The Australian Navy has banned maintenance work on the submarine fleet after fears that workers may become contaminated by the chemical element cadmium.

Maintenance workers at the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) raised the alarm after examining new parts added to the submarine as part of a weapons upgrade.

The Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) conducted an initial swab testing and confirmed the presence of the heavy metal, which is used to coat electrical fittings.

Testing is now being undertaken to determine the levels of cadmium on four of the navy’s six Collins Class submarines which include HMAS Collins, Dechaineux, Sheean and Rankin.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Cadmium is a toxic bluish-white bivalent metal used to coat electrical components in submarines to minimise corrosion and is considered as a potential environmental hazard. Inhalation of cadmium-containing fumes can result initially in metal fume fever, which could lead to death.