2025, A New Hope: Bangladesh Revolution Provides Hope to Shipbreaking Laborers

I like dealing with smart people who make a different. The below is from one of such person about changes in the law that are geared towards helping Bangladesh Shipbreaking Laborers. For the old rules and conduct in which beach shipbreaking activities are called the most dangerous job in the world, see my prior blogs on this topic — I have a number of them.

So, after the recent revolution, the bellow are currently under discussion, quoting from an email sent by a friend:

“Dear Martin,

The following points regarding protecting workers from asbestos in ship breaking under the adopted new rule may be noted;-.

Enhancements in Worker Protection from Asbestos under Bangladesh’s new Draft Ship Recycling Regulation (not yet adopted) following the MEPC guidelines 210(63)

Bangladesh’s new draft Ship Recycling Regulation [Ship Recycling (amendment ) Rule 2025] introduces significant reforms to safeguard workers from asbestos exposure during shipbreaking activities. Recognizing the severe health hazards associated with asbestos—particularly its role in causing asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—the draft regulation aligns more closely with international safety standards, including the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) and relevant International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.

Mandatory Asbestos Inventory and Pre-Cleaning Requirements

One of the most crucial improvements in the draft regulation is the requirement for all incoming end-of-life ships to have an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), which must specifically identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The IHM must be prepared in accordance with international standards and verified by a competent authority before a ship is allowed to be beached. This ensures that ship recyclers are fully aware of asbestos hazards before commencing dismantling operations.

Additionally, the draft mandates a pre-cleaning process before shipbreaking begins. Under this provision, ship owners must ensure that all accessible asbestos materials, particularly from insulation, gaskets, and flooring, are removed by specialized hazardous waste management teams before delivery to recycling yards. This step significantly reduces direct asbestos exposure risks for shipbreaking workers.

Worker Training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations

The regulation enforces mandatory training programs for shipbreaking workers to educate them about asbestos hazards, safe handling procedures, and emergency response measures. Training must be conducted by authorized experts and cover asbestos removal, containment, and disposal techniques to prevent airborne fiber release.

Furthermore, all personnel involved in shipbreaking must be provided with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), including:

• Respiratory protective devices (such as P3 filter masks or powered air-purifying respirators) to prevent inhalation of asbestos fibers,
• Protective coveralls and gloves designed to minimize skin contact with asbestos dust,
• Decontamination units at work sites to ensure safe disposal of contaminated PPE.

Failure to comply with these PPE requirements will result in penalties and revocation of operational licenses for shipbreaking yards.

Restricted Handling and Designated Work Zones

To further limit asbestos exposure, the draft regulation establishes designated asbestos removal zones within shipbreaking yards. These areas must be sealed off from the general workforce and equipped with negative air pressure systems to contain airborne fibers. Only certified asbestos removal personnel are allowed to enter these restricted zones, reducing the risk of secondary exposure to other workers.

Additionally, a strict “No Dry Removal” policy has been introduced, prohibiting the breaking, sanding, or grinding of asbestos-containing materials, as these methods release hazardous fibers into the air. Instead, wet removal techniques and encapsulation procedures must be followed.

Advanced Medical Surveillance and Compensation Provisions

In a significant step toward worker welfare, the new regulation requires shipbreaking yards to maintain health records for all workers exposed to asbestos and conduct mandatory annual medical check-ups. Workers diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases will receive compensation under a newly introduced Workers’ Asbestos Protection Fund, ensuring financial support for affected individuals and their families.

These reforms mark a major advancement in protecting Bangladeshi shipbreaking workers from the dangers of asbestos exposure and bring the industry closer to compliance with global best practices.

Regards”

On behalf of the Global North and the rest of the word, let’s help them whenever possible. Let me know what you think of this post and these issues by either leaving a comment or sending me an email to TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com. Thank you. Marty