Asbestos Awareness and Handling Training

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Asbestos is the generic name for 6 different naturally-occurring fibrous minerals; it is a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials.  Chrysotile is the most common form of asbestos found in Ontario.  Asbestos products can be classified as friable or non-friable.  Friable products are more dangerous because the fibres are not held together by a binding agent and can easily become airborne presenting an inhalation hazard.  Non-friable products are held together by a binding agent such as asphalt, cement, or vinyl.

The improper handling of asbestos-containing products can release harmful amounts of fibre into the air. The inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a designated substance under the Occupational Health and Safety Act; section 30 requires project owners to determine whether any designated substances are present at a project site and if so, to take proper precautions to protect workers.

Regulation 278/05 – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations categorizes asbestos-related activity into one of three types: Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3. The regulation covers safe work procedures and types of respiratory protection required for workers doing each type of asbestos work. Regulation 833 – Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents sets out occupational exposure limits (OELs) for asbestos fibres in the air.

This course will prepare you to enter a worksite that has an asbestos project.

This instructor led Asbestos Awareness and Handling training describes the requirements to protect your health and safety. It teaches basic concepts in working on an asbestos project, including proper handling, associated hazards, protection, and safe work practices.  Our comprehensive course has been designed to exceed the standards set out by the OHSA.  This course does not qualify participants for Type 3 asbestos removal.  NOTE: Participants are required to be clean shaven for respirator fit-testing; fit-testing on a half-face respirator, is a required component of the course. If workers have a respirator, they are instructed to bring it with them to the course.

•  Asbestos composition
• Health risks associated with asbestos
• Regulation of asbestos
• Exposure limits to asbestos
• Safe work practices

Successful completion of this course requires an 80% grade on a written exam (theory) and a "pass" rating on the practical portion.​ 

Upon successful completion, a Registered Asbestos Worker card will be issued and will expire 3 years from the date of course completion.​