What are the changes to the definition for Asbestos Containing Material (ACM):

Effective December 05, 2025, the definition of ACM has been revised to introduce a single concentration threshold of 0.1% for identifying ACM, rather than having different concentrations based on whether the material is friable (crumbly) or non-friable.

What are the recent changes to building owners responsibilities?

The recent changes highlight responsibilities for asbestos to include property owners, reinforcing their role in helping to manage ACM risks when work is being done.

Did the asbestos reporting requirements for notifying the Director of the Workplace Safety and Health Branch change?

Yes, effective December 05, 2025, an employer and an owner must ensure that, before proceeding with work to alter, renovate or demolish a building or structure that contains asbestos-containing material that may release asbestos-containing material into the atmosphere, the director is notified no less than five days and no more than ten days prior to the start of work. Notices will need to include the estimated duration of work and require updates if the information changes.

Who has to be certified to work with asbestos and when is this in effect?

Effective June 1, 2027, mandatory certification will be required for all workers engaged in asbestos abatement or inventory development work. These measures are intended to ensure safer and more consistent workplace practices. Workers will be required to either complete standardized training by an approved training provider and pass a certification exam or demonstrate equivalent competency through a challenge exam. Workers will be required to carry proof of their certification with them when doing work.

Does a worker have to take a standardized training course to be certified?

No. A person may take the challenge exam without having first taken a standardized training program if they feel they have the required knowledge to pass the exam. A valid certificate will be issued to workers who pass the challenge exam. However, if a worker is repeatedly unsuccessful in passing the challenge exam, they will be required to complete an endorsed training course before being permitted to take the exam again.

Who issues a certificate to a worker?

Safe Work Manitoba will proctor the certification exams. On successfully passing the exam, Safe Work Manitoba will provide a certificate to the worker.

Is there a fee for taking the certification exam?

No. The certification exam is being offered by Safe Work Manitoba at no cost.

How often must workers be recertified?

Workers will be required to be recertified every three years to ensure ongoing competency. Workers are recertified by successfully passing the relevant exam and are not permitted to continue performing regulated work with an expired certificate.

Who can deliver the standardized training?

Employers and service providers can submit their curriculum to Safe Work Manitoba, who will endorse a service provider if their material meets the applicable training standard. Once endorsed, Safe Work Manitoba will post the employer/service provider’s name on their website and training portal.

Do employers who work with asbestos have to be registered with the Workplace Safety and Health Branch in order to do this work?

Yes, effective June 01, 2027, any employer or service provider involved in asbestos abatement work must be registered. This includes activities such as renovation or demolition involving asbestos-containing materials (ACM), as well as conducting assessments or inventories to determine the presence of asbestos.

  • Employers and service providers engaged in asbestos work must register annually with Workplace Safety and Health.
  • Registration applies to all, including those who are self-employed.
  • Employers and service providers must register before starting asbestos work and have at least one certified worker in order to qualify. For self-employed individuals, the certified worker may be the employer themselves.
  • A public registry of employers and service providers will be established to promote transparency and safer engagement in asbestos-related work.

Is it mandatory for an employer’s information to be published in the registry, or is it opt-in?

Mandatory. When Workplace Safety and Health adds an employer or service provider to the registry, it will be posted on the Workplace Safety and Health Branch website.

What information will be included in the registry?

The Workplace Safety and Health Branch asbestos registry will provide information on employers/service providers, including the legal and common name of the company, address, and contact details, as well as what they are registered for (abatement or sampling).

Does this only apply to new asbestos work, or does it include current projects?

The provisions will apply to both existing and new asbestos work.