On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Michele Beckstead-Jackson from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) discusses the importance of asbestos awareness in Ontario workplaces and the required training for workers and supervisors to ensure they are well-equipped to recognize asbestos hazards and know how to safely control them.
Asbestos remains a dangerous material, particularly in construction and renovation projects. Proper training for workers and supervisors is not only best practice—it’s a legal requirement. Michele states that general awareness training by a competent person is required regardless of whether a worker is performing Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 operations. For Type 3 asbestos abatement work, 253W and 253S are required modular trainings under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which means workers and supervisors must complete one of these courses before performing or overseeing any Type 3 abatement work. Without a valid 253W or 253S certificate of completion card, a worker or supervisor is not legally permitted to engage in Type 3 work.
Michele mentions a separate training, 253H, which is an apprenticeship program designed to provide apprentices with basic training to handle various hazardous materials in the workplace. However, it does not include the specialized training required for Type 3 abatement work and therefore is not an acceptable substitute for 253W or 253S.
Michele also explains the similarities and differences between the modular and apprenticeship programs, as well as the registration process for trainings.
Free resources
Asbestos Awareness and Training Requirements for Workplace Safety (Ep. 99)
Asbestos on Construction Projects - Reporting and Notification Responsibilities (Ep. 82)
Health and Safety Advisory: Asbestos in Elevator Components
Health & Safety Advisory: Heat Stress and Type 3 Asbestos Operations
Asbestos Work in Construction Hazard Awareness
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