralised certificates and completion logs make audits and pre-qualification questionnaires painless. You can produce proof in seconds.
Why this protects your business
Meeting the awareness duty is not only about avoiding HSA enforcement, though that matters. It protects the long-term health of the people who work for you, keeps you eligible for contracts that demand demonstrable asbestos compliance, and signals a safety culture that main contractors and clients trust. Awareness training is one of the lowest-cost, highest-value steps an employer can take - a small investment per head that prevents both human harm and the reputational and financial damage of a serious incident or a failed audit.
What this course does and does not cover
This online course builds awareness and understanding. It helps you recognise asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), understand the health risks, and follow the correct STOP - CHECK - REPORT response if you suspect asbestos during your work.
It does not authorise you to remove, survey, test, sample or deliberately disturb asbestos. Licensed asbestos removal, asbestos surveying and air testing each require separate, specialist qualifications. Employers may still need to provide task-specific training, supervision and a written risk assessment before any work near ACMs begins.
Frequently asked questions
Am I legally required to train my employees?
Yes, where employees could be exposed to asbestos. CAR 2006 places that duty on the employer.
Does online training meet my obligation?
For general awareness, yes. Roles that involve working on ACMs require additional specialist training and supervision.
What happens if I do not provide training?
You risk worker harm, HSA enforcement and loss of contractor approvals. Awareness training is a low-cost way to stay compliant.
How do I prove compliance?
Keep dated certificates and completion records in a central training matrix and safety file.
Related Asbestos Awareness guides
- Asbestos Awareness Training for Staff: An Employer Playbook
- Asbestos Employer Responsibilities in Ireland
- Asbestos Awareness Bulk Training for Businesses
- The Asbestos Management Plan Explained
Start your Asbestos Awareness Training today
Join thousands of workers across Ireland who train with Irish Asbestos Awareness. Get your Asbestos Awareness Certificate online from any device, or train your whole team with bulk certificates and central reporting.
