Asbestos

Description

A mineral fibre (silicates) with a variety of uses dependent on length, texture and composition. Asbestos - white - solid white fibers insoluble in water. Used in paper products, floor tiling, roofing felts, boards, insulation, brake linings. Asbestos - brown - solid brown fibers, insoluble in water, used in textiles and found in mixtures of asbestos.

Asbestos - blue - solid, insoluble in water. Not used in UK since 1970.

It is recommended that raw asbestos be transported only in full freight containers or shrink-wrapped unit loads. Main uses are in the manufacture of fire-proof fabrics, brake linings, electrical and heat insulation, building materials when compounded with cement, and chemical filters. Asbestos is an active carcinogen and can give rise to serious respiratory troubles. Protective clothing and respirators should be worn during processing, drying or grinding and indeed whilst carrying out onboard surveys or entering containers. Parts of the body which may have been exposed to the material should be immediately and thoroughly washed . Will become caked and discoloured by wetting but can be reconditioned by drying and by thorough washing if affected by sea water, which processes may result in a weight loss. Asbestos damaged by sea water is useless for the manufacture of asbestos cement products, even after washing.

Must be shipped in sift-proof receptacles or sift-proof multiple bags as specified in the IMDG Books. Inhalation of dust particles is dangerous (lung diseases).

Four main types;

White: Chrysotile commonest
Grey to brown: Ammonite
Blue: Crocidolite (most dangerous)
White/Brown: Anthophylite

Although asbestos itself will not burn, it easily absorbs oil and may consequently reach ignition. Stowage in "house to house" containers is the most ideal way of shipment.

In cases where asbestos is to be stuffed, ensure that the packing is in undamaged condition and Can not get damaged by the way it is handled. Do not load damaged packages unless repaired to the packaging provisions (sift-proof). When shipping several containers, special requirements apply.

See also IMDG Books and BC Code.

Warning:

During stuffing/unstuffing or cleaning of the containers for the carriage of asbestos, the following precautions have to be taken:

Use dust masks and close-fitting working cloth. After operations, working cloth to be pulled off. After operations, take an extensive shower and wash hair. In case of intermediate meals, drinking or smoking, hands to be washed first. After discharge of asbestos the area concerned should be cleaned before discharge of the other cargo. The shed should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner (with filter) and if not available by wet sweeping. During stuffing/unstuffing of asbestos other cargo must be covered. Tarpaulins used, to be carefully removed afterwards and thoroughly rinsed.

Control limits given in Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 - Blue - TWA 4 hours 0.2 fibres/ml air. TWA 10 mins 0.6 fibers/ml air Brown - TWA 4 hours 0.2 fibers/ml air. TWA 10 mins 0.6 fibers/ml air. White - TWA 4 hours 0.3 fibers/ml air. TWA 10 mins 0.9 fibers/ml air

Asbestos Cement Sheets – Invariably shipped crated, bundled, strapped and/or palletised. Damage can result from concussion at edges or ends or by uneven stacking but subject to available handling methods and equipment the incidence of damage is generally not serious. The cutting down of damaged sheets, if facilities are available, can reduce a monetary loss. Need to be stowed on a level surface, very dusty. Only very light cargo may be stowed on top. Not in the same compartment with acetic acid in connection with corrosion.

Hazard: UN 2590 Class 9 (white) UN 2212 Class 9 (blue)