Asbestos
| Infobox on Asbestos | |
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| Example of Asbestos |  |
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| Stowage factor (in m3/t) | - |
| Humidity / moisture | - |
| Ventilation | - |
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Asbestos
Contents
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.
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.
In case Asbestos or Asbestos waste is offered as a cargo for shipment, it has to be properly packaged in UN certified packaging (usually double-bagged in polythene bags that are tested and certificated and properly consigned as for any other dangerous substance). Cargo spaces or freight containers that have contained any type of Asbestos should be carefully cleaned prior to further use and / or repair / maintenance work. All waste material should be collected in inpermeable and sealed bags for disposal ashore.
Inhalation of dust particles is dangerous (lung diseases). Although asbestos itself will not burn, it easily absorbs oil and may consequently reach ignition.
Reference is made to the relevant IMO publications of hazardous cargo.
Full information on this product is in the process of completion.