A Redruth asbestos specialist has launched an awareness campaign as new regulations now mean that all workers who are at risk of coming into contact with the deadly substance now require training.

New regulations now make it mandatory for anyone whose work involves disturbing the fabric or services of a building to undertake asbestos awareness training.

This includes plumbers, IT systems engineers and carpenters, as well as construction workers and general maintenance personnel.

The training requirement is part of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, which were further strengthened this month by the requirement that anyone certifying premises as safe to be re-occupied following asbestos work must be accredited.

To help businesses and tradespeople keep within the law, Redruth-based asbestos specialist Shield Environmental Services Ltd has launched an Asbestos Awareness campaign throughout the region.

Activities include a series of free seminars, the distribution of information leaflets from its six operational centres in the South West, and posting updates on its website, www.shieldenvironmental.co.uk.

Shield has already started providing HSE-approved training to enable companies to comply with the new regulations. These include half-day Asbestos Awareness and full-day Managing Asbestos in Premises courses.

Ian Hewer, Shield's technical and marketing director, said: "It is vital to make sure all businesses and individuals whose work could involve disturbing asbestos, such as through drilling or sawing, are aware of the regulations. All forms of asbestos are dangerous and the training Shield provides ensures people know what to do if they come across it."