IATP vs UKATA Asbestos Awareness Training: What’s the Difference?
If you need asbestos awareness training in the UK, you may come across two names when comparing courses: IATP and UKATA. Both are associated with asbestos training providers, but they are separate organisations and the certificates are not the same.
The most important question is not simply which name is “better”. You need training that is appropriate for the work you carry out and, where applicable, accepted by your employer, client, principal contractor, framework or site.
This guide explains the difference between IATP and UKATA asbestos awareness training, what to check before choosing a course and when an IATP-approved course may be suitable.
What Are IATP and UKATA?
IATP (Independent Asbestos Training Providers) and UKATA (United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association) are separate organisations associated with asbestos training in the UK.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) asbestos training guidance lists both IATP and UKATA among asbestos training associations whose members provide training. HSE also makes clear that inclusion of these links is not an endorsement and that employers remain responsible for determining whether a training provider is suitable.
For a learner or employer, this means the decision should be based on whether the course is suitable for the work being undertaken and whether any employer, client or contractual requirements specify a particular form of training or certificate.
Is IATP the Same as UKATA?
No. IATP and UKATA are separate organisations.
An IATP-approved asbestos awareness course is not a UKATA course, and a UKATA asbestos awareness course is not an IATP course. The certificate issued should accurately identify the training completed.
This distinction matters if a client, principal contractor, framework or employer has specifically asked for one type of training. Before purchasing a course for a particular project or site, check the wording of the requirement rather than assuming any asbestos awareness certificate will automatically be accepted.
Do IATP and UKATA Asbestos Awareness Courses Cover the Same Legal Duty?
The legal duty comes from the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, rather than from IATP or UKATA themselves.
Under Regulation 10, employers must ensure that employees who are liable to be exposed to asbestos – including those who supervise them – receive adequate information, instruction and training.
The level of training must be appropriate to the work and the role being undertaken. Asbestos awareness training is intended to help workers avoid work that could disturb asbestos; it does not qualify someone to carry out work with asbestos-containing materials.
For more detail on who may need awareness training, read our guide: Who Needs Asbestos Awareness Training in the UK?
IATP vs UKATA: What Are the Main Differences?
For asbestos awareness training, both names may appear when employers and learners compare providers. However, they operate as separate organisations with their own approval, membership and certification arrangements.
The practical differences a buyer should consider include:
What to compare | IATP | UKATA |
Organisation | Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP) | United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) |
Awareness training | IATP publishes an asbestos awareness e-learning syllabus for people whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos. | UKATA publishes an asbestos awareness syllabus for employees whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos. |
Legal context | Training should support the employer’s duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and be appropriate to the learner’s work. | Training should support the employer’s duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and be appropriate to the learner’s work. |
Working with asbestos | Awareness training does not qualify a learner to carry out work with asbestos-containing materials. | Awareness training does not qualify a learner to carry out work with asbestos-containing materials. |
What buyers should check | Check the course/provider approval and whether the resulting certificate meets any client, employer, site or contractual requirement. | Check the course/provider approval and whether the resulting certificate meets any client, employer, site or contractual requirement. |
Is IATP Asbestos Awareness Training Suitable for Construction Workers and Trades?
It can be, provided asbestos awareness is the correct level of training for the work and the course meets the relevant employer, client and site requirements.
The official IATP asbestos awareness e-learning syllabus states that the course content is designed for anyone whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos, in line with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
This can include workers in construction, maintenance and other trades where normal work could bring them into contact with asbestos-containing materials.
However, if a principal contractor, client, employer, framework or tender specifically requires UKATA training, an IATP certificate should not be presented as UKATA. Always check the exact requirement before booking training for a specific contract or project.
Is UKATA Asbestos Awareness Training Only for Construction Workers?
UKATA’s official Asbestos Awareness syllabus includes a wide range of trades and professions whose work may foreseeably expose them to asbestos, including construction workers, maintenance staff, electricians, plumbers, roofers, heating and ventilation engineers, architects and building surveyors.
The key issue remains the worker’s activities and potential exposure, together with any specific employer, client or contractual training requirements.
Which Should You Choose: IATP or UKATA?
Start with the requirement you actually need to satisfy.
Before buying asbestos awareness training, check:
- Is asbestos awareness the correct level of training for the work?
- Has your employer specified a particular course or certificate?
- Has a client or principal contractor asked specifically for IATP, UKATA or either?
- Does a framework, tender or site rule specify a particular training provider or certificate?
- Is the course provider appropriately approved for the training being offered?
- Will the certificate clearly identify the course and training completed?
If your requirement allows IATP-approved asbestos awareness training, an IATP-approved course can provide an appropriate route to asbestos awareness training. If a contract specifically requires UKATA, choose training that satisfies that requirement.
Need IATP-approved asbestos awareness training?
Does Either Course Qualify You to Work With Asbestos?
No.
Asbestos awareness training is designed to help workers recognise asbestos risks and avoid work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials. It does not, on its own, provide the additional training required to carry out work with asbestos.
HSE guidance explains that workers planning to carry out work that will disturb asbestos require a higher level of information, instruction and training appropriate to the work, including whether it is non-licensed, notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) or licensed work.
Can an Employer Accept IATP Instead of UKATA?
That depends on the employer’s, client’s or contract’s requirements.
If the requirement is for suitable asbestos awareness training and IATP-approved training is accepted, an IATP course may meet that requirement. If the requirement specifically states that a UKATA certificate is required, the learner should obtain the specified training rather than assuming an IATP certificate will be accepted.
Where the wording is unclear, confirm the requirement with the employer, client, principal contractor or relevant scheme before purchasing the course.
IATP vs UKATA FAQs
Is IATP the same as UKATA?
No. IATP and UKATA are separate organisations associated with asbestos training. An IATP-approved course is not a UKATA course, and vice versa.
Is IATP recognised by HSE?
HSE lists IATP among asbestos training associations whose members provide training. HSE also states that inclusion of these links is not an endorsement and employers remain responsible for determining whether a training provider is suitable.
Is UKATA recognised by HSE?
HSE lists UKATA among asbestos training associations whose members provide training. As with the other organisations listed, HSE does not endorse a particular provider or association.
Can construction workers take IATP asbestos awareness training?
Yes, where asbestos awareness is the appropriate level of training and IATP training satisfies the employer, client, principal contractor or site requirement. Always check whether a specific certificate has been requested.
Should I choose IATP or UKATA asbestos awareness training?
Choose training that is appropriate for your work and meets any employer, client, site, framework or contractual requirement. If a specific certificate has been requested, follow that requirement.
Does asbestos awareness training let me remove asbestos?
No. Awareness training does not qualify a learner to carry out work with asbestos-containing materials. Further training is required for work that will disturb asbestos.
Looking for IATP-Approved Asbestos Awareness Training?
If IATP-approved asbestos awareness training meets your requirements, Online Training Store provides an online course designed to help learners understand the risks associated with asbestos and how to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials.
View the IATP Asbestos Awareness Course and check the course details before purchasing.
