To help inform asbestos abatement employers on the new requirements, an employer forum is being held virtually on November 8
WORKSAFEBC is reminding asbestos abatement employers and workers to take the necessary steps to ensure they meet new asbestos abatement requirements taking effect next year.
Starting January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement employers must be licensed to operate in B.C., and any individual performing asbestos abatement work must complete mandatory safety training and obtain a certificate.
With only two months left in the year, WorkSafeBC is urging asbestos abatement employers and workers to take action now, if they haven’t already done so, to ensure they are licensed and certified by the January 1 deadline.
Training and certification
WorkSafeBC is implementing mandatory training for asbestos abatement workers to help keep workers and the public safe from the dangers of asbestos.
Anyone performing asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings must be certified by completing training from a WorkSafeBC-approved training provider and passing a written exam. A practical assessment may also be required prior to the exam.
The level of certification a worker needs depends on the type of asbestos work being done. To assist workers, an online tool is available on worksafebc.com that will help workers determine which level of certification is required.
Workers will need to contact training providers directly to learn more about their asbestos abatement training offerings, including dates, length of training, location, and cost. A list of approved training providers is posted on worksafebc.com.
Once a worker is certified, the certificate will be valid for three years.
Licensing
At the start of next year, asbestos abatement employers will need to hold a valid Asbestos Abatement Licence (AAL) to operate in B.C. To be issued a licence, an employer or an independent asbestos abatement operator must be registered with WorkSafeBC.
Once an application is submitted, it will generally take two to six weeks to process. Licences will be issued for one year and must be renewed annually.
Once a licence has been issued, the licensee information will be added to an online registry posted on worksafebc.com. This allows other businesses, contractors, and homeowners to identify who is licensed to perform asbestos abatement work in B.C.
It’s important to note that the new regulations include an obligation for owners and prime contractors to ensure that, before permitting a contractor to carry out asbestos abatement work at a workplace, that the asbestos abatement contractor holds a valid licence issued by WorkSafeBC.
To help inform asbestos abatement employers on the new requirements, an employer forum is being held virtually on November 8. This follows two worker forums that were held in September and October this year.
Workers and employers with questions on the new asbestos abatement requirements can call WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 1-888-621-7233.
The new requirements for asbestos licensing and certification were brought in by the provincial government through amendments to the Workers Compensation Act in spring 2022. The changes were made to further protect people and the environment from the dangers of asbestos.
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