New York State Department of Labor Safety and Health

Licensing and Certification Unit

The License and Certification Unit issues the following licenses and certificates:

• Asbestos Certificate of Competence
• Asbestos Handling License
• Crane Operator's Certificate of Competence
• Blaster's Certificate of Competence
• Explosives Dealer/Manufacturer License
• Explosives Purchase/Own/Possess/Transport License
• Pyrotechnician Certificate of Competence
• Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Consultant Certificate
• Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist Certificates

You can call the Licensing and Certification Unit at (518) 457-2735 to have application packets or code rules mailed to you, or you can view and print application packets and code rules

Certifications and licenses are required for public safety and health.

Asbestos Certificates & Licenses

Workers involved in asbestos removal must receive appropriate training prior to being certified, and asbestos contractors must meet strict requirements to be licensed. This helps to ensure workers and the public are not exposed to the hazards of breathing asbestos particles.

Federal Property Notification Notice (open in a new window)

Crane Operators Certificate of Competence

Crane operators must have 3 years of practical experience prior to applying.
This practical experience is to be obtained working under the direct supervision of a certified operator. Once the application is accepted, the applicant must pass a written exam and a practical exam to become certified. This process is used to ensure that crane operators in NYS possess the needed skills. It also protects the public and fellow workers from the hazards of cranes tipping over, dropped loads and other accidents that can occur when an unskilled person operates a crane.

For applications and code rules, go to our forms page and scroll down to the Crane Operator Certificate of Competence section.

Blasters Certificate of Competence

Blasters must have 3 years of training and experience under the direct supervision of a certified blaster before taking the written examination. After passing the written exam, a person becomes certified and is allowed to supervise and conduct blasting operations. This certification process is designed to protect coworkers and the public from the hazards associated with flying rock, misfires and other blasting accidents that may be caused by a lack of training.

Explosives Licenses

Licenses are also necessary to own, possess, transport, deal in and manufacture explosives. The licensing process includes a criminal background check and mental health screening. An interview is also required to determine the applicant's knowledge of the NYS code rule, why the licenses are being requested, and if the applicant is competent and wants the license for legal purposes.

Pyrotechnician's Certificates (open in a new window)

Workplace Safety & Loss Prevention

Consultant Certificate:

Compulsory Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Program (ICR 59) Safety and Loss Consultants provide consultation and evaluation services to employers that must participate in the Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Program pursuant to Section 134 of the Workers' Compensation Law. Consultants evaluate the workplace and recommend remedial action to increase safety and decrease loss. The employer must comply with these recommendations. See ICR 59 for certification requirements. Use form SH 890 to apply for certification as a Consultant.Consultants certified under ICR 59 have been deemed qualified to provide Specialist services for the voluntary Safety Incentive Programs under ICR 60. Consultants must notify the DOL of their intent to perform Safety Specialist services under ICR 60 prior to providing such services. Consultants should notify DOL by submitting form SH 890.

Specialist Certificate:

Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Incentive Program (ICR 60) Specialists provide services to employers that participate in the voluntary Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Incentive Program. This program was established by Section 134 of the Workers' Compensation Law. The requirements for this program and specialist certification are outlined in ICR 60. Specialists evaluate an employer's program for compliance with ICR 60. A Specialist may also be asked to help an employer set up a program. A Specialist may apply for certification to perform services related to one or more of the following programs: Safety, Drug and Alcohol Prevention, or Return to Work. Use form SH 890 to apply for certification as a Specialist.

"Workplace Safety Begins with You!"

Top