New unit standards are being introduced to support the asbestos regulation changes that take effect 4 April 2018.
This training is part of the overall picture designed to raise standards for working with asbestos in New Zealand and aligns our practice with that of the United Kingdom and Australia.
The goal is to ensure fewer people are directly or indirectly exposed to asbestos.
There are four new unit standards, each published on the NZQA website:
- 29765 – Remove non-friable asbestos
- 29766 – Remove friable asbestos
- 29767 – Supervise asbestos removal
- 29768 – Conduct asbestos assessment associated with removal
The standards that you need will depend on the work you are undertaking and the role you play.
If you are a supervisor you will need the relevant removal credit and the supervisor credit.
To ensure that you are ready for the training, it is important to know that these courses demand a high level of knowledge and understanding.
We recommend that you spend time becoming familiar with the content in Management and Removal of Asbestos – Approved Code of Practice available on the WorkSafe website: http://www.worksafe.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/guidance-by-hazard-type/asbestos
To find a course or for more information contact Skills.Org on 0508 SKILLS (0508 754 557) or visit their website: http://skills.org.nz
Competency for Assessors
The new unit standard for an assessor listed above is not mandatory.
It’s an approved course under regulation 41-3a as one method to gain competency for an assessor licence.
Other ways that you can be deemed competent include qualifications such as any of the following:
- Science
- Occupation health and safety
- Occupational Hygiene
- Environmental Health
Or a certificate in any of:
- W504, IP404, P404
- CPCCBC5014A
If you already hold qualifications such as one of those listed above, no retraining is required to retain an Assessors Licence.
If you have any questions please email asbestos@worksafe.govt.nz.
