Procedures for verifying new installations are asbestos-free

LR issues Statutory Alert

Lloyds Register has issued a Statutory Alert to remind of the procedures required to verify that new installations onboard are asbestos-free. Asbestos has been a persistent problem on board ships, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other organisations have instigated many measures to deal with it.

On July 1, 2002, the SOLAS Convention implemented the first major ban on new installationof asbestos on newbuilds and existing ships. However, this still allowed some uses ofasbestos.

On January 1, 2011, the Convention introduced a total prohibition. All new installations ofasbestos on all ships – existing and newbuilds – are now banned.

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ROs acting on behalf of flag administrations are expected to verify that materials which contain asbestos are not installed on ships by reviewing asbestos-free declarations and supporting documentation for the structure, machinery, electrical installations and equipment covered by the SOLAS Convention. These reviews are conducted throughout the newbuild process and during annual safety construction and safety equipment surveys.

Above table includes all material used (i.e. repaired, replaced, maintained or added)as a working part of the ship. These should be documentedwith an asbestos-free declaration. Further details may be found on IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1426

LR recommneds companies to ensure that:

they have appointed a nominated person responsible for controlling asbestos-containing material on board, in accordance with the guidelines contained inIMO circular MSC/Circ.1045
as part of their vessel’s Safety Management System, there is a control on new installation of materials, so that they are documented with an asbestos-free declaration, and the documentation is available for audit at initial and annual surveys.

Source: LR Statutory Alert

Asbestos in the shipping industry

MSC.1/Circ.1379 – Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-5
MSC.1/Circ.1374 – Information on prohibiting the use of asbestos on board ships
MEPC.197(62), Appendix 5, paragraph 2.2.2.1. -2011 Guidelines for the development of the inventory of hazardous materials
MSC.1/Circ.1045 – Guidelines for maintenance and monitoring of on-board materials containing asbestos
Directive 2009/148/EC – Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work