SHIPBREAKING

Module 1: Introduction to Shipbreaking

1.1 Pre-planning and Hazard Assessment Susan Harwood Grant Number SH-17820-08-60-

F-23

DISCLAIMER This material was produced under grant

number SH-17820-08-60-F-23 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

2

3

Objectives: Identify elements that go into surveys

and pre-planning State ways to remove hazardous

material Identify equipment and valuable

materials that may be salvaged Indicate the scrapping procedures

used

4

First arrival

5Figure 1 USS Des Monies berth at ESCO Marine

Even before the ship is moored a comprehensive inspection has taken place by an inspection team.

6Figure 2 Vessel inside slip for pre-inspeciton

Plans and procedures are drafted by Managers and supervisors prior to the ships arrival.

7Figure 3 Marine Metals supervisor discusses procedures for dismantling

Pre-planning is a very detailed process to ensure that the work is done safely and is financially sound.

8Figure 4 Gangway to the vessel

Worker safety is always paramount.

9Figure 5 Safety Officer discusses procedures

So what goes into the Pre-planning process?

10Figure 6 View of the yard and slip out of the main shipping channel

11

The initial survey begins when the vessel is being evaluated during the purchasing phase.

12Figure 7 Various ship keys in the captains stateroom

The planning phase details how the vessel is to be dismantled and the order in which the process will proceed.

13Figure 8 Boom around the stern of a vessel

Hazards have to be early identified to determine the scope of work.

14Figure 9 View inside the slip of the winch system

Generally the vessels have been inactive for years and hazardous conditions can build up in enclosed compartments.

15Figure 10 Vessel inside the slip in the final dismantling

A complete inventory of all hazardous materials needs to be compiled and located.

16Figure 11 Bridge compass and weather instruments

Compartments need to be assessed to determine whether they meet the standards as a confined space.

17Figure 12 Double bottom of the hull

Access throughout the entire vessel needs to be planned out.

18Figure 13 Access doorways from the exterior

Ladders and stairways need to be restricted until they are determined to be sound for workers. Remember corrosion.

19Figure 14 Ladders on the mast of the vessel

Illumination, sanitation, ventilation, among others need to be evaluated and implemented.

20Figure 15 Crews galley and serving area

Lastly, fire protection needs to be in place prior to beginning work.

21Figure 16 Fire support system

22

The first phase determined the location of hazardous materials and now the second phase is removing them.

23Figure 17 Inside view of a parts room

Hazardous material includes fuels, lubricate oils, asbestos, and insulating materials, to name a few that have been identified.

24Figure 18 Asbestos lagging on piping in the engine room

Tanks have to be cleaned so that when hot work is preformed the chance for explosions and fires are eliminated.

25Figure 19 Walkways inside the engine room

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procedures are implemented and strictly enforced.

26Figure 20 Worker with respirator working on deck

All hazardous materials must be removed prior to conducting hot work in the area.

27Figure 21 Oil waste tank storage in yard

28

The next phase is removing and salvaging equipment that remains on board.

29Figure 22 Captains sound power phone in stateroom

The contents in the compartments have to be removed prior to dismantling.

30Figure 23 Nautical maps in chart room

Salvaging equipment is one reason, however safety from fires is the number one reason for removing materials.

31Figure 24 Flumes after hot work on a sectional

Supervisors will inspect the compartments and address items that will be salvaged or disposed.

32Figure 25 Switch board in engine room for ahead and astern propulsion

The items that have value, will have instructions as to where the equipment will be located once off the vessel.

33Figure 26 Personnel affect in stateroom

Machinery and larger equipment may have to wait until the compartment is accessible.

34Figure 27 Machinery in the engine room

Wiring and electronics need to be handled carefully due to being hazardous or delicate.

35Figure 28 Gauges and switches on a engine room panel

36

The forth phase is scrapping the vessel which is a systematic dismantling.

37Figure 29 View of the hull down to the double bottom

Supervisors will make decisions on each cut based on the pre-planning process.

38Figure 30 Worker with fall protection

The superstructure is removed and compartments along the hull are dismantled in the process.

39Figure 31 Open deck compartments looking towards the bow area

Material that is removed is separated into ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

40Figure 32 Scrap steel that has been processed

Once Hot work is fully engaged the fire watch personnel have to be vigilant.

41Figure 33 Hot work on hull

Safety is the key to success!

42Figure 34 Workers cutting prop

43

44

References: OSHA eTool www.osha.gov

45

46

Worker Safety is the Priority