Shipyard Employment
ยป Shipbreaking
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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 structure. The structural complexity of ships
makes shipbreaking a challenging process. It involves many safety,
health and environmental issues. [Applicable 1915
Shipbreaking Standards]
A demolition plan is often used to systematically scrap the vessel and
to ensure the safety and health of the workers. A demolition plan
involves the following steps:
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Shipbreaking Processes
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1. Survey and Pre-Planning
Includes identifying hazardous materials and determining
work processes:
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Figure 1: Illustration of Shipbreaking survey.
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2.
Removing Hazardous Material
Includes removing items included in the
inventory of hazardous materials (such as fuel and cargo
residues, insulating materials, preservatives, and paints):
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Figure 2: Ship's piping coated
with asbestos.
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3. Salvaging Equipment and
Valuable Materials
Includes removing items such as machinery, equipment,
electronics, wiring, piping, furnishings, and non-ferrous metals:
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Figure 3: Illustration of worker
salvaging equipment. |
4. Scrapping
Includes cutting and removing the hull and other
structures of the vessel:
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Figure 4: Illustration of worker
scrapping ship.
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The
Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment Standard (29 CFR 1915 Subpart
P) was issued September 15, 2004 and became effective December 14, 2004.
The new
Fire Protection module has been added to address these changes. In
addition, it is anticipated the Ship
Repair, Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking eTool modules will be modified in the near future to address this new
Shipyard fire protection standard. |
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