Who is it for?
 

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. 

How is it delivered?

This course is typically run as a five-day taught course (minimum 45 hours including lectures, tutorials, practical/demonstration sessions, guided reading, overnight questions and examination). 

Learning objectives 

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to: 

• describe the composition, nature and properties of asbestos, and 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 of and requirements for asbestos surveys including taking samples and identifying bulk asbestos types by microscopic techniques including relevant safety requirements; 
• be thoroughly familiar with current good practice in the construction and use of enclosures for asbestos remediation and the use of decontamination units; 
• understand all 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 defined procedures including microscopic counting techniques; 
• have the ability to advise on all the various techniques for the management of asbestos in buildings in accordance with good practice. 

Assessment

There will be a 40 short answer question “open book” examination with an allowed time of 120 minutes. 

BOHS is the only awarding body for the W500 series occupational hygiene modules as part of the OHTA International Training Scheme and Qualifications Framework.