History of Asbestos In Maritime Vessels
Asbestos has been a popular material in the maritime industry due to its insulation and fire-resistant properties. However, its use has been found to pose a significant health risk to those who come into contact with it.
Asbestos was used in various marine structures, including mooring ropes, floor tiles, wall and ceiling panels, electrical cables, lagging, and gaskets, as well as in the packing around engines, boilers, pipes, and ducts. Asbestos has been a known danger in the maritime industry for many years, and New Zealand has taken a proactive approach to its use. Since the 1990s, asbestos has been phased out, and as of 2011, the international SOLAS Convention prohibits its use in constructing new ships.
Contact us today for more information regarding asbestos testing in maritime vessels
Health and safety obligations
As a PCBUs (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) operating ships and other vessels, you have a legal obligation to manage asbestos in the workplace and prevent airborne asbestos exposure to protect the health and safety of your workers. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 mandates that ship operators identify any asbestos present in their vessels prior to performing any maintenance or repairs. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal action, as well as jeopardise the health and wellbeing of your employees.
How We Can Help
We specialise in providing comprehensive asbestos management solutions for maritime operations. Our team of experts can help you identify, test and manage asbestos materials present in your ships, marine vessels, and maritime installations. We will provide you with a detailed report outlining the extent of asbestos presence in your vessels and offer effective solutions to mitigate the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Don’t compromise the safety of your workers or risk legal action by failing to manage asbestos in your maritime operations.
Contact our experienced team today to learn more about our asbestos management solutions and ensure that your vessels meet all legal requirements