RPA completed a scoping study, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, examining how hazardous materials are recorded and managed during ship repair and maintenance, and whether current practices adequately protect workers from exposure.
The study assessed the use and effectiveness of Inventories of Hazardous Materials (IHMs), occupational safety and health measures, and enforcement practices.
The findings suggest that Inventories of Hazardous Materials are valued in principle but are not consistently maintained, updated or embedded into routine repair and maintenance activities. Stakeholders highlighted gaps between formal documentation and day-to-day safety practice, particularly where hazardous substances are introduced during repair and maintenance.
The study recommends improving Inventories of Hazardous Materials throughout a ship’s operational life, strengthening training, personal protective equipment provision and enforcement, improving hazardous waste traceability, and supporting future policy decisions to better protect workers.
Final report is available here.
