Asbestos Training (Type 1 & Type 2)
Dial up safety with this information-based asbestos safety training by recognizing risks early.
Our instructor-led asbestos safety training program covers both Type 1 Operations and Type 2 Operations, addressing the most common asbestos situations workers face today, before they happen.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to permanent disability or fatal consequences. So, it’s understandable that concerns surrounding workers’ exposure loom large. Learn how to spot, manage, and mitigate asbestos-related health hazards and associated risks with our comprehensive, instructor-led Type 1 and Type 2 Asbestos training program.
Why Asbestos Awareness Training Is Important
Though the use of asbestos in construction declined in the 1980s and 1990s a comprehensive ban on asbestos use didn’t begin until 2018 and the full ban will not be in effect until 2030. Even with the ban of asbestos moving forward, it’s still found in many older buildings putting thousands of workers in Ontario at risk.
Whether it’s a previous exposure or a recent one, asbestos has been a significant contributor to cases of occupational illness all across a broad range of occupations in Ontario. While the health risk is high, it can easily be managed with the knowledge learned from our training program with the goal to reduce the likelihood of asbestos exposure and reduce worker fatalities from asbestos-related illness in the future.
Our course is designed in compliance with Ontario's Regulation 278/05 (Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations) to equip workers with the essential knowledge of hazard control and safe handling procedures, enabling them to work safely and avoid accidental asbestos exposure.
Albeit, there is a significant challenge with asbestos training. The long latency period between exposure and the onset of diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis makes it incredibly difficult for workers to perceive the immediate risk. It's not like touching a hot stove where the consequence is instant.
This delayed impact can lead to a false sense of security, complacency, and a lack of urgency in following safety protocols. For training to be effective, it needs to bridge that gap and make the invisible threat more tangible and immediate.
Who Needs This Training?
Asbestos awareness training isn’t optional. Any worker or supervisor involved in a Type 1 or Type 2 Asbestos Operation are required to receive training in the hazards of asbestos and safe work practices for working with asbestos. Moreover, if you are working in any building with known asbestos containing materials (ACM) , you must know the legal and safety requirements regarding potential asbestos hazards and how to control them.
Our training is relevant for you if you are:
● A construction worker drilling or demolishing older buildings
● Maintenance or janitorial staff with regular access to ceilings, basements or mechanical spaces
● Renovation or restoration professional repairing or remodeling old buildings
● Supervisor or site manager who must maintain legal compliance on-site
● Building inspector or engineer involved in assessing structural integrity of old construction
● Any worker performing any job in a building predating 1990
● Mechanical garage workers who are handling asbestos containing brakes or transmission parts
These are only a handful of examples where asbestos awareness training is a must, with numerous other applicable situations.
Act First Safety offers a 3.5-4-hour, in-person asbestos training course for Ontario workers, specifically covering the practical knowledge and legal responsibilities for Type 1 and Type 2 asbestos operations.
Upon course completion you will have learned how to:
• Describe asbestos containing materials
• Recognize the different classifications of asbestos operations (Types 1, 2 and 3)
• Identify the health hazards associated with asbestos
• Understand and be able to locate the legal requirements relating to asbestos
with a focus on Type 2 operations
• Understand the role of all workplace parties
• Apply measures to control exposure
Course Outline
Our asbestos training course provides essential knowledge to help you identify asbestos on-site and mitigate the risk of exposure to this hazardous material. We will be reviewing:
● The history, types and key properties of asbestos
● Health hazards of asbestos exposure
● At-risk worker profiles
● Legislative requirements & responsibilities of concerned parties
● Asbestos identification practices
● Key differences between asbestos types - namely Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3
● Mandatory safety procedures
● Exposure containment practices
● Compulsory PPE (personal protective equipment)
For your convenience, our asbestos awareness training can be held at your site or our Toronto training center. It's available for both public and private sessions.
Schedule respirator fit testing following a public or private Asbestos training session.
What You Get
You will get the following upon completion of our asbestos training course -
● A wallet certificate for proof of training
● Participant Guide and Workbook
● Respirator fit testing (recommended – reserved separately)
Each participant will get the above. Our wallet certificate supports regulatory audit practices as specified by OHSA. Please note, this course does not require you to sit for a written or practical examination.
Our asbestos awareness certification is valid for 3 years, after which you will have to take the course again to maintain continued compliance.
Click below to know more about OHSA’s regulations on asbestos:
● OHSA Regulation 278/05
● Health Canada - Asbestos
Asbestos Regulations Guide – Ontario
Check out related courses:
● WHMIS 2015
● Respirator Fit Testing
● Confined Spaces
1. Is asbestos awareness training mandatory in Ontario?
Yes. Training under Regulation 278/05 is compulsory for all workers and supervisors involved in activities with Type 1 and Type 2 asbestos.
2. Who is the ideal candidate for asbestos safety training?
It’s a long list of workers with potential exposure, but let’s start with anyone working in buildings that contain asbestos such as construction workers, renovation professionals, maintenance staff or inspection personnel.
3. Is hands-on training a part of this asbestos course?
No. This course focuses on building awareness around Type 1 and Type 2 asbestos including legal requirements and safety practices.
4. Is this asbestos training customizable to suit different company policies?
Yes. We can tailor our session to reflect your company’s specific safety protocols.
5. Is it possible to take this asbestos training course online?
Yes. However, our in-person training session format for asbestos awareness maximizes engagement and delivers expansive learning material, ensuring greater legal compliance for workers in the field. While we do offer an online course with general information for office workers or interested parties, our comprehensive asbestos training is currently exclusively in-person to guarantee the highest level of engagement and compliance.
Master the skills required for Working at Heights.
Learn how to work in confined spaces while controlling the unique hazards they present with this program.
With the increased use of respirators in the workplace there is a need to revisit or create workplace procedures for the use of respirators.
