Engine room preparation

Throughout the engine room there are numerous asbestos gaskets connecting piping and ductwork. If left intact, these gaskets usually will not release asbestos fibers. However, if the ductwork or piping needs to be cut or removed and vessel debris is created as a result, gaskets should be removed or encapsulated if possible.

In some engine rooms asbestos/cellulose sheets are found behind power and electrical panels or in the overhead where electrical service passes. Undisturbed, this material is not friable. However, once the sheets are exposed to the marine environment, the sheets lose their integrity and can break up and raft. Where possible, these sheets should be removed.

Note that asbestos cement sheets may also be used as panels on the vessel. However, these sheets are not water-soluble and therefore should not break apart when exposed to the marine environment. These sheets can stay in place unless cut, drilled or disturbed.

Friable asbestos may also be found between bulkheads; this asbestos may remain in place because the asbestos is contained within the bulkheads. If, however, the bulkheads are drilled, cut, or disturbed, the friable asbestos that is now exposed should be encapsulated or removed.