Hereby a short summary of the asbestos contamination at Amels yard:
After recent publications on possible asbestos fibers in the product of Eurogrit, Amels decided to conduct an exploratory research.
This grit was used by Amels for abrasive blasting of the underwater hull and the tanks of one of the projects in dock 2, in the period February/March 2017.
Tuesday afternoon, October 10th, we ordered the examination of various grit samples.
The results of this examination, which were obtained in the evening of Wednesday, October 11th, showed that the used grit contained asbestos.
Dock 2, workshops, offices, warehouses and the surrounding areas were therefore immediately closed-off.
On Thursday October 12th further adhesive and air samples were taken immediately.
We received the results on Friday, October 13th and Saturday October 14th.
ALL samples (adhesive and air) from dockshed 2 were found to be clean.
Even in the samples taken in the blast tent, no asbestos was found.
Based on these results and consultation with KIWA (certified asbestos investigator) we decided to reduce the closed-off area and to resume work in dock 2 on Monday October 16th.
Only the blast tent and dock floor of the affected project were still closed-off and marked with appropriate ribbon.
On Sunday, October 15th we started an inventory within these areas.
On Monday morning October 16th, we informed our staff and subcontractors about this situation.
Further investigations were started and the final report has been received and discussed on October 24th.
The outcome of these investigations shows the dockfloor aft of the scaffolding of the affected project is considered contaminated and will therefore be sanitized according the procedures. This means that a sanitizing plan has been prepared and submitted to the city council of Vlissingen (the approving body) for approval. We expect an almost prompt approval (taking into consideration a legal review period of two days).
The work has started on Monday 30th October.
In addition to the above we have decided to also keep the rest of the dockfloor around the affected project closed and have all grit residues removed (in order to avoid further doubts) from this area before we release the whole area again.