.Most people are familiar with the notion that asbestos is an incredibly dangerous material. Exposure to it can cause all kinds of health problems but most notably, a type of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Avoiding contact with asbestos is crucial for your health but there has to be someone who makes sure that it’s as far away from people as possible.
Asbestos surveyors are responsible for inspecting properties for the presence of this highly toxic material. They may do visual checks or take samples which are then tested to check whether asbestos is present. This job naturally exposes the person to high levels of asbestos so you would assume that they are well paid. But how much do asbestos surveyors get paid in the UK?
The average wage for an asbestos surveyor in the United Kingdom is just below £28,000. However, there are some that are earning as much as £37,000 and others that may only bring home an annual salary of £21,000.
The amount you get paid for this job will depend on things like where you are located and your level of experience. While the average salary is normally within the figures we have already mentioned, it is possible to go on to become a chartered surveyor and earn up to £70,000 per year!
The good news is that, even at the lower end of the scale, most asbestos surveyors are earning above the national UK average salary. Currently, this is around £25,000.
If you are interested in becoming an asbestos surveyor, it’s important to keep in mind that there are risks to this job. While most companies and employers ensure the utmost protection for their employees, there is still a risk.
Let’s go on to look at how you can work towards becoming an asbestos surveyor and what qualifications you’ll need to undertake.
What Qualifications Do You Need To Be An Asbestos Surveyor?
One of the simplest ways to get into asbestos surveying is to take an apprenticeship. The obvious benefit of this is that you will be paid to train. You’ll spend most of your time working alongside trained professionals and one day a week in a classroom environment.
Apprenticeship
In order to be eligible for an apprenticeship in asbestos surveying, you will need at least four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4. You can also enter with two to three A levels. This is a great choice for people who learn by taking a hands-on approach.
College Courses
If you prefer a more theoretical approach to learning then it is possible to take a college course in asbestos surveying. This is a Level 3 course but you can opt to go on to do an advanced Level 4 course in Asbestos Laboratory and Project Management. This will allow you more opportunities for career progression in the future.
The entry requirements for these types of courses vary. But as a rule of thumb, you’ll be expected to have some experience in construction. It’s also worth noting that after you qualify, you may be expected to obtain a CSCS card if you are going to be working on a construction site.
University
If you want to take your education even further, there are university courses in things like surveying, construction and civil engineering. You will normally need at least 2 to 3 A Levels to be eligible to take these courses. Once you are done, you can go on to take special training related to asbestos.
Once you have secured a job within asbestos surveying, you can work your way up the ladder. You’ll start as a junior surveyor, but with some hard work you could become a senior or chartered surveyor. The salary for this type of work is very handsome.
How Many Levels Of Training Are There For Asbestos?
Generally speaking, there are three levels of training involved in understanding asbestos. This training can be undertaken by people looking to become a surveyor. It can also be done by anyone who will potentially work with asbestos.
Asbestos Training Courses
The first level of training is Asbestos Awareness. This is usually done by people who won’t have direct contact with materials that contain asbestos. But who may be exposed in other ways. The training involves teaching people how to avoid or minimise the risks.
The second level is Non-Licensed Asbestos Training. You would need to do this training if you will be working with materials that contain asbestos and that may be disturbed. This might include the removal of asbestos tiles, paint or other materials or when you might be drilling through asbestos.
The final level of training is Licensed Asbestos Work which should be done by people who are at a very high risk of exposure. According to the HSE, once training is complete, the individual must have on-the-job assessments as well. This type of training allows you to become a fully licensed contractor.
How Long Does An Asbestos Awareness Course Take?
If you are taking an asbestos awareness course (Category A training) then it’s a pretty quick process. It’s possible to take an online course that lasts no more than 40 minutes. However, the HSE recommends to repeat this training every 12 months.
Employers with staff who have a low level risk of asbestos exposure are expected to provide this training as part of their job.
Recent Article: What Jobs Have Exposure To Asbestos
Conclusion
Asbestos is undoubtedly a dangerous material but many people are exposed to it at work. Asbestos surveyors inspect sites for the presence of the material. But since this is a high-risk job, you need proper training.
You can become an asbestos surveyor through either a college course, apprenticeship or university course. Once qualified, you’ll earn around £28,000 on average. However, this salary can skyrocket if you work your way to the top.