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Shipyard Employment eTool: Shipbuilding
General Requirements Shipbuilding Ship Repair Shipbreaking Barge Cleaning

Surface Prep » Toxic Cleaning Solvents
 
In shipbuilding, surface preparation may range from a simple wipe down to a total stripping of coating.

Cleaning solvents and degreasers may expose workers to the following:

Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the Shipbuilding: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.

Click on an area for more specific information.
Mechanical Removers Contact Fire Respiratory Access/Egress Slips/Trips Falls Electrical Surface Preparation using Toxic Solvents
Figure 1: Toxic cleaning solvents.

Fire and Explosion
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/oil.
  • Liquids with high flash points (greater than 100 F) may present a fire or explosion hazard when applied as a fine mist.
  • Airborne particulate or dust.
  • Hydrogen gas generated during cleaning processes.
  • Painting. See Painting [1915.35].
Requirements and Example Solutions: 		Drums and containers of flammable cleaning solvents
Figure 2: Drums and containers of flammable cleaning solvents.

Warning sign clearly informs workers of fire and explosion hazards of smoking and hotwork in a spray area
Figure 3: Warning sign clearly informs workers of fire and explosion hazards of smoking and hot work in a spray area.
 Shipyard Competent Person testing flammability and other hazards in spray area
Figure 4: Shipyard Competent Person testing flammability and other hazards in spray area.
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Respiratory Hazards
Potential Hazards:

Toxic vapors or corrosive mists produced by cleaning agents such as freons or trichloroethane may present significant health hazards including 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:
  • Ensure adequate ventilation to maintain concentrations below the PEL. [1915.32(a)(2)]
  • The Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) may require continual monitoring to determine 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 (e.g., ventilation), administrative controls or PPE (e.g. respirators) must be used. [1915.32(a)(3)] 
  • Airline respirators may be necessary if ventilation is not adequate.
  • Respirators must comply with 1915.154. [1910.134]

Additional Resources:

 

 Workers protected from toxic cleaning solvents
Figure 5: Workers protected from toxic cleaning solvents.

 Ventilation provided for painting in confined space
Figure 6: Ventilation provided for painting in confined space.

 Airline respirator for use when ventilation does not provide adequate safety
Figure 7: Airline respirator for use when ventilation does not provide adequate safety.
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Contact with Toxic Solvents
Potential Hazards:

Toxic solvents can harm employees eyes and/or skin. Note: 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 include:
  • Organ damage by absorption through the skin or eye.
  • Eye or skin irritation.
  • Defatting of skin.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • Appropriate PPE must be used.
  • Solvents spills must be cleaned up immediately. [1915.13(b)(5)]
  • Washing facilities must be available. [1915.97(b)]

Additional Information 		Worker exposed to health hazards from skin absorption and eye contact
Figure 8: Improper practice: Worker exposed to health hazards from skin absorption and eye contact.

 Worker protected from toxic paint fumes with proper PPE
Figure 9: Worker protected from toxic paint fumes with proper PPE.
Worker using washing facilities
Figure 10: Worker using washing facilities.
Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations
  • Fixed or portable eye wash stations/safety showers should meet ANSI Z358.1-1998: Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment.
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Limited Access
Potential Hazards:

When working in confined or enclosed spaces workers may become trapped and unable to exit due to:
  • Improperly located equipment.
  • Ventilation ducts and hoses running through the opening.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • When employees work in confined 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)]
  • Additional openings should be considered for ducts, hoses, and other equipment.

 		 Ventilation hoses blocking exit from opening
Figure 11: Improper practice: Ventilation hoses blocking exit from opening.

 Special ventilation hose (flat) to avoid blocking exit
Figure 12: Special ventilation hose (flat) to avoid blocking exit.

Two access holes for equipment or access
Figure 13: Two access holes for equipment or access.
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Slips and Trips
Potential Hazards:

Workers performing surface preparation are exposed to slick conditions and tripping hazards.
  • Slipping and falling on oily decks.
  • Tripping over equipment, hoses, and vessel structures.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
  		Wet and oily surfaces create slipping hazard
Figure 14: Improper practice: Wet and oily surfaces create slipping hazard.

 Tripping hazards due to poor housekeeping
Figure 15: Improper practice: Tripping hazards due to poor housekeeping.

 Lead racks used to remove tripping hazards (welding leads, hoses, etc.) from the deck
Figure 16: Lead racks used to remove tripping hazards (welding leads, hoses, etc.) from the deck.
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Fall Hazards
Potential 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 and scaffolds are often serious, even fatal.
  • Falls from ladders.
  • Falls from scaffolds.
  • Falls from open deck edges.
  • Falls into open holes.
Requirements and Example Solutions:

Guarding of Deck Openings and Edges
  • Deck openings and edges must be guarded. [1915.73]
  • Flush manholes and other small openings must be guarded after opening. [1915.73(b)]
  • During the installation of guards on large openings and deck edges, fall protection (e.g., harness with lanyard) must be used. [1915.73(d)]
  • When floor plates or gratings (e.g. bilges, engine rooms, pump rooms, machinery spaces) are removed, the openings must be guarded or planked. [1915.73(f)]
Fall Protection for Scaffold Work
  • Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection must be used when working on scaffolds five feet above solid surfaces. [1915.71(j)]
  • Fall protection must be used during the installation of guards on scaffolds. [1915.73(d)]

 		 Improper use of step ladder
Figure 17: Improper practice: Improper use of step ladder.

 Several unguarded deck openings
Figure 18: Improper practice: Several unguarded deck openings.
Properly guarded deck edges
Figure 19: Properly guarded deck edges.
  Worker on scaffold protected by guardrails
Figure 20: Worker on scaffold protected by guardrails.
Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations
  • Maritime Labor/Industry recommends that personal fall protection including lanyards and harnesses be used and secured during installation of guardrails.
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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:
  • Hypothermia
  • Frost Bite
Additional Resources: 		Full body suit can increase potential heat related illnesses for worker
Figure 21: Full body suit can increase potential heat related illnesses for worker.

 Air supplied to hood also reduces heat related problems
Figure 22: Air supplied to hood also reduces heat related problems.
Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations
Example Solutions:

The following are recommended for heat related illnesses:
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Take frequent breaks.
  • Use a cooling vest.
  • Take breaks in shaded or cooled areas.
  • Use ventilation.
  • Reduce the inner temperature of work spaces by using water sprinklers on outside metal surfaces.
  • Conduct awareness training.

It is recommended that the following be implemented to prevent cold related illnesses:

  • Wear appropriate insulated PPE.
  • Use warming areas for breaks.
  • Conduct awareness training.

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Workers can be trained to recognize and avoid temperature related hazards
Figure 23: Workers can be trained to recognize and avoid temperature related hazards.



Electrical Hazards
Potential Hazards:

Employees mixing or transferring flammable and combustible liquids with electrical equipment are exposed to increased risk of getting shocked or electrocuted due to:
  • Faulty electrical connection in power tools
  • Open lighting parts
  • Broken insulation on power cords 

Note: Arcing and spark producing tools are not to be used where flammable liquids are capable of creating a flammable atmosphere.  [1915.36]

Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • Portable electrical tools must be grounded or double insulated. [1915.132(a)]
  • Temporary lighting must be grounded. [1915.92(c)]
  • Power and lighting cables must be inspected by a person competent to evaluate electrical hazards. (Note: This is not the Shipyard Competent Person). [1915.36(a)(5)]
 Portable electrical tools must be double insulated or properly grounded
Figure 24: Portable electrical tools must be double insulated or properly grounded.
 Worker inspecting broken insulation on power cable
Figure 25: Worker inspecting broken insulation on 
power cable.
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 Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
  • 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 repair of electrical tools and equipment in use.
  • 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 Back to Top 		Visual inspection takes defective welding tong out of service
Figure 26: Visual inspection takes defective welding 
tong out of service.
 

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