Asbestos Training Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the region-specific information provided. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at courses@pinchin.com.

Ontario Sessions

1. Do I need asbestos worker training if I'm only disturbing a small amount of asbestos?

Yes. If you are disturbing or removing asbestos, worker training is required under Section 19 or Section 20 of Ontario Regulation 278/05 (O. Reg 278/05).

2. What training do I need to perform asbestos work?

Asbestos work is classified as Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 under Section 12 of Ontario Regulation 278/05 (O. Reg 278/05).

Training is required under O. Reg 278/05 for the type of work you’ll be performing.

3. I only need to perform Type 1 asbestos work. Can I take a Type 1-only training course?

No. We offer Type 1 and 2 asbestos worker training as a combined course. Type 1-only training is not offered separately.

4. What prerequisites are required for Type 1 and 2 asbestos worker training?


There are no prerequisites required to take Type 1 and 2 asbestos worker training.

5. Do I need to complete Type 1 and 2 asbestos worker training before taking 253W Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW) training?

No. Type 1 and 2 asbestos worker training are not required as prerequisites for 253W Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW) training. These topics will be covered as part of the course.

6. What prerequisites are required in order to take the 253W Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW) course?

There are no prerequisites required for participants enrolling in the 253W Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW) course. However, your employer must be registered as a Signing Authority with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) prior to the course and must register you for the training using the appropriate MLITSD paperwork.

7. What do I need to become a Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW)?

To become a certified Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW):

  1. Your employer must be registered as a Signing Authority with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) and register you for training using the appropriate MLITSD paperwork.
  2. You must take 253W Type 3 AAW training, where you will receive a certificate showing the training has been completed.
  3. You must take the MLITSD AAW exam at an Ontario College and receive a passing grade.

8. What prerequisites are required in order to take the 253S Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Supervisor (AAS) course?

Prior to taking 253S Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Supervisor (AAS) training, you must have:

  • Completed 253W Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW) training
  • Taken and passed the MLITSD AAW exam

9. What do I need to become a Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Supervisor (AAS)?

To become a certified Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Supervisor (AAS), you must:

Be certified as a Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW)

  • Complete the Basics of Supervision in Construction course through the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) or provide proof of equivalent supervisory training

Take the MLITSD AAS exam at an Ontario College and receive a passing grade

Alberta Sessions

1. Do I need asbestos worker training if I'm only disturbing a small amount of asbestos?

Yes. No matter what harmful substance you use in the workplace, you need to have training on that harmful substance as per Section 21 of the Alberta OHS Code. Additional requirements are listed in Section 37 of the Code.

2. What training do I need to perform asbestos work?

Asbestos work is classified as Low, Moderate, or High Risk work as per the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual. Training needs to be appropriate for the level of work that you are doing. If, at any time, you would be entering and/or working in a High Risk situation, you need the government certification training as per Section 37 of the Alberta OHS Code.

3. I only need to perform Low or Moderate Risk asbestos work. Do I have to take the government certification course?

No. But you still need training appropriate to the work being conducted. Our Asbestos Awareness Course is often taken by those not needing the full 2-day government certification, but if there is a need for respiratory protection, we generally recommend taking the 2-day course even if not needing it

4. What prerequisites are required for asbestos worker training?

There are no prerequisites required to take asbestos worker training.

5. What do I need to become a High Risk Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW)?

To become a certified Asbestos Abatement Worker (AAW):

  • You must complete the 2-day certification course with a passing grade on the exam of 80% or better.

6. Do you have other types of asbestos training, particularly virtual awareness training?

Pinchin has a wide variety of asbestos awareness courses, from 1-hour simple general awareness sessions up to the full government certification courses. While the government certification course must be taken in-person, our other courses can be provided virtually. Additionally, with the exception of the government certification course, Pinchin can customize the sessions to meet specific company needs for a fee.

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