Safety alert regarding the product ‘Eurogrit’: Asbestos contamination
- Safety Flash
- Published on 25 October 2017
- Generated on 13 December 2024
- IMCA SF 27/17
- 2 minute read
A member has passed to us a safety alert regarding the product ‘Eurogrit’, an aluminium silicate (coal slag) blast cleaning abrasive, which has been contaminated with asbestos (chrysotile).
This product may be in use in ship yards, dry docks etc.
The manufacturer’s statement is appended here:
Eurogrit blasting grit recall campaign on account of small quantities of asbestos fibres
An independent and recognised research institute commissioned by Eurogrit has noted after analysis that small quantities of the chrysotile type of asbestos fibres (also known as ‘white asbestos’) can occur in Eurogrit coal slag blasting grit (aluminium silicate).
According to experts, the quantities found are so small that the product itself does not present any health risks. When the use involves prolonged unprotected exposure, increased health risks cannot be ruled out.
The products in question are primarily supplied to professional industrial processors such as blasting grit companies. Eurogrit has informed them and asked them to no longer use or re-sell the product.
A limited quantity is also supplied to construction centres, rental companies and to individual consumers through our factory in Dordrecht. The products for consumers are supplied in 25-kg brown paper bags and with Abrasive ISO 11126N/CS/G marked in blue on the packaging.
We are asking all consumers who have bought this product not to use it. Consumers’ closed packs should remain closed and open packs should be packed in a plastic bin bag. Consumers may then contact our support staff on +32 (0) 28920538 or [email]sales.eurogrit@sibelco.com[/email]. They will then be given further information on disposal methods and financial compensation. They can also contact our support staff if they have any other questions. We are available from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm.
For further information please see the supporting documents.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.