BOHS W504 Asbestos and Other Fibres

Who is this course aimed at?

This module enhances the student’s knowledge of occupational hygiene practice in relation to fibrous dusts. The module concentrates on asbestos, but other fibres are also covered, e.g. machine made mineral fibres, aramids, carbon etc., which are increasingly finding uses in industry. Successful completion of this module will benefit those working in asbestos consultancy as well as in mainstream occupational hygiene, giving an understanding of the health risks associated with asbestos and other fibres as well as the means of evaluation and control.

Course Content

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Describe the composition, nature and properties of asbestos, machine made mineral and other fibres and their historical uses.

• Describe the health effects of asbestos and other fibrous materials and apply appropriate exposure limits.

• Describe the uses of asbestos in buildings and the public health risk that these may pose.

• Understand the principles and requirements for asbestos surveys including taking samples and identifying bulk asbestos types by microscopic techniques including relevant safety requirements.

• Be familiar with current good practice in the construction and use of enclosures for asbestos remediation and the use of decontamination units.

• Understand the principles of clearance testing, the requirements for measurement and appropriate techniques for post remediation evaluation.

• Conduct air sampling to determine airborne concentrations of asbestos or other fibres in accordance with procedures including microscopic counting techniques.

• Have the ability to advise on the various techniques for the management of asbestos in buildings in accordance with good practice.

Course Dates

• Cardiff: 10th - 14th June, 2013

• Glasgow: 17th - 21st June, 2013

• Manchester: 11th - 15th March, 2013

Key Course Facts

Overall Assessment Method

The overall assessment for this module consists of an “open book” written examination and satisfactory results from the formative practical assessment.

Written Examination

40 short answer questions to be answered in 120 minutes. The questions require candidates to write short answers which will require no more than the box provided but may include multiple answers. Some questions may require calculations.

Formative Practical Assessment

All candidates must participate in the practical studies and demonstrate the required skills.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, candidates will receive a ‘Proficiency Certificate’.