China

Asbestos contaminated hot rolled steel coils

With reference to our previous article Be Aware of the Dangerous Asbestos in Dunnage, the hot rolled steel coils loaded from the port of Bayuquan, China were reported to be contaminated with asbestos in some recent incidents.

Ships with these contaminated steel cargos on board have experienced lengthy delays in discharge at European ports. Personnel from specialist cleaning firms have to be employed to scrape clean the affected coils before discharge. All other cargo in the hold also has to be wiped clean before discharge. Upon completion of the discharge it is necessary for the hold to be cleaned and certified asbestos free. Air monitoring takes place during the whole operation to detect asbestos dust.

Although it is understood that asbestos is no longer used in production process and as dunnage, Owners should be aware that old production is still being shipped this may cause further incidents. In case of uncertainty, in particular for the hot rolled steel coils from the port of Bayuquan, China, Owners should appoint surveyors and health & safety experts before loading to confirm that asbestos contamination does not exist.