Protecting Crews from Asbestos Exposure: The Role of Cargo Ship Companies

Asbestos, a highly dangerous material, has long been a concern in the maritime industry. However, the responsibility for protecting crew members from asbestos exposure is not solely the cargo ship companies. International regulations play a significant role in ensuring the safety of ship crew members. This article discusses how cargo ship companies, alongside various regulatory bodies, contribute to the safety of their crews, particularly in relation to asbestos exposure.

The Role of International Regulations in Asbestos Management

The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are key regulatory bodies that establish guidelines for the manufacture and operation of ships. These guidelines mandate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe working practices to protect crew members from asbestos exposure. However, the specific control measures for asbestos in ships fall under the purview of regulations and guidelines established by these organizations.

The IMO, along with the Classification Societies and shipyards, monitors and installs asbestos safety measures, and strict rules govern the removal and encapsulation of this hazardous material. By following these stringent rules, ship owners ensure that asbestos ceases to be a threat to the health and safety of their crew.

Phasing Out Asbestos in Shipbuilding

The use of asbestos in shipbuilding has significantly decreased over the past few decades. Asbestos was predominantly used for insulation, particularly in early generations of ships powered by steam. With the advent of internal combustion engines, the need for asbestos insulation decreased, except for the exhaust systems. However, there are still a few ships in operation that contain asbestos, and their owners are required to either replace the material or encapsulate it properly during maintenance.

Even the removal and encapsulation of asbestos contribute to the safety of the crew. Encapsulation involves wrapping the asbestos material with cloth and painting it, which prevents the material from becoming friable and airborne. This treatment ensures that the asbestos remains harmless.

Russia's Stand on Asbestos

It is worth noting that Russia is increasingly favorable towards the use of asbestos, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and superior insulating properties. However, this move has drawn criticism, especially considering the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Additionally, Russia does not recognize asbestosis as a disease, which further exacerbates the risks to workers.

Some sources report that Russia is actively promoting the use of asbestos, while others suggest that the idea of bringing asbestos back into prominence, as proposed by Trump in a 2019 article, may backfire. The sentiment seems to be shifting in favor of stricter regulations against asbestos use.

Modern Challenges for Cargo Ship Crews

Now that the majority of old ships with asbestos have been decommissioned, modern cargo ship crews face different challenges. Piracy remains a significant threat, particularly off the coasts of Somalia and Indonesia. Crews in these regions must be vigilant and prepared to handle such threats.

In conclusion, while cargo ship companies play a crucial role in protecting their crews from asbestos exposure, the responsibility is shared among regulatory bodies and ship owners. Asbestos, although phased out in new construction, remains a threat in older ships, and proper management and removal are paramount for crew safety. Recent trends and regulations indicate a shift towards eliminating this hazard, ensuring a safer work environment for maritime workers.