Packaging, transport and storage

• Pages: 23-25

8. Packaging, transport and storage

8.1. Initial packing of fibre

8.1.1. Asbestos fibre should always be packed in impermeable bags.

8.1.2. Where water-soluble bags are used, they should not be transferred from

one container to another but should be transported in closed containers.

8.1.3. Plastic material used for bags should incorporate an ultra-violet inhibitor

to protect the bags from sunlight and thus prevent deterioration during trans-shipment.

8.1.4. Bags should be closed by either heat-sealing or stitching. If stitched, the

stitching should be at not less than two stitches per centimetre.

8.1.5. All bags should be printed with an approved label identifying the

contents as asbestos and carrying a health warning.

8.2. Packaging for transport

8.2.1. Packaging for transport should eliminate the handling of individual bags

as far as is practicable and should minimise damage to bags which could result in

spillage.

8.2.2. Before being transported, bags should be assembled as unit loads.

8.2.3. Unit loads should be stabilised and protected from damage by the use of

plastic covers. These should be applied as shrink or stretch wrapping, or should be

strapped into position.

8.2.4. The top of the unit as well as the four sides should be covered by plastic

which should incorporate an ultra-violet inhibitor.

8.2.5. Where small tonnages are being carried in mixed cargo vessels, the bags

should be stacked on pallets where practicable in an interlocked fashion.

8.2.6. The bags should be securely attached to the pallet by the shrink

wrapping, or other technique, used to form the unit load.

8.2.7. The size of the pallet should be such that the bags overhang on all sides

to prevent adjacent bags from being damaged during the course of loading.

8.2.8. (1) Where very large shipments are to be stowed, pallets should not be

used because of the risk of damage to bags during loading or unloading or from cargo

movement during the voyage.

(2) An alternative is to support the unit load on a base of plastic

sheeting with disposable webbing straps which are then secured over the top of the load

for use in lifting. Once removed from the ship, these unit loads should be placed on

pallets for further handling.

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