Asbestos Awareness for Architects and Designers
Course Overview
Asbestos awareness architects and designers need is different from a generic site-level course, because it applies the same core knowledge specifically to design decisions rather than only to on-site conduct. This course is a variation on our standard Asbestos Awareness course with specific content added for designers and architects. It's approved by IATP, CPD and IIRSM, runs for 1 to 2 hours, and costs £25.00 +VAT.
Why architects and designers need specific asbestos training
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, designers have distinct legal duties around asbestos that go beyond general site awareness. Anyone specifying materials, layouts or refurbishment work on an existing building needs to understand these duties directly, rather than relying on a generic asbestos awareness course.
Course Content
CDM asbestos duties for designers
This asbestos training for designers approach means covering the same legal framework as the standard course, while adding the CDM asbestos duties designers specifically hold under the 2015 Regulations: eliminating, reducing or controlling foreseeable risks at the design stage, including the risk of disturbing asbestos-containing materials during construction, refurbishment, maintenance or eventual demolition. This means considering asbestos risk as part of the design process itself, not leaving it entirely to the contractor once work begins.
The pre-demolition and refurbishment asbestos survey requirement
Before any demolition or significant refurbishment work, an asbestos survey should identify asbestos-containing materials likely to be disturbed by the proposed work. Designers have a role in understanding when this survey is required and ensuring the information from it feeds into design decisions, rather than being treated as a separate compliance step.
Designer liability
If a designer fails to properly consider asbestos risk at the design stage, and this leads to exposure during construction or later maintenance, the designer can face liability alongside the principal contractor and client. This is a genuine legal exposure, not just a reputational one, which is why this course exists as a distinct product from the general asbestos awareness course.
What the course covers
Properties and risks of asbestos exposure, different types of asbestos, avoiding the risks from asbestos, an outline of asbestos legislation, and specific content for architects and designers covering the points above.
Who needs this course?
Architects, designers and anyone specifying work on existing buildings, particularly those built before 2000 where asbestos-containing materials are more likely to be present.
Course Duration
1-2 hours
Course Certification
Approved by IATP, CPD & IIRSM
