Health and Safety Studies
Bulk Asbestos Surveys
Asbestos is generic term describing naturally-occurring, fibrous, hydrated mineral silicates that differ in chemical composition and are suitable for use in non-combustible, non-conducting and chemically resistant materials. Asbestos has been used in a wide range of products, both on land and in vessels, such as electrical panels, concrete pipes, caulking, sealing and roofing compounds, asphalt or vinyl floor tiles, insulating cements, sprayed insulation, insulating blocks and textiles.
The presence of asbestos in a building or on a vessel does not necessarily constitute a health risk to either maintenance workers or occupants. Asbestos poses health risks only when fibers are present in the air that people breathe. It is important that public and commercial building and vessel owners and operators keep an inventory of asbestos-containing materials to inform anyone who may disturb these materials, whether it be through ordinary maintenance or through renovation activities.
Asbestos surveys involve the following activities:
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Review of available drawings and specifications to determine whether asbestos-containing materials were specified or used in construction;
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Visual survey of potential asbestos-containing materials;
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Sampling of potential asbestos-containing materials;
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Analysis for type and percentage of bulk asbestos by a qualified laboratory (analysis includes Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) followed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), if required; and
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Reporting of results.
Hazardous Material Management
Marine Engineering has experience in the evaluation and documentation of hazardous material inventories and programs. This includes conducting detailed inventories of consumable and integrated hazardous materials, assessing regulatory requirements, recommending best practices, and managing hazardous material elimination or reduction efforts. Surveys include identification of regulated substances such as lead, mercury, PCB’s and asbestos. The Marine Engineering Hazardous Material Portfolio can be used as a management tool to maintain hazardous material information up-to-date to support personnel health and safety, construction, asset disposals and necessary disclosures.
