Appendix 9 - Specific Test Methods
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Marine Environment Protection Committee - Resolution MEPC.269(68) – 2015 Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials - Appendix 9 - Specific Test Methods

Appendix 9 - Specific Test Methods

 1 Asbestos

Types to test for: as per resolution MEPC.179(59); Actinolite CAS 77536-66-4 Amosite (Grunerite) CAS 12172-73-5 Anthophyllite CAS 77536-67-5 Chrysotile CAS 12001-29-5 Crocidolite CAS 12001-28-4 Asbestos Tremolite CAS 77536-68-6.

Specific testing techniques: Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), electron microscope techniques and/or X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) as applicable.

Specific reporting information:The presence/no presence of asbestos, indicate the concentration range, and state the type when necessary

  • Notes: .1 The suggested three kinds of testing techniques are most commonly used methods when analysing asbestos and each of them has its limitation. Laboratories should choose the most suitable methods to determine, and in most cases, two or more techniques should be utilized together.
  • .2 The quantification of asbestos is difficult at this stage, although the XRD technique is applicable. Only a few laboratories conduct the quantification rather than the qualification, especially when a precise number is required. Considering the demand from the operators and ship recycling parties, the precise concentration is not strictly required. Thereby, the concentration range is recommended to report, and the recommended range division according to standard VDI 3866 is as follows:
    • Asbestos not detected
    • Traces of asbestos detected
    • Asbestos content approx. 1% to 15% by mass
    • Asbestos content approx. 15% to 40% by mass
    • Asbestos content greater than 40% by mass

    Results that specified more precisely must be provided with a reasoned statement on the uncertainty.

  • .3 As to the asbestos types, to distinguish all six different types is time consuming and in some cases not feasible by current techniques; while on the practical side, the treatment of different types of asbestos is the same. Therefore, it is suggested to report the type when necessary.

 2 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Note: There are 209 different congeners (forms) of PCB of it is impracticable to test for all. Various organizations have developed lists of PCBs to test for as indicators. In this instance two alternative approaches are recommended. Method 1 identifies the seven congeners used by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). Method 2 identifies 19 congeners and seven types of aroclor (PCB mixtures commonly found in solid shipboard materials containing PCBs). Laboratories should be familiar with the requirements and consequences for each of these lists.

Types to test for: Method 1: ICES7 congeners (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180). Method 2: 19 congeners and seven types of aroclor, using the US EPA 8082a test.

Specific testing technique: GC-MS (congener specific) or GC-ECD or GC-ELCD for applicable mixtures such as aroclors. Note: standard samples must be used for each type.

Sample Preparation: It is important to properly prepare PCB samples prior to testing. For solid materials (cables, rubber, paint, etc.), it is especially critical to select the proper extraction procedure in order to release PCBs since they are chemically bound within the product.

Specific reporting information: PCB congener, ppm per congener in sample, and for Method 2, ppm per aroclor in sample should also be reported.

Notes:
  • .1 Certain field or indicator tests are suitable for detecting PCBs in liquids or surfaces. However, there are currently no such tests that can accurately identify PCBs in solid shipboard materials. It is also noted that many of these tests rely on the identification of free chlorine ions and are thus highly susceptible to chlorine contamination and false readings in a marine environment where all surfaces are highly contaminated with chlorine ions from the sea water and atmosphere.
  • .2 Several congeners are tested for as "indicator" congeners. They are used because their presence often indicates the likelihood of other congeners in greater quantities (many PCBs are mixes, many mixes use a limited number of PCBs in small quantities, therefore the presence of these small quantities indicates the potential for a mix containing far higher quantities of other PCBs).
  • .3 Many reports refer to "total PCB", which is often a scaled figure to represent likely total PCBs based on the sample and the common ratios of PCB mixes. Where this is done the exact scaling technique must be stated, and is for information only and does not form part of the specific technique.

 3 Ozone depleting substances

Types to test for: as per appendix 8 of these guidelines all the listed CFCs, Halons, HCFCs and other listed substance as required by Montreal Protocol.

Specific testing technique: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), coupled Electron Capture Detectors (GC-ECD) and Electrolytic Conductivity Detectors (GC-ELCD).

Specific reporting information: Type and concentration of ODS.

 4 Anti-fouling systems containing organotin compounds as a biocide

Types to test for: Anti-fouling compounds and systems regulated under annex I to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS Convention), including: tributyl tins (TBT), triphenyl tins (TPT) and tributyl tin oxide (TBTO).

Specific testing technique: As per resolution MEPC.104(49) (Guidelines for Brief Sampling of Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships), adopted 18 July 2003, using ICPOES, ICP, AAS, XRF, GC-MS as applicable.

Specific reporting information:Type and concentration of organotin compound.

Note: For "field" or "indicative" testing it may be acceptable to simply identify presence of tin, due to the expected good documentation on anti-fouling systems.

Parent topic: Resolution MEPC.269(68) – 2015 Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials
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