ISO issues new specifications to improve ship recycling procedures

The International Organization for Standardization ( ISO) has released two new specifications that address two of the biggest problems found with the dismantling and recycling of vessels: the environmental problems with the procedure, and the safety of workers tasked with dismantling the vessels.

The first publicly available specification ( PAS), 30006:2010, addresses and provides diagrams to show the location of hazardous materials on vessels.

The second PAS, 30007:2010, provides instructions on steps that should be taken to prevent asbestos emission and exposure during the ship recycling process. The PAS provides guidance for the preparation of ships for recycling and helps to minimize the use of potentially hazardous materials and waste generation during a ship’s operating life.

Workers will also be protected under the new specifications. ISO says that shipyard workers have an elevated risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

According to the ISO announcement, PAS 30007:2010 provides effective methods for minimizing the dangers of asbestos during ship recycling by reducing both the release of asbestos into the environment and worker exposure to asbestos.

The standards were developed by ISO Technical Committee (TC) 8, Ships and marine technology, subcommittee (SC) 2, Marine environment protection.