To help keep workers safe from the dangers of asbestos, WorkSafeBC is implementing mandatory training and certification. If you perform asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings in B.C., you must complete training from an approved provider and obtain a certificate. These requirements are in effect starting January 1, 2024.

By Marnie Douglas

Exposure to asbestos can cause serious long-term health issues and even death. Asbestos was widely used in many building materials until the 1990s with diminishing use thereafter, and it continues to pose a risk to workers today.

Trevor Getty owns Antiquity Environmental Consulting, one of several companies in the Lower Mainland approved to offer asbestos training and certification. He’s pleased to see the amendments to the Workers Compensation Act to allow for the new requirements.

“It’s long overdue. This is a huge step toward making employees and our industry safer,” he says.

So, what do workers need to know ahead of next year’s deadline?

1. Workers and independent operators who do asbestos abatement work in buildings will need to be trained and certified.
   
   If you are doing other kinds of asbestos abatement work — for example, in ship building, working underground, or working outdoors on vessels, in tanks, or with asbestos cement piping — you don’t need a certificate. However, your employer will need to provide you with training and instruction if you are being exposed to hazardous materials.
   
   
2. Only training from a WorkSafeBC-approved provider qualifies you for a certificate.
   
   Contact training providers directly to learn more about their specific asbestos abatement training offerings, including dates, length of training, location, and cost.
   
   
3. Workers and independent operators will need to be trained at the required level for the type of asbestos abatement work being done.
   
   For instance, if you are only transporting or disposing of asbestos, you’ll need Level 1, whereas if you are doing asbestos abatement, you’ll need Level 2. Level 2 has Level 1 as prerequisite (unless the course combines both levels). Courses range from one to four days.
   
   If you are a worker, your employer is responsible for ensuring you are trained for the level of asbestos abatement work you do.
   
   
4. To be certified, you must complete your training program and pass the exam.
   
   The exam may include both written and practical components, depending on the level of certification. WorkSafeBC plans to offer the exams in multiple languages.
   
   Once you have successfully completed the training and passed the exam, you will be given a certificate. Your certificate will be valid for three years.

Getty says the new requirements will go a long way to help eliminate firms who don’t follow the rules, including those who don’t ensure that new and young workers are properly trained prior to starting work.

Feedback he’s heard from the industry and workers has been positive and enthusiastic about the new training. “This will drastically improve the asbestos abatement industry. It’s a great initiative by WorkSafeBC,” he adds.

For more information

Visit our Asbestos training, certification & licensing page to learn more about training and certification and find answers to common questions. Workers and employers can also contact our Prevention Information Line at 604.276.3100, or toll-free 1.888.621.7233.

This information originally appeared in the Fall 2023 issue of WorkSafe Magazine. To read more or to subscribe, visit WorkSafe Magazine.