Safety a high priority

 

WELL TESTED: Asbestos panels onboard Tobruk have mostly been removed.

Tobruk ship shape After an extremely busy 2006 which included conducting her first beach-landing in more than a decade, Tobruk is gearing up for an even bigger year in 2007. Her 2006 tally has included three operations and a major international exercise. CMDR Rothwell praised his crew of over 200 officers, sailors and soldiers.

Volume 49, No. 23, December 14, 2006

By Michael Brooke

The safety of personnel is Navy’s priority, and operations continue on the basis that any safety concerns, if present, are reduced to the lowest level possible.

HMAS Tobruk (CMDR Michael Rothwell) has previously been identified as containing asbestos in certain panels within the ship.

An extensive eradication program has been progressed over the last six years, focusing on overhead panelling and crew accommodation. Extensive sampling has taken place and asbestos-containing materials have been identified, labelled and logged.

To date, approximately 75 per cent of the affected panelling has been replaced, and the integrity of the remaining panels continues to be visually monitored. As stated above, the eradication program is ongoing and residual risk is managed to be As Low As Reasonably Practical (ALARP).

A contracted occupational hygienist asbestos specialist has assisted in the process of assessing any risk and assisting in management plans. The crew have been kept informed of any safety implications and understand the management plans in place.

Regular routine air analysis is carried out to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained and this will continue throughout the process.

Tobruk conducted a major maintenance period at the beginning of this year and has had continued maintenance improvements over the previous two months whilst alongside in Sydney.

 

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