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5 reasons why Asbestos removal is necessary, for ships, offshore assets and buildings

  • 1. Health Risks; Asbestos, an occurring mineral fiber was commonly used in building materials due to its heat resistance and durability. However when these materials deteriorate or get disturbed they can release asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers can lead to health issues like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
  • 2. Compliance; Many countries have established regulations and laws that mandate the removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials. Complying with these regulations is essential to safeguard health and the environment
  • 3. Preventing Exposure; The primary goal of asbestos removal is to prevent individuals from coming into contact with asbestos fibers. This involves identifying and safely eliminating any asbestos containing materials in buildings or structures to minimize the risk of exposure for occupants, workers and the surrounding community.
  • 4. Renovation and Demolition; Before renovating or demolishing a building that contains asbestos containing materials it is crucial to perform abatement procedures to ensure removal and prevent fiber release during construction activities.
  • 5. Environmental Protection; When asbestos fibers are released into the environment they can contaminate soil and water resources posing risks to ecosystems. Abatement plays a role, in mitigating these concerns by safely removing and disposing of asbestos.
In general it is crucial to carry out asbestos removal to safeguard the well being of individuals and the surroundings, against the recognized dangers linked with exposure, to asbestos.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) have established rules and recommendations concerning asbestos usage on ships. These regulations are designed to safeguard the well-being of maritime employees and prevent the emission of asbestos fibres into the surroundings.
Here are some notable components of the IMO and SOLAS regulations pertaining to asbestos and why Asbestos containing material must be removed from ships / vessels calling various international ports.
  • 1. SOLAS Regulations (Chapter II-1): SOLAS is an international agreement that establishes safety criteria for ship construction, equipment, and operation.
  • 2. SOLAS Chapter II-1 encompasses regulations concerning fire protection, including the utilization of materials such as asbestos.
  • 3. Regulation 3-5 of SOLAS Chapter II-1 addresses the employment of materials that contain asbestos. It stipulates that ships should not be constructed with asbestos or materials containing asbestos, except when there is no suitable substitute available and when it is necessary for fire safety purposes. If asbestos is used for fire safety, it must be sealed or encapsulated to prevent the release of asbestos fibres.
  • 4. SOLAS Amendments (MSC.356(92)): The SOLAS amendments outlined in MSC.356(92) became effective on July 1, 2018. These amendments prohibit the use of materials containing asbestos in shipbuilding and ship repair activities. They mandate shipowners and operators to maintain an inventory of hazardous materials (IHM) onboard, including information about the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials.

IMO Guidelines:

  • 1. The IMO has developed guidelines to aid shipowners and operators in adhering to SOLAS regulations and effectively managing asbestos on ships.
  • 2. The "Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials" (IMO Resolution MEPC.269(68)) offer direction on establishing and upkeeping an IHM, which encompasses asbestos-containing materials.
  • 3. These guidelines specify the required information and procedures for developing and maintaining the IHM. It is crucial to recognize that while asbestos usage on ships is strictly controlled, provisions are made for situations where there is no suitable alternative material and asbestos is deemed necessary for fire safety. In such cases, stringent measures must be implemented to contain and encapsulate asbestos to prevent the release of harmful fibres.
  • Overall, the goal of these regulations and guidelines is to safeguard the well-being of maritime workers and prevent environmental contamination associated with asbestos.

Asbestos abatement for ships or vessels

Asbestos abatement for ships or vessels, also known as asbestos removal or remediation, is a specialized work for safely and effectively removing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from ships while minimizing the risk of asbestos exposure to workers and the environment.
Here are the key steps and considerations for asbestos abatement on vessels: Assessment and Inspection: Usually, if the vessel or offshore platform has an Inventority of hazardous materials then the same is used for identification.
Additional, survey is conducted onboard vessel to identify the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Assessment is often part of the ship's Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) required by SOLAS regulations.
  • Containment : We Isolate the work area and establish containment barriers to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : PPE are provided after protection factor assessment which includes disposable coveralls, respirators, gloves, and eye protection, and standard onboard safety gears to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.
  • Wet Removal : et removal methods are typically used to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air. Surfactant are used to minimize dust, and careful, controlled removal techniques are employed.
  • Manual Cleaning and Clearance : ACM area onboard is cleaned with alcohol based wipes and also HEPA vacuum cleaners are used to clean up any remaining debris or dust containing asbestos fibres.
  • Packaging and Labelling : Asbestos-containing waste are carefully doubly packaged in LDPE bags and labelled as hazardous waste.
  • Transport and Disposal : Asbestos and asbestos containing materials are sent directly to a disposal facility and a manifest for disposal is generated. Asbestos ends up in a landfill.

Why is asbestos removal important for ships / vessel and for the safety of the crew?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once widely used for its heat resistance and insulation properties. Due to its excellent fire resistance, it is widely used in various industries including shipbuilding. However, asbestos is now known to be extremely dangerous to human health.
The danger of asbestos occurs when its fibers become airborne and inhaled. These tiny fibers can penetrate deep into the lungs and airways and cause serious health problems. Ship crews can be exposed to asbestos in several ways.
  • Shipbuilding and repair : Asbestos was widely used in the construction and repair of ships, especially as insulation, gaskets, pipe insulation, and fireproofing. When these materials break down or are damaged during maintenance or repair, asbestos fibers can be released into the air.
  • Aging of marine components : Asbestos-containing materials on ships can deteriorate over time due to wear, corrosion, and other factors. This deterioration can allow asbestos fibers to enter the ship's environment.
  • Demolition or refurbishment : When a vessel is decommissioned or refurbished, operations such as cutting, drilling and removing old materials can destroy asbestos-containing materials and release asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These illnesses often have long incubation periods, so symptoms may not appear until years after infection. Therefore, people who worked on ships and shipyards during the time when asbestos was commonly used are at risk of asbestos-related diseases.
To reduce risks, many countries have introduced regulations and safety measures to control the use of asbestos and ensure worker safety. However, it is important that people working on or near ships are aware that asbestos may be present and follow appropriate safety procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.