Occupational Health and Safety in Shipbreaking

Presented by:

Bernard L Fontaine, Jr., CIH, CSP, AIHA Fellow

The Windsor Consulting Group, Inc.

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The intent of this information:

Help global employers and employees improve shipbreaking health and safety by utilizing work practices that identify, correct and eliminate hazards;

Provide a training resource for workers in the industry, universities, governmental officials, and consultants;

Aid with implementing health and safety established best practices and regulatory requirements; and

Request assistance from Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB), American Industrial Hygiene Associations (AIHA), International Labour Organization (ILO), and/or World Health Organization (WHO).

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Shipbreaking is the process of dismantling an obsolete vessel's structure for scrapping or disposal. Conducted at a pier, dry dock,

or dismantling slip, it includes a wide range of activities, from removing all gear and equipment to cutting down and recycling the

ship's structure. The structural complexity of ships makes shipbreaking a challenging process. It involves many safety, health

and environmental issues.

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Gandani Shipyard - Bangladesh

Gaddani shipbreaking yard is the world's third largest

shipbreaking yard, situated about 50kms northwest of Karachi.

5Most decommissioned ships to be dismantled end up either in

Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan

6Asbestos Pipe Lagging

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JLG used to transfer equipment and materials from ship

Dry dock used to scrap ship withtrash and recycle containers

Many conditions and operations in shipbreaking may result in hazards that must be evaluated and controlled. Some of these conditions and operations include:

Housekeeping Illumination Utilities Work in Confined or Enclosed

Spaces Lifeboats Health and Sanitation First Aid

General Working Conditions

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Survey and pre-planning includes identifying hazardous materials and

determining work processes:

Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres

Inventory of Hazardous Materials Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE) Access and Guarding of Work

Surfaces Scaffolds (Staging) Ladders General Working Conditions Fire Protection

Step 1 - Shipbreaking survey.

Shipbreaking Processes

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Removing hazardous material includes removing items included in the inventory of hazardous materials (such as fuel and

cargo residues, insulating materials, preservatives, and paints):

Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres

Inventory of Hazardous Materials) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Access and Guarding of Work Surfaces Scaffolds (Staging) Ladders Cleaning and Other Cold Work Surface Preparation for Removal of

Hazardous Materials Tools and Related Equipment General Working Conditions Fire Protection

Step 2 – Worker scraping ship hull

Shipbreaking Processes

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Step 3 – Salvage equipment and valued

materials

Shipbreaking ProcessesSalvaging equipment and valuable materials such as machinery, equipment,

electronics, wiring, piping, furnishings, and non-ferrous metals:

Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres

Inventory of Hazardous Materials Hot Work (including Welding, Cutting

and Heating) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Access and Guarding of Work Surfaces Scaffolds (Staging) Ladders Tools and Related Equipment Materials Handling (including rigging) General Working Conditions Fire Protection Sanitation