This course is a WorkSafeBC Authorized Asbestos Abatement Training course provided by MBC Group.

All workers in British Columbia covered by the regulation must obtain their asbestos abatement certification by January 1, 2024, to continue working on any site where asbestos is present. 

Any worker conducting asbestos abatement work in relation to a building must be certified, even in situations where a company license is not required. To find out more about who needs a certificate please click here. 

If you’re unsure about which training level is appropriate for you/your workers, use this WorkSafeBC asbestos certification questionnaire.

This course combines both Level 1: Foundational Awareness and Level 2: Asbestos Safety for workers who are performing asbestos abatement work.  

This course consists of in-person/classroom delivery of:

• Level 1 Training
• Level 2 Training
• Practical Assessment 
• Exam 

This course is a WorkSafeBC Authorized Asbestos Abatement Training course provided by MBC Group.

PART 1: Theory

This session is designed to provide participants with foundational awareness and practical skills in asbestos abatement work. The theory syllabus is divided into five sections, each covering essential aspects of the abatement process: 

Section 1: Foundational Awareness

• Understanding the required personal protective equipment (PPE) for abatement work and its proper use.
• Learning about asbestos concentration monitoring in the worksite and different types of respiratory protection used in abatement.
• Familiarization with respiratory protection factors, maximum use concentration, and requirements for fit tests and pre-use inspections of respirators.
• Understanding the procedures for donning and doffing PPE.

Section 2: Planning for Abatement Work and Initial Site Meeting 

• Reviewing essential safe work documents, including hazardous materials surveys, site conditions, exposure control plans, and risk assessments, prior to starting work.
• Learning about the key information to be presented at the initial site meeting.
• Understanding the risks and safety considerations discussed during pre-start safety meetings.

Section 3: Set-up

• Learning the set-up process, including required signage and barriers/barricades to restrict access during abatement.
• Understanding the rationale for choosing specific tools and materials, such as different types of poly, tape, etc.
• Gaining knowledge about containment considerations and application, as well as the use of negative air units and Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) testing.
• Understanding the components and procedures for full containment, partial containment, and designated work areas.
• Learning about the importance of isolating and/or locking out building services for safety purposes.

Section 4: Abatement

• Conducting field-level hazard assessments and implementing dust control measures as per safe work procedures.
• Understanding the purpose of air monitoring equipment and conducting decontamination procedures.
• Gaining knowledge about handling suspected asbestos-containing materials and the impact of abatement work on other trades and services.
• Learning the proper encapsulation techniques for different types of work and following safe work methods to minimize dust release.
• Safely installing, operating, and maintaining abatement equipment and tools.
• Conducting personal decontamination procedures and explaining their purpose.

Section 5: Waste Handling

• Understanding the process for storing, handling, transporting, and disposing of asbestos waste. 
• Learning about waste manifests, hazardous waste generator requirements, and proper labeling of asbestos waste.
• Gaining knowledge on safe disposal practices to prevent risks to workers and others.
• Developing practical skills in proper bagging and sealing of asbestos waste. 

PART 2:  Skills Assessment 

As part of the Level 2 certification process, participants will undergo a hands-on skills assessment to ensure that they have acquired the necessary competencies to perform asbestos-related tasks proficiently.

 
PART 3: Certification Exam

Participants will participate in a certification exam on the last day of the course.  Upon successful completion of the exam (a score of 80% or higher achieved), participants will receive their official Level 2 Asbestos Abatement Certificate, which is valid for (3) three years*.  Certificates are issued directly from WorkSafeBC to participants. ICBA will not receive a copy of the certificates. Participants will receive an email with a PDF version and also be mailed a hard copy certificate.

*Certification length is still under review and is subject to change by WorkSafeBC.  

IMPORTANT PARTICIPANT INFORMATION! (Please read carefully)

• Participants MUST be CLEAN SHAVEN for the fit test and hands-on components of the course.
• A respirator is required to participate, participants should bring one with them. Acceptable respirators would be a half mask with P100 filters (Any brand) or a PAPR mask will work as well. 
• If you do not have an acceptable respirator, please purchase one during registration. 
• Participants must be 18+ years old to participate.
• Participants are required to bring one (1) piece of government-issued photo ID for verification on the first day.
• Participants should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Steel-toed boots are optional. 
• Lunch will be provided each day. Please advise the training team of any dietary restrictions by emailing training@icba.ca 
• No-shows or late arrivals (more than an hour) will forfeit the course fees.

Course hours can be used towards the Gold Seal Certification application for credits, subject to approval upon review. Note: every 6 hours of learning equals 1 Gold Seal credit. 

Delivery Method: Classroom Session  

Course Fee Includes: Access to the course, course materials, and a digital certificate of attendance showing CPD credits earned.  Lunch is also provided. Please advise the training team of any dietary restrictions by emailing training@icba.ca 

There is no prerequisite for this as it is a combined Level 1 & 2 course.

This course is required for those who remove asbestos-containment materials in relation to a building, including abatement work done before the fire or flood restoration work, renovation, or demolition activities.

Any worker conducting asbestos abatement work in relation to a building must be certified, even in situations where a license is not required.