W504 - Asbestos and other fibres

This is an international qualification, so UK legislation is not covered in great detail, (unlike in the previous S301 course). The W504 proficiency course contains an open-book, short-answer examination under the supervision of a BOHS invigilator and a practical assessment undertaken by the course provider.
The assessment involves the set-up and use of an air sampling system for asbestos fibres in air with a suitable high volume pump and the subsequent preparation of slides for counting. It also involves the sampling of bulk material for asbestos identification including all the required safety precautions.
On successful completion of this module the delegate should be able to:

Describe the composition, nature and properties of asbestos and other man-made mineral fibres (MMMF).
Describe the health effects and apply appropriate exposure limits.
Advise on the implications of asbestos and MMMF in workplace activities as well as in-situ in buildings.
Sample and identify asbestos fibres.
Conduct air sampling to determine airborne concentrations of asbestos fibres in accordance with HSE-approved procedures, including the four-stage clearance procedure.
Advise on containment, removal, disposal and management of asbestos in buildings.