New online course aims to protect the public from asbestos exposure

New Online Course Aims to Protect the Public from Asbestos Exposure

A new free online course helps the public recognise and manage asbestos risks before they cause harm. SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, and TAFE NSW have partnered to offer this free online asbestos awareness course, titled "Asbestos Awareness and Safety," to raise public understanding of the risks tied to this hazardous building material.

According to the NSW Government, this self-directed course, referred to as a microskill, suits individuals likely to encounter asbestos on the job or around the home. Unlike broader accredited training programs, this microskill delivers targeted information in a short, accessible format.

Why This Training Matters

The State Government says its main objective is safeguarding wellbeing of workers and the wider community while handling asbestos-containing materials. Recent reports of asbestos found in mulching products have highlighted why easily accessible training remains so critical for both tradespeople and everyday members of the public.

Asbestos exposure poses serious long-term health hazards, and many people don't realise how common this substance still is in older buildings, soil, and even landscaping products. Strengthening public knowledge around identification and controls helps reduce accidental exposure across homes, worksites, and community spaces.

What SafeWork NSW Says

Head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin, said: "Making the 'Asbestos Awareness and Safety' microskill course free and readily available ensures everyone who comes across potentially hazardous asbestos is equipped with knowledge to manage the situation."

This initiative builds on similar efforts seen elsewhere, including moves in New Zealand workplaces urged to do more to protect people from asbestos, showing a broader regional push toward stronger community protections.

Who Should Complete This Course

This microskill benefits anyone who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials, including:

• Tradespeople working on older buildings or renovation sites
• Gardeners and landscapers handling soil or mulch products
• Homeowners planning renovations on pre-1990s properties
• Workers in roles where asbestos exposure risk exists but formal licensing isn't required

For workplaces managing higher-risk asbestos tasks, employers should also consider comprehensive asbestos management plans to support compliance obligations beyond this introductory training.

Supporting Broader Safety Standards

This course arrives alongside other national efforts to reduce exposure to hazardous materials, such as the engineered stone ban protecting workers from silica dust exposure. Together, these initiatives reflect a growing focus on proactive hazard controls rather than reactive incident management.

Businesses dealing directly with public-facing operations should also review relevant safe work procedures, such as those covering dealing with the public in hospitality and retail settings or construction sites where public interaction occurs.

Full course details are available directly through SafeWork NSW's official training portal.