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