Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in ships because of its excellent heat resistance, electrical insulation properties, and strength. However, due to its significant health risks, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) now prohibits the installation of any new materials containing asbestos on ships. This regulation, outlined in Chapter II-1, Regulation 3-5, and clarified by MSC.1/Circ. 1379, has been in effect since January 1, 2011.

Historically, asbestos was used in various ship components, including:

• Thermal insulation: Asbestos was commonly used for lagging on boilers, steam pipes, and other hot surfaces.
• Gaskets and glands: It was a key component in gaskets, valve glands, and associated pipework to ensure tight seals.
• Fire protection: Its fire-retardant properties made it a popular material for cladding on bulkheads and other fire-resistant structures.
• Friction materials: Asbestos was found in machinery components like brake linings.

The primary health risk from asbestos comes from inhaling airborne fibers. These fibers are microscopic and can be present in the air even when it appears dust-free. When inhaled, these sharp, needle-like fibers can penetrate and become lodged in the lungs, leading to several serious and often fatal diseases. These include asbestosis (a chronic lung disease causing scarring), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen).

While less dangerous than inhalation, direct contact with asbestos fibers can also cause wart-like lumps to form on the skin. While these are not considered life-threatening, they highlight the need for careful handling.

• All asbestos-containing items, such as gaskets and seals, should be thoroughly wetted before handling. Such items can usually be replaced without special precautions if properly soaked and must be carefully disposed of afterward.
• When working with materials containing asbestos:
  • Dust generation should be minimized through careful handling.
  • Hand tools are preferred over power tools.
  • The item to be worked on should be thoroughly pre-wetted.
• Efforts should be made to control dust and movement by:
  • Enclosing the affected area
  • Using portable dust extraction equipment
  • Ensuring that vented air is released away from areas where personnel might inhale it
• Access to work areas should be restricted to only essential personnel.
• If practical, the working area should be enclosed, and appropriate warning signs must be displayed.
• Individuals not equipped with proper protective clothing and respiratory equipment must be excluded from the area.
• Large plastic sheets should be used to collect all waste materials generated during the work. At the end of the task, these sheets should be folded and placed in airtight containers for safe disposal.