ISO 13073-3:2016

Overview

ISO 13073-3:2016 - Ships and marine technology - Part 3 - specifies a standardized human health risk assessment method for biocidally active substances in anti‑fouling paints during their application and removal on ships. The standard provides a pragmatic, tiered approach to evaluate whether operators (professional or non‑professional) are at risk of exposure to biocidal ingredients and whether use can be considered acceptably safe. It is a “minimum” method and does not prescribe specific toxicity test methods or mandate bans or usage restrictions.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Assess human health risks from exposure to biocidally active substances in anti‑fouling paints during application/removal.
• Tiered assessment framework: A stepwise approach (Tier 1 → Tier 2 → Tier 3) where higher‑tier studies can replace lower‑tier requirements if available.
• Exposure assessment: Define representative products and exposure scenarios (routes, frequency, duration, PPE, application methods) to estimate operator doses.
• Hazard assessment: Compile core data, evaluate toxicity information, establish critical endpoints such as NOAEL/LOAEL, and assess data reliability (with attention to animal welfare).
• Risk characterization: Combine exposure and hazard information including uncertainty factors (UF) to characterize risk and determine acceptability at each tier.
• Decision and reporting: Document tier decisions, expert judgement, and any subsequent data updates; follow minimum reporting requirements (Annex G).
• Supporting annexes: Normative and informative annexes provide the risk characterization process (A), operator exposure models (B), exposure prediction methods (C), examples of uncertainty factors (D), example testing methods (E), data quality guidance (F), and minimum report content (G).

Practical applications

• Conduct consistent occupational health risk assessments for shipyards, maintenance yards, and coating applicators.
• Evaluate safety of anti‑fouling paint products for product stewardship, regulatory submissions, or conformity with port/flag state requirements.
• Support development of safe work procedures, PPE recommendations, and training for paint applicators and removal crews.
• Serve as a baseline method for countries or organizations lacking detailed national guidance on anti‑fouling paint human health assessment.

Who should use this standard

• Paint and anti‑fouling product manufacturers
• Shipyards, maintenance contractors, and marine coating applicators
• Occupational health & safety professionals and industrial hygienists
• Regulatory agencies, certifiers, and toxicologists performing human health risk assessments

Related standards

• ISO 13073-1 and ISO 13073-2 (marine environmental risk assessment methods)
• International Maritime Organization (IMO) AFS Convention considerations

Keywords: ISO 13073-3:2016, anti‑fouling paints, biocidally active substances, human health risk assessment, exposure assessment, NOAEL, operators, ship maintenance, occupational safety.