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.
- SOLAS Regulations (Chapter II-1): SOLAS is an international agreement that establishes safety criteria for ship construction, equipment, and operation.
- SOLAS Chapter II-1 encompasses regulations concerning fire protection, including the utilization of materials such as asbestos.
- 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.
- 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.