If you are embarking on a commercial renovation that involves asbestos, then it is important to understand the newest regulations. As of January 1, of this year, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors have to be licensed to operate in British Columbia. If you are the client, then all you need to know is that your asbestos contractor has the appropriate licenses. However, for general information, we are going to discuss with you here what those licenses mean.
Training
Today, training is required in order to work in asbestos abatement. Whether your asbestos abatement contractor is working in a commercial renovation environment or a residential one, the training and licenses are the same.
There are five courses with written exams required now by the province, which are available in several languages. There is Level 1, 2, 3, “S”, a special course for performing asbestos surveys. In addition, there is a different license and certification for the transportation of asbestos waste, a hazardous material, above a certain amount. There is a long list of institutions, also readily available on the WorkSafeBc website that offer these courses and certifications.
Why Is Certification Required?
Certification is required because of the danger of working with asbestos. Asbestos is known to cause cancer and other serious health problems. Once asbestos-containing materials are breached or damaged, asbestos is liberated into the air, and it is easy to inhale it. This is dangerous not just for those working with it, but also anyone else nearby. Certification and licensing are attempts to mitigate the hazards. Large-scale commercial renovations multiply the hazards.
Is Your Contractor Licensed?
A list of licensed contractors is available on the WorkSafeBC website. There are separate lists for those licensed to work with it and those licensed to transport the asbestos waste in large amounts. By choosing a licensed contractor, you know that your contractor’s employees have taken and passed the required courses and your contractor will understand mitigating the risks of working with asbestos for themselves and you, the client.
Hazardous materials abatement is our business, and we are available to help you if you need an experienced decontamination company. We are licensed in BC to handle, manage, remove, and dispose of asbestos. We can be reached toll-free in Surrey, BC at (888) 296-2499.
Enviro-Vac is one of the oldest privately owned environmental contractors in Canada. They offer full suite of services in hazardous materials abatement and decontamination including shrink- wrap containments and are available to work both small and large- scale projects across Canada. The head office is based in Surrey, BC.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about hazardous materials abatement, decontamination or shrink-wrap solutions, please call us on our toll-free number, (888) 296-2499.
