This week marks Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1st - 7th April 2026). It's an important moment to reflect on the very real and ongoing risks asbestos presents across the construction and built environment sectors.
Despite being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos is still present in millions of older buildings. When disturbed, it releases microscopic fibres that can be inhaled, leading to serious and often fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. One of the greatest dangers is the delayed impact; these conditions can take decades to develop, meaning exposure today can have life-changing consequences many years later.
Practical Steps for Every Job
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and it may be present in places you wouldn’t expect. Staying vigilant is critical.
Before starting work:
- Confirm whether the building was constructed or refurbished before 2000
- Review the asbestos register and ensure it covers your work area
- Check if an asbestos survey has been conducted, including hidden materials
- Plan work to avoid disturbing asbestos wherever possible
During the job:
- Stay alert—hidden asbestos may still be present, even with surveys
- Know common locations and signs of asbestos-containing materials
- If in doubt, assume asbestos is present
- If you are not trained or prepared to deal with asbestos: STOP WORK
If you discover suspected asbestos:
- Stop work immediately
- Inform your employer or the building owner
- Do not proceed until the asbestos register or survey has been reviewed
If asbestos is disturbed:
- Stop work immediately and follow official guidance from the Health and Safety Executive
- Ensure the situation is handled safely and appropriately
Above all, never work on asbestos-containing materials without the correct training, risk assessment, and plan of work.
What steps are Kentec taking?
At Kentec Training, we believe that awareness, education, and high-quality training are key to preventing exposure and ultimately saving lives.
We are proud to once again support the Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign led by UK Asbestos Training Association - UKATA, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Having previously supported this initiative in 2017, we’re pleased to be involved again in helping raise awareness and standards across the industry.
As part of this campaign, we are offering free training places on our upcoming UKATA Asbestos Awareness courses at our Tonbridge training centre. For more information on accessing these free training places, please contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
These classroom-based sessions are designed specifically for those new to the industry and looking to upskill, providing essential knowledge on:
- The risks associated with asbestos
- How to identify asbestos-containing materials
- How to work safely and avoid exposure
It is important to note: Asbestos Awareness training does not qualify individuals to work on asbestos, but it is a crucial first step in understanding and managing the risks, and above all - keeping you and your colleagues safe.
Supporting a Safer Industry
If you’re starting out in construction, or know someone who is, this initiative provides a valuable opportunity to build knowledge and confidence around one of the industry’s most serious hazards.
Together, through awareness and education, we can continue to drive safer working practices across the industry.
Get training you can trust with Kentec!
That's all for now! Be sure to stay subscribed to the Kentec Training Newsletter for future training industry insights!
📞 Want to get in touch with our team about our Asbestos Awareness Courses? Get in touch today on 0333 666 0555 or email at info@kentectraining.co.uk. We're here to help!
