Asbestos Awareness in Canada:

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been widely used in the construction industry for decades. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, Canadian employers are required to provide Asbestos Awareness to workers who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the course of their work.

ASBESTOS AWARENESS DEFINITION

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are made up of long, thin fibres. These fibres are heat-resistant, non-corrosive, and have high tensile strength, which makes them ideal for use in insulation, fireproofing, and other construction materials. However, when these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

What is Asbestos Awareness?

Asbestos awareness refers to the measures taken to protect individuals from the health hazards associated with exposure to asbestos fibres. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry for many years due to its heat-resistant properties. However, it was eventually discovered to be highly toxic and a leading cause of several serious health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The Government of Canada recognizes that breathing in asbestos fibres can cause cancer and other diseases (Source: Government of Canada, Initiatives of the Chemicals Management Plan, Asbestos, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/chemicals-management-plan/initiatives/asbestos.html 2019). As a result, the government has implemented regulations to protect workers and the public from exposure to asbestos.

The purpose of Asbestos Awareness is to provide workers with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely with asbestos-containing materials. This includes identifying the presence of asbestos, understanding the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and knowing how to handle and dispose of ACMs safely.

Which are the main types of asbestos?

There are six main types of asbestos, which are classified into two groups: serpentine and amphibole.

• Serpentine Asbestos - Chrysotile is the only type of serpentine asbestos. It is the most commonly used form of asbestos and accounts for about 95% of all asbestos used worldwide. Chrysotile fibres are curly and flexible, making them ideal for use in products that require flexibility, such as brake linings and gaskets.

• Amphibole Asbestos - The five types of amphibole asbestos are amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. These fibres are straight and brittle, which makes them more likely to break and become airborne. As a result, amphibole asbestos is considered to be more hazardous than chrysotile asbestos. Amosite and crocidolite were commonly used in construction materials, such as insulation and cement products. Tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite were not used as extensively as the other types of asbestos, but they can still be found in some products.

What are the main properties of asbestos?

Asbestos fibres are durable and resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. These properties made asbestos a popular material for use in a wide range of products, including building materials, automotive parts, and textiles. However, when asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems.

Because asbestos fibres are so small, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and become lodged there. Over time, this can lead to the development of serious lung diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

How to identify asbestos?

A hazard investigation of suspected ACM must be conducted prior to any work on the suspected ACM in accordance with COHSR section 10.4 (Source: Government of Canada, A Guide to the management hazardous substances, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/hazardous-substances.html, 2022). Identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be challenging, as asbestos fibres are often mixed with other materials, such as cement or insulation. As a result, it is not always possible to tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it.

If you suspect that a material may contain asbestos, it is important to have it tested by a qualified professional. This may involve taking a sample of the material and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The sample may be tested using polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine whether it contains asbestos fibres.

Understanding the types and properties of asbestos is an important part of Asbestos Awareness. By knowing how to identify asbestos, workers can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from exposure to this hazardous material. In addition to identifying and handling ACMs properly, it is also important for workers to understand the hazards associated with asbestos exposure and the requirements set forth by legislation in Canada.

Proper training and certification can ensure that workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely around asbestos-containing materials and to reduce the risk of exposure.

What are the main asbestos hazards?

Asbestos hazards are primarily associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibres, which can become lodged in the lungs and cause a range of health effects over time. The risk of developing these health effects is directly related to the level and duration of asbestos exposure (Source: Government of Canada, Technical guideline to asbestos exposure management programs, 1.2 Health effects of asbestos, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/asbestos-exposure-management-programs.html#h1.2, 2022).

• Lung Cancer - Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, which is a serious and often fatal disease. The risk of developing lung cancer is greater for individuals who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos.

• Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos and can take years or even decades to develop.

• Asbestosis - Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that is caused by the scarring of lung tissue from asbestos fibres. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain, and the disease can be disabling or even fatal.

• Other Health Effects - In addition to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, asbestos exposure can also cause other health effects, such as pleural plaques and pleural effusions. Pleural plaques are thickened areas of the lining of the lungs, while pleural effusions are the buildup of fluid around the lungs.

Which are the asbestos exposure limits?

To protect workers from the hazards of asbestos exposure, there are strict limits on the amount of asbestos fibres that can be present in the air. In Canada, the current occupational exposure limit for asbestos is 0.1 fibres per cubic centimeter of air, as measured over an 8-hour workday.

ASBESTOS LEGISLATION

Which is the federal legislation?

In October 2018, the final Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II: Vol.152, No. 21 (Source: Government of Canada, Canada Gazette, Part II: Volume 152, URL: https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2018/index-eng.html, 2018) . These regulations prohibit the import, sale and use of asbestos, as well as the manufacture, import, sale and use of products containing asbestos, with some exceptions. These regulations are published under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), and came into force on December 30, 2018.

In addition, the Export of Substances on the Export Control List Regulations have been amended to list all forms of asbestos on the Export Control List (Schedule 3 to CEPA 1999). An order amending Schedule 3 to CEPA 1999 was published in the Canada Gazette, Part II: Vol. 152, No. 21 – October 17, 2018. These amendments support the Regulations Prohibiting Asbestos and Asbestos Products by adding new provisions to prohibit (with some exceptions) the export of asbestos and products containing asbestos.

However, asbestos is still present in many older buildings and materials, and workers may be exposed to asbestos during demolition, renovation, or maintenance activities.

Canada Labour Code, Part II

The Canada Labour Code, Part II, is a federal law that sets standards for workplace health and safety in Canada. This law applies to all employers and employees in federally regulated industries, such as interprovincial transportation, telecommunications, and banking.

Under the Canada Labour Code, Part II, employers are responsible for identifying all hazardous materials in the workplace, including asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). They are also responsible for implementing measures to prevent or minimize the risks of exposure to these materials (Source: Government of Canda, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/l-2/, 2022). Employers must also provide workers with appropriate training and instruction on how to safely handle and work with ACMs.

The Canada Labour Code, Part II requires that employers establish a joint health and safety committee (JHSC) to help identify and address workplace hazards, including asbestos. The JHSC must be made up of both worker and employer representatives, and it must have the authority to make recommendations to the employer on workplace health and safety issues. In addition to the JHSC, the Canada Labour Code, Part II requires that employers establish a hazard prevention program (HPP) to identify and control workplace hazards, including asbestos. The HPP must be developed in consultation with the JHSC, and it must be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in workplace hazards and work processes.

Occupational Health and Safety Acts

Under the OHS Acts, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees, which includes protecting workers from exposure to asbestos. Employers must identify all hazardous materials in the workplace, including asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), and develop and implement a comprehensive program to manage these materials safely.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulation is a federal law in Canada that regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, including asbestos. The TDG Regulations are designed to ensure that hazardous materials are transported safely and responsibly, minimizing the risks of accidental release or exposure.

Under the TDG Regulations, asbestos is classified as a Class 9 hazard, which means it is a substance that presents a hazard during transport but does not meet the criteria for any other hazard class. Asbestos is also considered a "dangerous good" and is subject to strict regulations regarding its packaging, labeling, and transport.

Any person who transports asbestos must comply with the TDG Regulations, which include requirements for the proper packaging and labelling of the material. The packaging must be designed to prevent any leaks or spills during transport and must be clearly labeled with the proper identification number and hazard warning.

The TDG Regulations also require that anyone who transports asbestos must hold a valid TDG certificate. This certificate demonstrates that the individual has completed the necessary training and has the knowledge and skills required to transport hazardous materials safely.

Environmental Protection Act

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) is a federal law in Canada that regulates the handling and use of hazardous materials, including asbestos. CEPA aims to protect the environment and human health by minimizing the risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances.

Under CEPA, asbestos is classified as a toxic substance and is subject to strict regulations regarding its handling, use, and disposal. These regulations are designed to reduce the risks associated with exposure to asbestos and to ensure that the material is managed in a safe and responsible manner.

CEPA requires that anyone who plans to import, manufacture, or use asbestos must first submit a notification to the government. This notification must include information on the type and quantity of asbestos being imported, manufactured, or used, as well as the intended use and any associated risks (Source: Government of Canada, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-15.31/, 2021).

CEPA also requires that any products containing asbestos must be labelled as such and that the material must be handled and disposed of in accordance with strict guidelines. These guidelines include requirements for packaging, labelling, and transport of asbestos-containing materials, as well as procedures for the safe removal and disposal of ACMs.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Asbestos is a designated substance under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) in Canada. This means that employers are required to ensure that workers are trained in the safe handling, storage, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

What is the provincial legislation?

• British Columbia: The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 6.3 of the Workers Compensation Act, sets out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. WorkSafeBC is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• Alberta: The Occupational Health and Safety Code sets out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training, personal protective equipment, and decontamination facilities. The Alberta OHS program is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• Saskatchewan: The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part VI of The Saskatchewan Employment Act, sets out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• Manitoba: The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Part 34 of The Workplace Safety and Health Act, sets out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. The Workplace Safety and Health program is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• Ontario: The Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Regulation for Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents set out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. The Ministry of Labour is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• Quebec: The Regulation respecting occupational health and safety sets out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• New Brunswick: The Occupational Health and Safety Act and the General Regulation, Part XII of the Workers' Compensation Act, set out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• Nova Scotia: The Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Asbestos Abatement and Management Regulations set out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. The Department of Labour and Advanced Education is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• Prince Edward Island: The Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Asbestos Regulations set out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. The Workers Compensation Board is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

• Newfoundland and Labrador: The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the Asbestos Abatement and Management Regulations set out requirements for the safe handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. Employers must provide workers with appropriate training and personal protective equipment. WorkplaceNL is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

ASBESTOS AWARENESS

What is Asbestos Awareness?

Asbestos training is a specialized training program designed to teach workers how to safely handle and work with asbestos-containing materials. The training covers a range of topics, including the properties and health effects of asbestos, identification of asbestos-containing materials, safe handling and removal procedures, and relevant legislation and requirements.

Who is responsible for Asbestos Awareness?

Under Canadian law, employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers receive adequate training and supervision to perform their work safely (Source: Government of Canada, Technical guideline to asbestos exposure management programs, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/asbestos-exposure-management-programs.html#h1.2, 2022). This includes providing Asbestos Awareness to workers who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials. Employers must also ensure that workers have access to appropriate PPE and that they follow safe handling and disposal procedures.

Who needs Asbestos Awareness?

Asbestos training is required for anyone who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the course of their work. This includes workers who perform maintenance, renovation, or demolition work in buildings that may contain asbestos, as well as workers who manufacture, handle, or transport asbestos-containing products.

Some common industries where workers may be at risk of asbestos exposure include:

• Construction: Asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring until the 1980s. Workers in the construction industry may be exposed to asbestos during the demolition, renovation, or maintenance of older buildings.
• Manufacturing: Asbestos-containing products were also commonly used in manufacturing, particularly in industries such as automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and aerospace. Workers in these industries may be exposed to asbestos during the manufacture or repair of asbestos-containing products.
• Mining: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined in certain parts of the world. Workers in the mining industry may be exposed to asbestos during the extraction and processing of asbestos ore.
• Transportation: Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in the construction of ships and airplanes, as well as in the brakes and clutches of automobiles and trains. Workers in the transportation industry may be exposed to asbestos during the manufacture, repair, or maintenance of these products.
• Healthcare: Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in the construction of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Workers in the healthcare industry may be exposed to asbestos during the maintenance or renovation of these buildings.

Can you do Asbestos training online?

In Canada, there are two main types of asbestos training courses: Asbestos Awareness and Asbestos Abatement.

Asbestos Awareness

The Asbestos Awareness course is designed for individuals who work in low-risk asbestos environments. These are environments where there is a possibility of encountering asbestos-containing materials, but the work does not involve direct contact with or disturbance of ACMs. This course is often undertaken by maintenance workers, supervisors, and other personnel who may come across asbestos while performing their duties. Asbestos Awareness can often be completed online, making it more accessible to a wider range of workers.

This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.

Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.

Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.

However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it's essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.

Asbestos Abatement

The Asbestos Abatement course is intended for workers who are employed in high-risk asbestos environments. These are individuals who work directly with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and are involved in activities such as removal, encapsulation, or handling of such materials. Asbestos abatement training typically takes place in a classroom setting to facilitate hands-on demonstrations, practical exercises, and direct interaction with instructors.

Where can you purchase Asbestos Awareness online training?

In today’s fast-paced society, online Asbestos Awareness courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your safety training done. There are many methods and providers of Asbestos Awareness. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money. Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.

ASBESTOS AWARENESS CERTIFICATE

What do you need to learn?

Asbestos training should be comprehensive and cover all aspects of working with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This includes:

• Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure: Asbestos training should include information on the health effects of asbestos exposure, including the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases.

• Identification of Asbestos: Asbestos training should provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the workplace. This includes visual identification as well as the use of testing and analysis equipment.

• Safe Handling of ACMs: Asbestos training should cover the proper handling and disposal of ACMs to minimize the risk of exposure. This includes the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, gloves, and protective clothing.

• Decontamination Procedures: Asbestos training should include information on proper decontamination procedures to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. This includes the use of designated decontamination areas, proper removal of PPE, and disposal of contaminated materials.

• Emergency Response Procedures: Asbestos training should provide workers with information on emergency response procedures in the event of accidental exposure to asbestos fibres. This includes procedures for reporting incidents, obtaining medical attention, and preventing further exposure.

• Compliance with Applicable Regulations: Asbestos training should include information on the regulations and standards applicable to asbestos in the workplace. This includes the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations Canada, Canada Occupational Health and Safety Acts, Canada Labour Code, Part II, and other sources of legislation.

How long is the certificate valid?

In general, asbestos training certificates in Canada are valid for a period of three years from the date of issue. This means that individuals who have obtained an asbestos training certificate will need to undergo refresher training every three years in order to maintain their certification and continue working with ACMs.

It is important to note that while the certificate itself has an expiration date, the knowledge and skills acquired through asbestos training should be constantly reinforced through ongoing training and education. Employers are encouraged to provide their workers with regular training and refresher courses to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest safety procedures and best practices for working with asbestos-containing materials.

How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?

The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.

All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.

This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.

The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.

Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.

If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.

How can I find my certificate if I lost it?

In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.

If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.

CONCLUSION

Asbestos Awareness is essential for any worker who may be exposed to asbestos in the course of their work. It is important to be aware of the hazards associated with asbestos exposure and to take the necessary precautions to protect workers from these hazards. In Canada, there are strict limits on the number of asbestos fibres that can be present in the air, and there are several sources of legislation and standards that govern the safe handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.