What is shipbreaking?
Shipbreaking is the process of dismantling an obsolete vessel’s
structure for scrapping or
disposal. Conducted at a pier, drydock or dismantling slip,
it includes a wide range of activities,
from removing all gear and equipment to cutting down and recycling
the ship’s infrastructure.
Shipbreaking is a challenging process, due to the structural
complexity of the ships and the many
environmental, safety, and health issues involved.
What are some of the hazards associated with shipbreaking?
Shipbreaking operations expose workers to a wide range of hazards
or workplace activities or
conditions likely to cause injury or illness. These include
the following:
Hazardous Exposures
¦ Asbestos—in hanger liners, mastic under insulation,
cloth over insulation, cable, lagging and
insulation on pipes and hull, adhesive, gaskets on piping connections,
and valve packing.
¦ Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—in rubber products
such as hoses, plastic foam insulation,
cables, silver paint, habitability paint, felt under septum
plates, plates on top of the hull bottom,
and primary paint on hull steel.
¦ Lead—from lead and chromate paint, lead ballast,
batteries, generators, and motor
components.
¦ Hazardous material and chemicals—including heavy
metals in ship transducers, ballast, and
paint coatings; mercury in fluorescent light tubes, thermometers,
electrical switches, light fittings,
fire detectors, and tank-level indicators; and chloroflorocarbons
(CFCs) in self-contained
refrigeration devices such as water coolers and small freezer
units.
¦ Excess noise—associated with grinding, hammering,
metal cutting, and other activities.
¦ Fire—from ignited insulation, matting, lagging,
and residual fuel; and from lubricants and other
flammable liquids.
Hazardous Work Activities
¦ Entry into confined, enclosed, and other dangerous
atmospheres.
¦ Paint removal.
¦ Metal cutting and disposal.
¦ Powered industrial truck operations.
¦ Work on elevated surfaces, particularly near deck openings
and edges.
¦ Bilge and ballast water removal.
¦ Oil and fuel removal and tank cleaning.
¦ Removal and disposal of ship’s machinery.
¦ Operations involving cranes, gear, and equipment for
material handling.
¦ Cutting and welding operations and use of compressed
gas.
¦ Activities involving scaffolds, ladders, and working
services.
Hazardous Work Conditions
¦ Inadequate worker training.
¦ Lack of or improper personal protective equipment (PPE).
¦ Inadequate fire protection measures.
¦ Lack of appropriate emergency response, rescue, and
first-aid personnel and services.
What protections does OSHA offer workers?
OSHA promotes workplace safety to save lives, prevent injuries,
and protect the health of
America’s workers. The agency’s Shipyard Industry
standards ( Title 29 Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 1915) address many aspects of shipbreaking
operations. Health and safety
issues not specifically covered by these standards are covered
by OSHA’s General Industry
Standards.
In addition, OSHA recently launched a national emphasis program
to improve workplace
safety in this high-hazard industry. Under the program, OSHA
will conduct targeted
comprehensive inspections of known shipbreaking operations.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about the hazards associated with shipbreaking
operations and tips to
protect yourself, visit the OSHA website at www.osha.gov. Select
M, then Maritime Safety, then
Maritime Compliance Information. Your nearest OSHA office can
also provide more information.
For the telephone number, check your phone book for the “U.S.
Department of Labor” listing or call
OSHA toll-free at (800) 321-OSHA (6742). The teletypewriter
(TTY) number is (877) 889-5627.
U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety
and Health Administration
2001
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting
OSHA programs and standards. It does not impose any
new compliance requirements or carry the force of legal opinion.
For compliance requirements of OSHA standards or
regulations, refer to Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations.
This information will be made available to sensory-impaired
individuals upon request. Voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter
number (TTY) is (877) 889-5627. See also
OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.
Asbestos
Hanger Liners
PCB Rubber Products
Asbestos Mastic
Under Insulation
PCBs in
Plastic Foam Insulation
Asbestos Adhesive
Asbestos
Cloth Over
Insulation
PCB &
Asbestos
in Cable
Paint Hull Steel-
(PCBs in Primary Paint)
PCB Felt Under Septum Plate
Asbestos Valve Packing
Lead Ballast
PCBs in Habitability Paint
PCBs in Silver Paint
Asbestos Gasket
Asbestos Lagging &
Insulation on Pipe & Hull
Potential Locations of Hazardous Materials
Lead/Chromate
More
Info 
