The removal of asbestos requires specialised training. CPCCDE3028A covers the safe removal of non-friable asbestos and asbestos-containing materials. The initial training must be completed face to face, while online courses are available for refreshers. Along with requiring face to face training, asbestos removal involves additional regulations. Here is what you should know about the required training to fulfil your WHS Act 2011 obligations.

What Is the Training Requirement for the Non-Friable Asbestos Course?

The CPCCDE3028A unit of competency covers the removal of non-friable asbestos. The scope of the unit is approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and other regulatory bodies. ASQA regulates training providers as well as State Regulators depending upon the jurisdication. When enrolling in the CPCCDE3028A course, search for registered training organisations (RTOs). RTOs follow the course outlines approved by ASQA. According to the course requirements for non-friable asbestos removal, training providers need to explain the steps for preparing removal areas, isolating removal sites, and carrying out the removal process. To demonstrate your knowledge of the topics covered during the course, you also need to complete an assessment. Training organisations replicate workplace conditions and materials, requiring a hands-on demonstration of your knowledge.

How Is CPCCDE3028A Training Delivered?

The training is delivered face to face. It needs to be completed through a registered training organisation (RTO). RTOs follow the training requirements outlined for the specific unit of competency. After reviewing the course curriculum, regulatory bodies approve the courses for State delivery. AlertForce also offers nationally recognised training for supervising the removal of non-friable asbestos materials and courses for supervising removal and conducting assessments. Along with face to face training, some RTOs offer online courses. As mentioned, the online course is only intended as a refresher and can not be used for initial training.

Why Do You Need to Complete a Remove Non-Friable Asbestos Removal Course?

The training program is designed to teach the proper methods for identifying and removing non-friable asbestos. It is a requirement when removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos. Non-friable asbestos is less likely to release harmful asbestos fibres into the air compared to friable materials. However, any asbestos dust can pose a potential health risk. While asbestos was banned in Australia in December 2003, the risk of asbestos exposure is greatest in the home renovation industry. Workers renovating older homes or buildings may need to demolish or remove materials made with asbestos. After completing the course, you will have the skills and knowledge needed for identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The course also covers the steps needed for safely removing the ACMs.

How Much Does the CPCCDE3028A Training Cost?

The cost depends on the RTO where you enrol and the state or territory where you live. For example, AlertForce offers a one-day non-friable asbestos removal course for $297 per person in all states other than New South Wales. Workers in NSW must complete a two-day course, which costs $447 per person. The costs of other asbestos training courses also vary. The CPCCBC4051A (Supervise Asbestos Removal) course costs $327 per person. The CPCCBC5014A (Conduct Asbestos Assessment) course costs $997 and lasts two days.

What Will You Learn by Completing CPCCDE3028A Non-friable Asbestos Training?

The CPCCDE3028A unit of competency includes training for identifying and removing non-friable asbestos. The main topics of the course include:

• Preparing for removal
• Preparing the removal area
• Isolating the removal site
• Carrying out asbestos removal
• Decontamination
• Cleaning up
• Documenting the procedure

The first section discusses safety requirements and the selection of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE). You learn how to check equipment for faults and the required safety regulations that you need to follow. The next two sections cover the recommended steps for preparing and isolating the worksite. This includes using signage and barriers to block access to the site and setting up boundaries to prevent fibres from escaping the area. Removing asbestos also requires detailed steps. You learn how to follow the instructions specified by the supervisor. The removal process also requires the safe use of tools according to legislative and ARCP requirements and codes of practice. After removing ACMs, you need to decontaminate the worksite, tools, and equipment. Regulatory bodies also have requirements for decontaminating workers and safely removing all equipment from the site. When you finish reviewing these topics, the trainer provided completes an assessment. To ensure that you can demonstrate your knowledge, review the precourse materials before attending the course.

What Accreditation Will You Get?

Workers receive a statement of attainment after completing the CPCCDE3028A course. Asbestos removal licenses are only available for the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). The training program is designed to ensure that workers follow the recommended removal procedures. The statement is proof that you have completed the required training. It remains valid for a period of five years. Some companies may require workers to retake the training sooner. Instead of retaking the face to face training, you may complete the online course. The online course is only available as a refresher for those that obtained a statement of attainment for completing CPCCDE3028A.

Summary

Asbestos exposure remains a threat in certain industries. If your work involves renovating or demolishing older structures or homes, you should complete the CPCCDE3028A course. The bottom line is that face to face training is a requirement for learning how to safely identify and remove non-friable asbestos. Even if you do not anticipate encountering more than 10 square metres of non-friable ACMs, the training course still provides helpful instructions for identifying asbestos products. Visit AlertForce to learn more about face-to-face asbestos removal courses.