Better training for a safer asbestos industry.
This month, we are excited to share the video that Besafe presented at the Faculty of Asbestos Management Australia and New Zealand (FAMANZ) conference back in March. Our training manager, Alannah, was unable to go due to being overseas, but she really wanted to share the work she had been doing with Besafe to create a new asbestos training program.
Jason Braithwaite, general manager of Besafe Training, presented to asbestos industry professionals (after being persuaded by Alannah!). The presentation covered the new Environmental Deconstruction course, as well as the Civil Plant Introduction and the Introduction to Trades courses.
It is not uncommon for training to be seen as a box ticking exercise. Something that has to be done before something else can happen. That is certainly true in the asbestos industry, especially when it comes to asbestos removal. Asbestos removal operatives must hold NZQA unit standards to carry out licensed asbestos removal work.
Fun fact, "SQN" - Sine Qua Non - means without which not, or something that you need before something else. Very apt in this situation!
Does that mean we need to offer the bare minimum to our students? We strongly believe that good quality training is an important factor when everyone is talking about how to improve the asbestos industry. From speaking with both students and employers, we believe everyone wants the same thing - workers to be safe - but how do we get there when there is an expectation to get training done and dusted in a single day?
This is why we are super proud of the Environmental Deconstruction program.
Here is the video that Jason presented:
Please note, the training is carried out in a controlled environment where mistakes are made and corrected. The practical is supervised and students are given the guidance they need throughout.
The transcript of the video if you prefer to read:
Kia ora, my name is Alannah, training manager at SQN Consulting, and welcome to the world of asbestos training in New Zealand! Since I started training at Besafe, I have come across problems with the current training system for asbestos removalists. Partly the way the unit standards are set up, and partly the expectations of the industry. Today, we want to introduce you to a new training course that is set to lift the standard of asbestos training across the country.
While the current unit standards are under review, along with changes to the licensing criteria for Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors, the biggest problem is that people have been looking for quick and cheap solutions, while complaining about the poor quality of the training they receive. Surely that shouldn't be the goal for our asbestos removal operatives? We want to make sure they are keeping themselves safe, their colleagues safe and not taking any asbestos home to their whānau. We want them to be excited about the work they do, because they are making our buildings safer for all.
So here is our solution that we believe will change all of that.
Environmental Deconstruction is our new two week course and has already undergone two successful pilots. We have learned a lot about how to support and inspire our students, and the feedback our students have given tells us we are on the right track.
The main aim of this course is to prepare our students for a career in asbestos removal, demolition, or other asbestos-related industries.
We start off focusing on sustainability by talking about reusing and recycling building materials. Our training scenario replicates a basic project that our students will come across, with a focus on safety and best practice. We allow the students to start reclaiming various building materials and see how long it takes them to remember about asbestos! So far, our groups have jumped in and done what they were instructed to do, before being told exactly what things could have been asbestos. This is an important early lesson - we can't just jump into a situation without assessing the risk ourselves. Thankfully, there is no real asbestos in our practical area so everything gets put back, and we dive into asbestos removal training.
One of the things that sets our course apart from other asbestos courses is the increased time our students get with the tutors. This means we get to know each other better and create a safe training environment where everyone has a chance to learn from their mistakes, before they are in a real-life situation.
The course is hands on. Most of our students, like me, learn best by doing. We tie the theory in with the practical to aid understanding and to really cement the information together.
The students start as strangers, but quickly bond over the tasks set and problem-solve together. By the end of the two-week program, they will have their qualifications for working at heights, MEWP, first aid, and ConstructSafe.
They will also have built a Class A negative pressure enclosure, demonstrated a wrap and cut removal of a potential friable asbestos containing material, and removed an elevation of non-friable simulated asbestos cement.
We discuss how to manage the voids we create by removing the asbestos. We work out what needs to be sheeted and sealed to maintain the right amount of negative pressure and how not to contaminate other areas. We have the opportunity to integrate the general safety training with our asbestos removal scenario too. We learn how to look after our access equipment and what to do in an emergency while contaminated.
This course has been a joint creation between Besafe and SQN. All the PPE and RPE is supplied by Beacon Safety, and we are grateful for their contributions to making our practical area as realistic as possible. We are also grateful to AES for their effort with bringing my plans for the practical area to life.
The outcomes for the students are very positive. Not only will they receive their qualifications, but they will also be placed with companies that will continue their development, with regular follow-ups from us.
As you can hopefully tell, I am incredibly enthusiastic about this project. We have put a lot of time and effort into creating a course that will lift the standard of asbestos training in New Zealand. Future plans include building in competencies to prepare students for their supervisor qualifications and continued professional development. People being passionate about what they do is so important for keeping them in our industry.
So please ask us anything, we want you to be excited about this training too.
Why are we so excited about these new programs?
Students not only learn the basics they need for these industries, but they also get support with CV writing, finding employment, accessing apprenticeships and follow ups once they are placed with employers.
The best bit (in our opinion) is students get 4 full days of asbestos training on the Environmental Deconstruction pathway!
Having the time to go through the foundations to then seeing the students apply all they have learned is amazing. They all bond as a team, they get to make mistakes in a controlled environment, and everyone walks away feeling like they have accomplished something.
We have a growing range of options when it comes to training to offer you.
Purpose built training areas in Auckland and Wellington
Awareness training through an online classroom for those of you who prefer a tutor to speak to, but need the flexibility
Company bookings give you the option of the tutor coming to you or a session exclusive to your team
Bespoke training sessions for your team to focus on what is most important to you