OHTA504 - Asbestos and Other Fibres

16 – 20 March 2026

Course Overview

This course aims to enhance your knowledge of occupational hygiene practice concerning fibrous dusts. The module concentrates on asbestos, but also covers other fibres, such as machine-made mineral fibres, aramids and carbon fibres, which are increasingly finding uses in industry.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the composition, nature and properties of asbestos, 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.

Course Format

This course is delivered in a combination of in-person and Microsoft Teams online simultaneously. Course materials are delivered in advance to participants including those for practical assessments.

Course Content

This course is run over 5 days and will cover:

1. Asbestos and other Fibrous Material
2. Health Hazards and Exposure Limits
3. Asbestos in Buildings and Conducting Surveys
4. Asbestos Remediation and Assessment Prior to Reoccupation
5. Air Sampling and Fibre Counting
6. Analysis of Bulk Samples

Examinations & Assessments

Candidates are required to pass both of the following elements to pass the course:

• Formative Practical Assessment – practical exercises to demonstrate basic skills and knowledge in safely taking bulk samples and assessing airborne fibre concentrations.
• Open Book Examination – consisting of 40 short-answer questions to be completed in 120 minutes.