Chemical paint strippers and removers used for surface preparation include
corrosive acids, (e.g., hydrochloric and phosphoric), alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide/lye),
chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., trichloroethane) and carcinogens (e.g., methylene
chloride). These chemicals may present severe eye, skin and respiratory exposure hazards.
Paint strippers and removers potentially expose workers to:
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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/oil.
- Liquids with high flash points
(greater than 100º F) may present a fire or explosion hazard when
applied as a fine mist.
- Airborne particulate or dust.
- Hydrogen gas generated during cleaning processes.
- Reactive cargos such as iron-ore, fertilizer, or incompatible
chemicals.
- Painting. See Painting [29 CFR 1915.35].
Requirements and Example Solutions:
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Figure 1: Drums and containers of flammable cleaning solvents.
Figure 2: Worker spray painting in enclosed space increases fire hazard.
Figure 3: Warning sign clearly informs workers of fire and explosion hazards of smoking and hotwork in a 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 chemical paint and preservative removers
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.
Note: Paint strippers often contain methylene chloride, which has additional requirements.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Ensure adequate ventilation to maintain concentrations below the PEL.
[29 CFR 1915.32(a)(2)]
- The Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) may require continual monitoring to
determine air concentrations are within the PELs and below IDLH
levels. If they are not, additional engineering controls (e.g.,
ventilation), administrative controls or PPE (e.g. respirators) must
be used. [29 CFR 1915.32(a)(3)]
- Airline respirators may be necessary if ventilation is not adequate.
- Respirators must comply with 29 CFR 1915.154.
[29 CFR 1910.134]
Additional Resources:
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Figure 5: Workers protected from toxic cleaning solvents.
Figure 6: Ventilation provided for painting in confined space.
Figure 7: Airline respirator for use when ventilation does not provide adequate safety. |
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Contact Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Toxic and corrosive paint strippers and removers can harm employees
eyes and/or skin.
- Organ damage through skin or eye absorption.
- Skin or eye burns and irritation.
- Ingestion of contaminated food.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Additional Information
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Figure 8: Worker exposed to health hazards from skin absorption and eye contact.
Figure 9: Worker protected from toxic paint fumes with proper PPE.
Figure 10: Worker protected by PPE from toxic paint fumes and spills while mixing paint.
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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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Figure 11: Eye wash station. |
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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. [29 CFR 1915.76(b)(2)]
- More than one means of access must be provided where practical. [29 CFR 1915.76(b)(1)]
- Additional openings should be provided for ducts, hoses, and other equipment.
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Figure 12: Ventilation hoses blocking exit from opening.
Figure 13: Special ventilation hose (flat) to avoid blocking exit.
Figure 14: 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:
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Figure 15: Wet and oily surfaces create slipping hazard.
Figure 16: Tripping hazards due to poor housekeeping.
Figure 17: 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
- Openings and deck edges must be guarded. [29 CFR 1915.73]
- Flush manholes and other small openings must be guarded after opening. [29 CFR 1915.73(b)]
- During the installation of guards on large openings and deck
edges, fall protection (e.g., harness with lanyard) must be used. [29 CFR 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. [29 CFR 1915.73(f)]
Fall Protection for Scaffold Work
- Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection shall be
used when working on scaffolds five feet above surfaces. [29 CFR 1915.71(j)]
- Fall protection must be used during the installation of guards on scaffolds. [29 CFR 1915.73(d)]
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Figure 18: Improper use of step ladder.
Figure 19: Several unguarded deck openings.
Figure 20: Properly guarded deck edges.
Figure 21: Worker on scaffold protected by guardrails. |
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Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations |
- SHAC 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:
Additional Resources:
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Figure 22: Full body suit can increase potential heat related illnesses for worker.
Figure 23: Air supplied to hood also reduces heat related problems. |
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Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations |
Example Solutions:
SHAC recommends the following for heat related illnesses:
- Plenty of fluids
- Frequent breaks
- Ice vest
- Shaded or cooled break areas
- Ventilation
- Awareness training
SHAC recommends the following for cold related illnesses:
- Appropriate insulated PPE
- Warming areas for breaks
- Awareness training
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Figure 24: Workers can be trained to recognize and avoid temperature related hazards. |
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High-Pressure Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
The use of high pressure equipment may expose the operator as well as bystanders to the following hazards:
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Contact with high-pressure steam, water, or air streams from cleaning
equipment.
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Contact by uncontrolled high-pressure hoses.
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Contact with steam, water, or air leaks from high-pressure equipment.
Injuries associated with these hazards include:
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Loss of body parts (e.g., fingers, hands, etc.)
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Lacerations
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Burns
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Loss of sight
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Steam guns must be insulated to prevent heat burns to the
operator. [29 CFR 1915.33(e)]
- Appropriate PPE must be used. [29 CFR 1915.152]
- Access to the area should be controlled.
- Hoses and connections should be inspected prior to use.
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Electrical
Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Employees 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 cords.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Portable electrical tools must be grounded or double
insulated. [29 CFR 1915.132(a)]
- Temporary lighting must be grounded. [29 CFR 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).
[29 CFR 1915.36(a)(5)]
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Figure 25: Worker inspecting broken insulation on
power cable.
Figure 26: Portable electrical tools must be double insulated or properly grounded. |
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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 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.
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Figure 27: Visual inspection takes defective welding
tong out of service. |
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