For independent asbestos abatement operators: Asbestos training, certification & licensing
Training, certification, and licensing requirements are now in effect for asbestos abatement work to help keep people safe from the danger of asbestos.
What these requirements mean for independent operators
The Workers Compensation Act defines an independent asbestos abatement operator as:
An independent operator … is neither an employer nor a worker and … carries out the business of asbestos abatement work or carries out asbestos abatement work on behalf of another person in the course of carrying on another industry of the independent operator.
The following information describes how the training, certification, and licensing requirements may apply to independent asbestos abatement operators.
Training and certification
As of January 1, 2024, any person doing asbestos abatement work in B.C. must be trained and certified. This training will help ensure you are able to do this work safely, reducing the exposure to asbestos that can cause serious, long-term health problems.
The level of certification you need depends on the type of asbestos work you will be doing. Find out more:
- Learn about certificates
- Do I need a certificate?
- Find training: Approved training providers for asbestos abatement certification
Once you have completed training and certification, your certificate is valid for three years.
Licensing
As of January 1, 2024, employers that carry out asbestos abatement work for others must be licensed. An independent operator who hires a worker to perform asbestos abatement is an employer and must be licensed.
Independent abatement operators who are not employers are not required to be licensed. However, you may choose to apply for a licence, as this could allow you to participate in work that requires a licensed contractor.
To apply for a licence, applicants will be required to be registered with WorkSafeBC and pay their assessments and administrative penalties. Having amounts owing to WorkSafeBC may affect your application for an asbestos abatement licence.
For more details on who needs a licence and how to get licensed, see:
For more information
To keep up to date on the latest information about asbestos certification and licensing you can:
- Read the current and past updates
- Subscribe to receive email updates (select the “Asbestos certification and licensing updates” option)
You can also contact our Prevention Information Line if you have questions: 604.276.3100, or toll-free 1.888.621.7233.
Resources
Asbestos Abatement Licence: Guide for Licensees
Licensing requirements for asbestos abatement work are now in effect to help keep workers safe from the dangers of asbestos. As of January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors (employers) must...
Asbestos licensing and certification: Who is required to have a licence or certificate
Training, certification, and licensing requirements for asbestos abatement work are now in effect to help keep workers safe from the danger of asbestos. As of January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors...
Asbestos abatement training: Overview of certification levels
Training and certification requirements are now in effect for asbestos abatement work to help keep workers safe from the dangers of asbestos. As of January 1, 2024, anyone performing asbestos abatement...
Highlights
- Asbestos licensing and certification employer forum: Video and Q&A Published on: December 21, 2023
- Asbestos licensing and certification employer forum (November 8) Published on: October 18, 2023
- Asbestos training and certification worker forum: Video and Q&A Published on: October 17, 2023