Shipbreaking » Common Hazards
|
|
The following safety and
health information for Shipbreaking Operations should be reviewed. Additional
requirements may apply. For these requirements see
Shipyard Employment.
|
|
Fire and
Explosion Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Fire and explosions may be caused by:
- Flammable and combustible cleaning
solvents such as Methyl Ethyl
Ketone (MEK), mineral
spirits, and diesel fuel or oil.
- Liquids with high flash points
(greater than 100º F) may present a fire or explosion hazard when
applied as a fine mist.
- Liquids with a low flash point (less than 100º F) pose hazards when
used.
- Airborne particulate or dust.
- Hydrogen gas generated during cleaning processes such as acid washes.
- Reactive cargos such as iron-ore, fertilizer, or incompatible
chemicals.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Hot work
must not be
performed in the space and/or adjacent spaces when flammable or
combustible cleaning solvents are being used. [1915
Subpart P]
- Equipment which may generate static electricity, must be
grounded/bonded when used to ventilate flammable atmospheres. [1915.13(b)(11)].
- Explosion-proof
lights must be used if flammable atmospheres are present. [1915.13(b)(9)]
- Adequate ventilation must maintain atmospheres (at less than 10 percent of
the lower explosive limit (LEL)). [1915.13(b)(3)]
- When mixing or cleaning-up flammable liquids, frequent tests shall
be conducted to determine if air concentrations are below 10 percent of
the LEL. [1915.15(f)]
- The
Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) must test the exhaust location to ensure that exhausted vapors do
not accumulate to hazardous levels. [1915.13(b)(7),
(b)(8),
(b)(11),
and (b)(12)]
- Suitable fire fighting equipment must be immediately available and
maintained for instant use. [1915
Subpart P]
- Personnel using fire fighting equipment must be instructed on
possible fire hazards and how to use the equipment. [1915
Subpart P]
- Spills of solvents must be cleaned up immediately. [1915.13(b)(5)]
|
Figure 1:
Improper practice: Worker covered with flammable oil.
Figure 2: Warning Sign is posted to alert workers of the fire and explosion hazard of painting.
Figure 3: Ventilation equipment used to maintain safe conditions for entry.
Figure 4: Worker testing space to see that safe conditions are maintained during cleaning.
Figure 5: Fire extinguishers located near cleaning operations. |
|
|
Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations
|
- Fire hazards such as cleaning rags or solvents should be removed and properly stored.
- Signs should be displayed around flammable liquid storage and mixing areas
indicating the presence of flammable and combustible
liquids, as well as signs stating no smoking or open
flames.
- Drums and containers of flammable or toxic
liquids should be placed in an area where they will not be
subject to physical damage and surrounded by dikes or pans.
 Back
to Top |
|
Respiratory Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Toxic vapors produced by cleaning agents such as
diesel fuel and
trichloroethane may present significant health hazards and oxygen-deficient
atmospheres. When used in confined or enclosed spaces, these agents
produce vapors that are often heavier than air. This can cause
displacement of air, reducing oxygen levels, which may be fatal.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- The
Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) may require continual monitoring to
determine that air concentrations are within the permissible exposure
limit (PELs) and below immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)
levels. If they are not, additional engineering controls such as
ventilation, administrative controls, or PPE such as respirators must
be used. [1915.13(b)(2)]
- Ensure adequate ventilation to maintain air concentrations below the
PEL. [1915.13(b)(3)]
- Airline respirators may be necessary if ventilation is not adequate.
If respirators are used, they must comply with 1915.154.
[1910.134]
- A hazard assessment shall be made to determine the proper selection
of respirators. [1915.152(b)]
Additional Resources:
|
Figure 6: Containers of cleaning materials labeled with their hazards.
Figure 7: Improper Practice: Ventilation hoses extending into confined space
to ensure safe conditions.
Figure 8: Worker wearing airline respirator with emergency escape air cylinder. |
|
Back
to Top
|
|
|
|
Skin Contact Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Toxic solvents, chemical removers, and flammable
and combustible liquids can harm employees eyes and skin. Workers should understand the hazards associated with the materials used
and contained in the space. This
includes training in accordance with the Hazard Communication
Standard. [1915.1200]
Hazards may include:
- Organ damage by absorption through the skin or eye.
- Eye or skin irritation.
- Defatting of skin.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Clean up spills or other releases of flammable, combustible, toxic,
corrosive and irritant materials as work
progresses. [1915.13(b)(5)]
- Ensure that washing facilities are available. [1915.97(b)]
Additional Information
|
Figure 9: Worker exposed to skin and eye contact hazards from cleaners and residues.
Figure 10: Emergency eye wash located near cleaning operations.
Figure 11: Washing facilities for workers. |
|
|
Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations
|
- When clothing becomes saturated with flammable and
combustible liquids, clothing should be changed
immediately.
- Fixed or portable eye wash stations/safety showers should meet ANSI
Z358.1-1998: Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment.
Back
to Top
|
|
Limited Access
Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
When working in confined or enclosed spaces, egress may be blocked by:
- Improperly located equipment.
- Temporary ventilation ducts and hoses running through the entrance.
- "Interference" such as the vessel's piping, ventilation ducts, and
electrical wiring.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- When employees work in confined or enclosed spaces with limited
access, the access must not be blocked or impeded by ventilation
ducts, hoses, or other equipment. [1915.76(b)(2)]
- More than one means of access must be provided where practical. [1915.76(b)(1)]
In shipbreaking, it is a common practice to cut additional access holes
into a confined spaces.
- Additional openings should be considered for ducts, hoses, and other
equipment.
|
Figure 12: Confined space access hole blocked by ventilation hoses.
|
|
Back
to Top |
|
|
Slip and Trip
Hazards
|
Potential Hazards:
Workers can be exposed
to slippery working surfaces and tripping hazards. This places
workers at risk of:
- Slipping off oily and greasy ladders.
- Slipping and falling on oily decks.
- Tripping over equipment, hoses, and vessel structures.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Additional Resources:
|
Figure 13: Hoses and welding leads present tripping
hazard.
Figure 14: Temporary lighting reduces tripping hazards.
Figure 15: Tripping hazards eliminated by raised walkway. |
|
|
Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations |
- Slippery conditions in walkways or in work areas should be controlled.
Back
to Top
|
|
Fall
Hazards
|
Fall hazards are a leading cause of shipyard fatalities.
Shipyard employees are often required to work in dangerous
environments that may include fall hazards. Accidents involving
elevation equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, and aerial lifts are often serious,
even fatal.
Potential Hazards:
Deck Openings and Edges
- Falls from deck edges
- Falls from deck openings
- Falls into open holes
Scaffolds
- Falls from ladders
- Falls from scaffolds
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Personal Fall Protection System
- If fall hazards are identified through the Hazard Assessment
required in
1915.152(b), employees must be protected from falls by
the use of personal fall protection equipment.
[1915.152(a)]
- Guardrails may be used to protect workers along deck openings or
edges, in lieu of personal fall protection,
even though they are not required in shipbreaking. For guardrail specifications, see 1915.71(j).
Fall Protection for Scaffold Work
- Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection must be
used when working on scaffolds 5 feet above surfaces. [1915.71(j)]
For more detailed information, review
Use of Personal Fall Protection Systems.
Back
to Top
|
|
|
Work Environment
Temperature Related Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Environmental hazards include temperature, humidity, and air movement within the work area. A combination of PPE
use, heat-producing equipment, work activity, and environmental conditions
can cause temperature-related illnesses.
Heat-related illnesses include:
- Heat Stress
- Heat Stroke
- Heat Cramps
- Dehydration
Cold-related illnesses include:
Additional Resources:
|
Figure 16: Workers in protective suits are at higher risk of heat stress. |
|
|
Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations |
Example Solutions:
The following precautions for heat-related illnesses are recommended:
- Plenty of fluids
- Frequent breaks
- Ice vest
- Shaded or cooled break areas
- Ventilation
- Awareness training
The following precautions for cold-related
illnesses are recommended:
- Appropriate insulated PPE
- Warming areas for breaks
- Awareness training
Back
to Top
|
|
Excessive Noise
Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Use of tools and equipment may produce high noise levels, which could lead to
permanent hearing loss, and often necessitates a hearing
conservation program. Some examples of excessively loud operations include:
- Use of high-pressure water and steam guns
- Abrasive Blasting
- Needle Gunning
- Scaling
- Grinding
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Additional Resources:
|
Figure 17: Workers exposed to noise from pressure washing.
Figure 18: Workers wearing ear muffs for protection from excessive noise. |
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
High-Pressure
Hazards
|
Potential Hazards:
The use of high-pressure equipment may expose operators and
bystanders to the following hazards:
-
Contact with high-pressure steam, water, grit, or air streams from cleaning
equipment.
-
Contact with uncontrolled high-pressure hoses.
Injuries associated with these hazards include:
-
Loss of body parts (for example, fingers, or hands)
-
Lacerations
-
Burns
-
Loss of sight
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Use appropriate PPE. [1915.152]
- Control access to the area.
- Inspect hoses and connections prior to use.
- Use pressure equipment according to the manufacturer's
recommendations.
-
Warning:
Do not use
oxygen for cleaning (blow-off), operation of air tools, or ventilation [1915.51(b)(1)(vi)].
|
Figure 19: Workers exposed to hazards of high
pressure water.
Figure 20: Worker protected by PPE from high pressure hazards.
Figure 21: Hoses and connections should be inspected. |
|
Back
to Top
|
|
|
Electrical Hazards
|
Potential Hazards:
All workers who work with electrical
equipment in wet or damp locations have an increased risk of getting
shocked or electrocuted due to:
- Faulty electrical connection in power tools.
- Open lighting parts.
- Broken insulation on power cables and cords.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Portable electrical tools must be grounded or double
insulated. [1915.132(a)]
- Temporary lighting must be grounded. [1915.92(c)]
|
Figure 22: Damaged electrical cable poses shock
hazard.
Figure 23: Portable power tools must be grounded or double insulated.
Figure 24: Temporary lights should be inspected before use. |
|
|
Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations |
- All electrical tools or equipment should undergo a visual
inspection prior to use.
- All portable electric hand tools and temporary lighting
systems should utilize Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI).
- Electrical tools and equipment should correspond with the
requirements of the job.
- Electrical equipment and tools should be used with proper
circuit protection for the voltage and amperage used.
- Only qualified electricians should attempt to repair electrical tools and equipment.
- A Ground Assurance Program should be in place for all
electrical tools and equipment used including:
- Records of tools inspected and repaired.
- Records of electrical boxes inspected and repaired.
- Records of electrical extension cords inspected and
repaired.
- Recall of records of the above.
- The requirements of the Ground Assurance Program should be performed on a
regular basis.
Back
to Top
|
|
Impact Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Workers may be exposed to impact
hazards from:
- Sparks
- Metal particles
- Grinding debris
- Paint debris
Injuries may include:
- Particles becoming imbedded in the skin
- Eye damage
- Skin burns
- Skin trauma
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Use PPE properly. [1915.152(a)]
- Use powered equipment such as portable grinders with guards
and according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
|
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
| |
|
www.osha.gov
