In an era of growing accountability and regulatory pressure, businesses must prioritise workplace safety and environmental responsibility. Nowhere is this more vital than in managing the silent and often overlooked threat of asbestos exposure. Apex Environmental is committed to equipping your workforce with the critical knowledge and competencies necessary to manage this risk effectively. Through our accredited Asbestos Training Courses, we help organisations foster safer, more compliant environments across diverse sectors.
The Legal and Safety Imperative
Asbestos may no longer be actively used in construction materials, but its presence in older buildings and infrastructure continues to pose a significant threat. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. For employers, failing to manage asbestos correctly is not just a health risk – it’s a legal liability.
Under South African legislation, specifically the Asbestos Abatement Regulations issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), employers are mandated to identify asbestos risks, conduct risk assessments, and ensure that employees who may be exposed to asbestos are properly trained. Non-compliance can result in penalties, legal action, and reputational damage. Apex Environmental’s training programmes are developed in alignment with these legal frameworks, ensuring your organisation stays compliant and ethically sound.
A Tailored Suite of Accredited Asbestos Training Courses
At Apex Environmental, we recognise that different industries and job roles require different levels of asbestos training. Our suite of accredited courses is designed to meet this diverse demand, covering the full spectrum from basic awareness to supervisory responsibilities. Here’s what we offer:
1. Asbestos Awareness Training
This course is ideal for all employees who may encounter asbestos in their working environment, including maintenance workers, electricians, plumbers, and general contractors. It covers the basics:
- What asbestos is and where it can be found
- Health risks associated with exposure
- Regulatory requirements and responsibilities
- Basic safety protocols to avoid exposure
2. Asbestos Training (Removal and Repair)
This comprehensive one-day course provides both theoretical and practical knowledge required for the safe removal or repair of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It complies with Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2020. Topics include:
- Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL) and their implications
- Importance of housekeeping and personal hygiene
- Safe work procedures and control measures
- Proper PPE use and decontamination
- Emergency procedures and reporting failures in control measures
- Safe disposal of asbestos waste
3. Asbestos Refresher Training
This refresher course is designed for those who have completed the initial asbestos training. It must be taken annually and whenever changes occur in work methods, equipment, or if deemed necessary by the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. It reinforces existing knowledge and incorporates any regulatory or procedural updates.
Practical Benefits Across Industries
Whether you operate in construction, facilities management, public sector infrastructure, or industrial manufacturing, asbestos poses unique challenges. Apex Environmental’s training addresses these industry-specific risks and delivers real-world benefits:
- Reduced Occupational Health Risks
- Compliance Confidence
- Operational Continuity
- Enhanced Workforce Morale
Supporting a Culture of Safety and Compliance
Training is not a one-time event but part of a broader commitment to occupational health and safety. Apex Environmental partners with clients to develop ongoing training schedules, conduct refresher courses, and provide up-to-date insights as regulations evolve.
We also offer custom training programmes tailored to specific workplace needs. Whether your team is facing a renovation project in an older building or is newly tasked with environmental hazard management, we can deliver relevant and effective training solutions.
In addition to training, Apex Environmental offers a comprehensive suite of Asbestos Services, including asbestos identification, risk assessments, air monitoring, and safe removal in accordance with current regulations. These services complement our training by providing businesses with practical, on-the-ground support in managing asbestos risks from start to finish.
Why Choose Apex Environmental?
- Accredited and Compliant: All our asbestos training courses meet the strict requirements set out by the Department of Employment and Labour under the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020.
- Certified Outcomes: Each participant receives an official Asbestos Training Certificate upon completion, qualifying them to carry out asbestos removal and repair work lawfully.
- Flexible Delivery Formats: Training is available in-person at your site, central venue, and virtually to suit hybrid or remote operational models. This flexibility ensures minimal disruption to your workflows and supports both large-scale and decentralised teams.
- Customised Solutions: We tailor course content to suit the type of work, equipment used, and workforce structure of your business. From first-time awareness to high-level training, we offer end-to-end support.
- Holistic Health & Safety Training: Apex Environmental goes beyond asbestos. We offer comprehensive occupational health and environmental training, including hazardous chemical handling, hygiene surveys and exposure monitoring. Our integrated training and consulting services position us as a strategic partner in your overall risk management strategy.
- Experienced Facilitators: Our trainers bring years of field expertise and in-depth regulatory knowledge, ensuring content is practical, engaging, and directly relevant to your team’s needs.
- Integrated Asbestos Management: In combination with our asbestos services team, we offer a full-service solution to help you identify, assess, train for, and remove asbestos-containing materials safely and in line with South African legislation.
Take Action Today
The cost of ignoring asbestos risks is too high—for your employees, your business, and your legal standing. Equip your team with the skills and knowledge they need through Apex Environmental’s accredited Asbestos Training Courses.
For tailored advice, to schedule a training session, or to learn more about our full suite of asbestos services, visit Asbestos Services or contact our team of experts. Let’s master asbestos risk together.
