Shipbreaking is a unique part of the maritime industry, primarily involving the
dismantling and disposal of obsolete ships, and mobile offshore drilling units.
There is a need to improve shipbreaking (e.g., dismantling, ship recycling, or
scrapping) processes to ensure the safety and health of these workers.
Dismantling of vessels is usually conducted at a pier, drydock, or dismantling
slip and 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, including exposure to asbestos,
toxic fumes, hazardous materials, noise, falling objects, lead and electrical
shock, as well as dangers associated with heat stress, falls, heavy materials
handling and fires.

In light of the need to improve and manage the hazards associated with
shipbreaking, a recebtly published document is to be used as a basic guide for
employers involved in shipbreaking activities. The hyperlinks to OSHA,
international, and other documentation provided throughout this publication
give more detailed information and recommendations.

In detail the brocure covers the following topics:

Initial Visit to Vessel to Determine Suitability for Scrapping

• Towing the Vessel


• Mooring the Vessel


• Hauling the Vessel


• Planning


• Breaking the Vessel


• Burning Equipment


• Cold Cutting


• Mobile Hydraulic Shear Cutters


• Shoreside Processing of Metals


• Fall Protection


• Fire Prevention and Protection


• Emergency Response


• Drills


• Rescue


• Lifesaving Materials


• Hazardous Material Spills


• Energy Control


• Medical


• Worker Medical Qualifications


• Sanitation


• Shipboard Rigging


• Materials Handling


• Crane Services


• ForkTrucks


• Trucks


• Training


• Communication

More info

AplusA-online.de - Source: U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration