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 provides comprehensive knowledge about asbestos, its historical usage in various settings, and the hazards associated with different types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Participants will gain an understanding of asbestos-related health risks, exposure routes, acceptable workplace practices, and the importance of health monitoring. Additionally, the course covers relevant regulations, roles, and responsibilities, and the principles of waste transportation and disposal related to asbestos.

This course consists of the following parts:

• Level 1 Training - 6 Hours -  Virtual Live Instructor-Led 
• Exam - 1 Hour -  Open book exam, proctored online. 

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

PART 1: Theory  

Section 1: Introduction to Asbestos

• Definition of Asbestos
• Historical Use of Asbestos in Building Materials, Industrial Settings, and Manufactured Products
• Types of Asbestos-Containing Materials and Associated Hazards
• The Abatement Process and Abatement Work
• Definition of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)
• Distinguishing Between Friable and Non-Friable ACMs
• Purposes of Hazardous Material Surveying and the Sampling Process
• Purpose of Air Monitoring for Asbestos, Requirements, and Results

Section 2: Asbestos and Health

• Primary Routes of Exposure to Asbestos
• Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure (e.g., Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer)
• Acceptable Workplace and Personal Hygiene Practices -Synergistic Effects of Asbestos Exposure and Other Exposures (e.g., Smoking)
• Understanding Exposure Limits
• Importance of Health Monitoring (e.g., Pulmonary Function Test and/or Annual Chest X-rays)
• Accessing the WorkSafeBC Exposure Registry Program

Section 3: Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Roles and Responsibilities of Workers, Supervisors, and Employers under the Workers Compensation Act
• Sections of the OHS Regulation (Parts 6 and 20) Associated with Asbestos-related Work
• Rights of Workers (Right to Know, Right to Participate, Right to Refuse Unsafe Work)
• "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA) Principle
• Distinctions Between Low, Moderate, and High-Risk Work Procedures
• Purposes of Exposure Control Plans, Hazardous Materials Surveys, and Safe Work Procedures

Section 4: Waste Transportation and Disposal

• Requirements for a License to Transport
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Requirements 

This course is delivered through a combination of lectures and group discussions to ensure participants gain a deep understanding of asbestos-related topics and compliance requirements.

PART 2: Certification Exam

Participants will required to take part in a 1-hour open book, certification exam after completing the 6-hour online theory portion.  The online exam will be proctored by the instructor via Teams.

Upon successful completion of the exam (a score of 80% or higher achieved), participants will receive their official Level 1 Asbestos Awareness 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 18+ years old to participate.
• Participants are required to provide one (1) piece of government-issued photo ID for verification at the start of the session.
• No-shows or late arrivals (more than an hour) will forfeit the course fees.
• Participants are required to have working webcams and microphones for the course

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: Virtual Live Instructor-Led – MS Teams 

Course Fee Includes: Access to the course, course materials, and a digital certificate of attendance showing CPD credits earned. 

Sharing a single registration between two or more individuals is not permitted. Please register each person who will be in attendance.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Level 1 Certificate is required for those that transport asbestos-containing materials, or dispose of asbestos-containing waste

Level 1 course is also recommended for those who do not need a certificate but who would benefit from general asbestos safety knowledge. For example, if you sometimes encounter asbestos-containing materials during your work (e.g., electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, flooring contractors) but are not an abatement worker, taking Level 1 training can help you learn how to work safely around asbestos.

1. Computer or laptop

• • This course will involve on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content (slides or videos), and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, cellphones may not be adequate. 

  • Windows 10 or Mac iOS. 

2. Webcam (Mandatory)– in order to engage and collaborate, participants will be expected to have their webcams on for the duration of the class

3. Microphone (Mandatory)

4. Internet connection- For best results, you will want to ensure you have an internet connection with an upload/download speed of 3-5 Mbps. You can test your internet speed here. The minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps, but anything below 3 Mbps may result in loss of quality or buffering. Ideally hardwired connection versus wireless for stability - connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, rather than using your home wi-fi.

5. A quiet space with minimal distractions –The microphone will be engaged for interactive sessions. Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.

6. Comfortable chair