ASBESTOS SHIP INTERIOR
Preparing ship interior and living spaces

Asbestos was used in some hatch gaskets mixed with rubber throughout ships, especially interior watertight spaces.

Under normal circumstances this will only present a problem if grinders or torches are used. In such cases, the gaskets should be removed prior to disturbance. Asbestos/asphalt floor tile was common from the 1940's to the mid-1970's. This form of asbestos is manufactured with the asbestos encapsulated. If preparation of the vessel requires the tile to be disturbed via grinding, cutting, or burning, those pieces of tile should be removed.

Asbestos sheets with both cement and cellulose may be found, especially in the combat information center, the radio room and other spaces where electrical equipment may be found. Cellulose/asbestos panels should be removed but cement panels are safe.

As an example, while inspecting an old Navy tug planned for reefing off the coast of Virginia, it was determined that the entire interior of the wheel house was paneled with cellulose/asbestos panels and had to be removed.