New Asbestos Awareness Course Launched to Protect NZ Workers

A critical new Asbestos Awareness course has been launched in New Zealand, aiming to bolster protection for thousands of workers against the dangers of exposure to asbestos fibres. Developed by Site Safe in collaboration with WorkSafe New Zealand, the half-day classroom course provides essential knowledge for identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), which are still prevalent across the country.

Asbestos, once a common building material, poses severe long-term health risks if disturbed and dust is created. The new course directly addresses this by teaching participants about the properties of asbestos, its various forms, where it's typically found, and the associated health hazards. Crucially, it outlines the correct safety procedures to follow when asbestos is present, ensuring compliance with current legislation.

Beki Hall, Senior Learning Designer at Transpower NZ, shared her insights after completing the course: "I learned what asbestos initially looked like and how to see that onsite. As a learning designer, it reinforced how to make sure what I’m putting in my learning material is accurate and comprehensive. It's the importance of knowing what path I need to follow to keep myself and everyone safe with asbestos. I was surprised by the number of materials that contain asbestos, even modern materials. I also didn't understand prior to the course the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos and learned that buildings built earlier than 2000 are likely to have asbestos."

The course is particularly relevant for those in the construction sector, including apprentices, young workers, and migrant workers, who are frequently at risk of encountering ACMs. However, its benefits extend far beyond, encompassing electricians, plumbers, painters, building managers, healthcare staff, and even emergency responders – anyone who might unknowingly disturb asbestos in older buildings.

Upon successful completion, learners will gain Unit Standard 2138, "Demonstrate knowledge of asbestos and safety procedures," along with a Site Safety Card. The initiative underscores a collaborative effort to improve workplace safety standards nationwide. The first courses are set to begin from 4 August 2025, with registrations now open through the Site Safe website.

Hear what Beki Hall from Transpower had to say about the asbestos course.