PUTTING AN END TO ASBESTOS IN SHIPS

摘要

This July will mark the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the SOLAS regulation that prohibited the installation of materials-with a few exceptions-containing asbestos in all ships. And, in 2011, any installation of materials that contain asbestos was prohibited by SOLAS Ch. II-1, Regula tion 3-5, for all ships without exception. Classification society Germanischer Lloyd reports that despite the prohibition of asbestos containing materials (ACMs), asbestos is still found onboard ships. During inspections, asbestos has been found in gaskets, floor tiles, brake linings, paint colors and other coatings. It may also be present in ropes or lines, insulating blankets, exhaust insulation, wall panels, ceiling tiles, etc., even chough an asbestos free declaration or certificate was issued by the shipyard.