CLR Connector APPROVED TRAINING PROVIDERS FOR ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION NOW AVAILABLE
As of January 1, 2024, anyone doing asbestos abatement work in B.C., in relation to a building, will need to be trained and certified, and employers that carry out asbestos abatement work will need to be licenced. Certification training for workers and licensing for employers are two separate processes which need to be completed by January 1, 2024.
Certification for Persons Performing Asbestos Abatement Work
WorkSafeBC have recently posted a list of approved training providers for asbestos abatement certification on their website. All workers who conduct asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings will need to be trained and certified. The level of training and certification required to meet the new requirement depends on the type of asbestos work performed. The approved training providers are located in various cities around B.C. and some providers offer online training, as well. The following table explains the level of training required.
| Level of Training | Scope of Practice | Prerequisites |
| Level 1 Foundational Awareness |
Transport asbestos-containing materials
Dispose of asbestos-containing waste |
Prerequisites: None |
| Level 2 Asbestos Safety |
Perform abatement work | Prerequisites: Level 1 (unless the course combines both levels) |
| Level 3 Asbestos Safety Leader |
Level 1 and Level 2 scope of practice
Plan, oversee, and manage asbestos abatement sites |
Prerequisites: Level 2 |
| Level S Surveyor Safety |
Perform asbestos surveys | Prerequisites: Level 1 (unless the course combines both levels) |
If you previously completed an asbestos training course from an approved training provider in B.C. (since January 1, 2020), you may be able to get full or partial credit toward certification. In this case, please contact your training provider to find out if credit can be applied to your certification.
If you already have an asbestos training certificate from another province, contact Certification Services to find out if it is valid for work in B.C.
Licensing for Asbestos Abatement Contractors
As of January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors will be required to hold a valid licence to perform asbestos abatement work in relation to a building. This includes the following types of work:
- Removing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from buildings as part of renovation, restoration, or demolition
- Removing ACMs from buildings as a consequence of a hazardous materials inspection
- Conducting asbestos abatement work during the course of work in another industry (e.g., plumbing, flooring)
- Transporting and/or disposing of asbestos waste
- Performing asbestos surveys
Employers who may encounter asbestos-containing materials as part of their usual work activities, but not for performing asbestos abatement as defined above, will not likely require licensing. These employers will continue to be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their workers through Parts 5, 6, and 20 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation, including providing instruction and training to workers who are at risk of exposure to asbestos.
WorkSafeBC will begin accepting licensing applications from employers starting in September 2023 and the information for application will be found on the WorkSafeBC website. The application will include a submission of the applicant’s history of OHS compliance and evidence of competency to perform asbestos abatement work. Once assessed, a licence will be granted or refused by WorkSafeBC.
For more details on licensing requirements, see Who is required to have a licence or certificate.
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR)
WorkSafeBC will require changes to Part 6, Substance Specific Requirements to include asbestos certification and licensing. In February, the Policy, Regulation and Research Department prepared proposed amendments to Part 6 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation which can be reviewed on the WorkSafeBC website.
Moving forward, CLR will keep member contractors up to date with the development of asbestos certification and licensing. If you have any questions, please contact Glen Williams, CLR.
Resources:
WorkSafeBC: Asbestos Training, Certification & Licensing Information found here. WorkSafeBC: Approved Training Providers for Asbestos Abatement Certification found here.