Hazardous Materials

Lucion Marine provide survey, analysis and management services to both occupational and environmental hazards. The following are the main hazardous materials we are requested to manage in the maritime environment:

Asbestos	A set of six naturally occurring minerals which have been used commercially for hundreds of years due to their desirable physical properties. Their all have in common their long, thin fibrous crystals. The inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.Since January 1, 2005, the European Union has banned all use of asbestos and extraction, manufacture and processing of asbestos products. Lucion is UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to survey for asbestos containing materials and is the Royal Navy’s retained Asbestos Management Consultancy.
PCBs	PolyChlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) have been used since 1929 in a variety of applications, including as heat transfer fluids in large transformers and as dielectric fluids in capacitors. Commonly found in electrical cabling their use has now been controlled but t hey are still present in many older electrical installations.
TBTs	TriButylTin are the main active ingredients in certain biocides used to control a broad spectrum of organisms, and these compounds are being considered for inclusion in the Rotterdam Convention. Uses include wood preservation, antifouling pesticide in marine paints. Coating systems to both internal decks and external hulls are sampled and tested for the presence of heavy metals including lead.
ODS	Ozone-Depleting Substances. The main source of these halogen atoms in the stratosphere is photodissociation of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds, commonly called freons, and of bromofluorocarbon compounds known as halons. On board ships the open-celled blown foam insulation is tested for the presence of CFC gases used at the time of manufacture.
Microbiological contaminants	Contaminants that build up in stagnant water are also a major source of hazard in ships that are to be recycled. Hazards such as legionella and algae are particularly harmful to employees and the environment.

To discuss your hazard management requirements call +44 (0)191 4618999 or email marine@lucion.co.uk for a call back.

Hazardous Materials

Latest Articles

Asbestos is still on the Agenda

27th Sep 2012

Ship Refurbishment Exposes Workers to Asbestos in Scotland

26th Jul 2012

India’s Supreme Court bans entry of foreign ships with toxic waste

10th Jul 2012