Is Asbestos Awareness Training required in Ireland? In short: yes, where workers could be exposed to asbestos, the employer has a legal duty to provide it. This guide explains the law, who it applies to and what counts as adequate training.
If your team opens up pre-2000 buildings, the answer almost certainly applies to you.
Key takeaways
- It is mandatory for anyone whose work could expose them to asbestos.
- The employer holds the duty to provide training under CAR 2006, though workers must engage with it.
- Yes, for general awareness.
- The HSA inspects and can take enforcement action where training duties are not met.
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 |
What the law says
CAR 2006 (SI 386/2006) and the 2010 amendment require employers to provide adequate information, instruction and training to anyone who may be exposed to asbestos. This is a legal obligation, not a recommendation, enforced by the HSA.
Who the duty covers
It covers any worker whose tasks could disturb ACMs - construction, demolition, refurbishment, and the full range of trades and maintenance roles. See who needs awareness training style detail in our worker guides.
Ready to get certified? Complete the Start your Asbestos Awareness Training online in about 45 minutes for EUR 35 and download your Asbestos Awareness Certificate the moment you pass.
What counts as adequate
Training must be relevant, understandable and current. For general awareness, structured online training satisfies the information-and-instruction duty; working on ACMs needs more.
Meeting the requirement
The simplest compliant route is the Asbestos Awareness Course online, with annual refreshers. Employers should keep dated records, as covered in employer responsibilities.
What happens if you skip it
Skipping awareness training is a false economy. For the worker, it removes the one piece of knowledge that prevents an accidental, life-shortening exposure. For the employer, it exposes the business to HSA improvement or prohibition notices, possible prosecution, civil liability, and the loss of contracts that require demonstrable training. Because awareness training is so inexpensive and quick, there is no defensible reason to leave it undone where the duty applies. The cost of a single certificate is trivial next to the cost of an incident, an enforcement action, or being shut out of work for failing a pre-qualification check.
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
Is awareness training mandatory for everyone?
It is mandatory for anyone whose work could expose them to asbestos. Office-only roles in modern buildings generally are not covered.
Who is legally responsible?
The employer holds the duty to provide training under CAR 2006, though workers must engage with it.
Does online training meet the requirement?
Yes, for general awareness. Tasks involving direct work on ACMs require additional specialist training.
How is it enforced?
The HSA inspects and can take enforcement action where training duties are not met.
Related Asbestos Awareness guides
- Asbestos Regulations in Ireland Explained
- Asbestos Employer Responsibilities in Ireland
- Asbestos Awareness Training Ireland: The Complete 2026 Guide
- Can You Complete Asbestos Awareness Training Online?
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.
