An overview of IMO and SOLAS Regulations for Asbestos

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.

1. SOLAS Regulations (Chapter II-1): SOLAS is an international agreement that establishes safety criteria for ship construction, equipment, and operation.

2. SOLAS Chapter II-1 encompasses regulations concerning fire protection, including the utilization of materials such as asbestos.

3. 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.

4. 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.

IMO Guidelines:

1. The IMO has developed guidelines to aid shipowners and operators in adhering to SOLAS regulations and effectively managing asbestos on ships.

2. The "Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials" (IMO Resolution MEPC.269(68)) offer direction on establishing and upkeeping an IHM, which encompasses asbestos-containing materials.

3. These guidelines specify the required information and procedures for developing and maintaining the IHM. It is crucial to recognize that while asbestos usage on ships is strictly controlled, provisions are made for situations where there is no suitable alternative material and asbestos is deemed necessary for fire safety. In such cases, stringent measures must be implemented to contain and encapsulate asbestos to prevent the release of harmful fibres.

Overall, the goal of these regulations and guidelines is to safeguard the well-being of maritime workers and prevent environmental contamination associated with asbestos.