Tag: asbestos

The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) recently found gas masks with filters containing asbestos on board a bulk carrier during a regular Port State Control inspection.

Nearly 250,000 people are killed worldwide from asbestos-related illnesses every year. Asbestos exposure can occur from using certain materials and tools in the workplace and shipyards are among these workplaces with the highest risks of asbestos exposure.

BIMCO supports a proposal from the Netherlands and Germany to amend MSC.1/Circ. 1374 concerning the removal of asbestos containing material (ACM) installed on board ships with the aim to keep both ships and crew safe.

Emily Walsh, community outreach director for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, talks about the danger that asbestos poses. This mineral was commonly used for construction and building, but can set marine workers' health at risk. Ms. Walsh explains how asbestos spreads and why it is a problem.

John Chillingworth, Senior Marine Principal of Lucion Marine, argues that IHM surveys, when carried out correctly, can have a range of unexpected benefits for ship owners. These benefits include an asbestos free ship which does not put crew at risk of potential exposure, as well as prevention of delays and additional costs.

The IMO should amend the SOLAS Regulation banning the use of asbestos and asbestos containing materials in ships, argues John Chillingworth, senior marine principal at Lucion Marine. In this way, IMO could institute a more manageable procedure that would contribute to securing the safety of seafarers.

It is not enough for procurement departments to simply say that materials should be ‘asbestos-free’ and more needs to be done to specify what this means as part of their standard terms and conditions of business, says Lucion Marine, a hazardous materials management specialist.

AMSA has issued marine notice in order to draw the attention to the ongoing prohibition of asbestos on ships, noting that Australian law requires operators to take all reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of employees and contractors while at work.

The role of asbestos in causing lung cancer is identified as a crucial question in future development of long-tail liability claims, according to new research from the International Underwriting Association (IUA).

AMSA has issued a new Marine Notice to draw the attention of operators and ship owners to the ongoing prohibition of asbestos on ships, noting that Australian law requires operators to take all reasonable steps to protect the health and safety at work of employees and contractors.