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 be licensed to operate in British Columbia.

Who needs a licence?

Asbestos abatement work is defined in the Workers Compensation Act, and means any of the following activities carried out for the purpose of the abatement of asbestos in relation to a building:

• Identifying material that is or may be asbestos-containing material (ACM)
• Collecting samples of material that is or may be ACM
• Assessing the risk posed by material that is or may be ACM
• Assessing the risk posed by working with or near material that is or may be ACM
• Removing, repairing, transporting, or disposing of, material that is or may be ACM
• Planning or supervising any of the above activities

Employers that offer asbestos abatement services to others in relation to a building will require a valid licence.

Prime contractors and general contractors have specific health and safety responsibilities at a multi-employer work site to ensure all activities are coordinated, including asbestos abatement work if any is needed. Usually, the asbestos abatement work is carried out by workers of another employer. As such, prime contractors and general contractors whose employees are not performing asbestos abatement work do not need a licence.

The following table further outlines who needs an asbestos abatement licence (AAL).

*In addition to an asbestos abatement licence, anyone in B.C. transporting hazardous waste in excess of a certain amount is required to hold a valid licence issued by the Province of British Columbia, unless exempted.

This table is intended to provide general information that may be subject to change and should not be solely relied on to determine if you require an asbestos abatement licence.

For more information, refer to Who is required to have a licence or certificate. If you are still unsure about whether you need a licence, contact Licensing services.

Note that anyone doing asbestos abatement work in relation to a building at a workplace will need to be certified even if a licence is not required. See Learn about certificates for more information.

How to get licensed

To apply for an asbestos abatement licence (AAL), you will need to be registered with WorkSafeBC and log in to your online services. (If you do not yet have an online services profile, click on the “Sign up” button on that page.)

Once you have logged in to your online services:

1. Click on the Health & Safety tab.
2. Under Licensing, click on Apply for and manage your Asbestos Abatement Licence.
3. If you do not have access to the Asbestos Abatement Licence application yet, you will be redirected to “Request a change in my access to online tools.”
4. Click the appropriate WorkSafeBC account from the “Online account” drop-down menu.
5. Click the checkbox to the left of “Asbestos Abatement Licence application” to select.
6. Click Continue.
7. If you are the account administrator, access will be granted automatically. If you are not the account administrator, access will be granted once approved by the account administrator.
8. Fill in the application form. This should take you about 20 minutes. Be sure to fill in all the required information.

There is no fee to apply for a licence; however, you must be up to date with your WorkSafeBC insurance payments (assessments) and any administrative penalty payments if applicable. If you have amounts owing it may affect your application for a licence.

For additional information and support on applying for a licence, see Asbestos Abatement Licence: Guide for Licensees.

Timelines for licensing

We generally can process your application in about two to six weeks, assuming all information provided is full and accurate. Additional time may be required during peak periods. If your application is approved, we will send you your licence by email.

The licence will be valid for one year, and you will need to follow the steps above to apply to have it renewed.

For more information

To find information and resources about working safely with asbestos, visit our Asbestos page.

You can also contact our Prevention Information Line if you have questions: 604.276.3100, or toll-free 1.888.621.7233.