Purpose
This course develops the knowledge and skills required to supervise asbestos removal work as part of the pathway toward meeting WorkSafe regulatory and licensing requirements.
Prerequisite
Entry into this unit standard requires the applicant to hold:
Unit 29766 – Remove friable asbestos (Class A)
OR
Unit 29765 – Remove non-friable asbestos (Class B) and provide evidence of least one year of relevant industry experience
Overview
Until the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in the construction industry. It was a cheap, long-lasting and fire retardant material used in roofing sheets, cladding, ceilings, fireproofing, insulation, cement, and insulation pipes among others.
Eventually, the health hazards from being exposed to asbestos fibres from friable and non-friable asbestos-containing materials were discovered, and today it remains the number one workplace killer in many countries. Over the years, the world has seen the growing need to safely dispose of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
New Zealand legislation requires businesses involved in the removal of both friable and non-friable asbestos to nominate a qualified supervisor for every job, so it is only important that those involved this type of work have supervisors that are compliant and knowledgeable both in theory and in practice.
A supervisor is required for friable asbestos removal of any amount. Workers with Class A asbestos removal licence must ensure that they perform the removal under the supervision of a nominated asbestos supervisor. Supervisors must also have the certification and must have the relevant industry experience.
Similarly, when Class B asbestos work is carried out by more than one person, a Class B supervisor must be readily available at the worksite. The supervisor must also have the correct certification and the relevant industry experience to carry out the removal.
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Who should attend this course?
This course is for experienced asbestos removal professionals preparing to move into a supervisory role. Participants must already hold Unit Standard 29766 (Class A) or 29765 (Class B) and meet the relevant industry experience requirements.
This course is not suitable for beginners or those new to asbestos removal work.
Completion of this course does not, on its own, qualify a person to be a WorkSafe-nominated supervisor. Additional regulatory and licensing requirements apply. For more information and guidelines around licensing please click here - Apply for an asbestos removal or assessor licence | WorkSafe
Topics covered
WorkSafe New Zealand recognises this Asbestos Supervisor NZ Unit Standard 29767. People credited with this unit standard are able to:
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Plan for asbestos removal
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Prepare site for removal
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Supervise testing, compliance, and documentation in consultation with the assessors and the asbestos removalist
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Oversee removal and documentation processes
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Supervise and support team members
Classification
Occupational Health and Safety > Hazardous Substances and Materials
Available Grade
Achieved
All equipment necessary to participate in this training will be provided by an experienced trainer. At the end of the training, asbestos professionals taking this course are expected to meet the outcomes required to supervise asbestos removal, plus meet the guidelines for safe and compliant removal process for friable or non-friable asbestos.
Workplace practices for professionals supervising the removal process must meet obligations required under current law including but not limited to: Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, WorkSafe New Zealand Approved Code of Practice for the Management and Removal of Asbestos, and any subsequent amendments and replacements.