Shipbreaking

Module 6: Workplace & Chemical Hazards6.2 Lead

Susan Harwood Grant Number SH-17820-08-60-F-23

Shipbreaking

Disclaimer

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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.

Objectives

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Explain the hazards of lead exposure

Identify potential locationsList PPE may be requiredList chronic exposure effects

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Lead is considered to the one of the heaviest metals and yet soft. Color: bluish-white.

6 Figure 1 Lead ballast from vessel’s keel

Meaning of Lead: metallic lead, all inorganic lead compounds, and organic lead soaps.

7 Figure 2 Lead that is being recycled

Lead was widely used prior to the 1980’s before federal regulations minimized or eliminated the use.

8 Figure 3 Hull 134 paint flaking off hull

Reduce lead contamination through engineering controls and safe work practices.

9 Figure 4 Worker with lead being recycled

A written compliance program will address workplace lead exposure and PPE measures.

10 Figure 5 Lead shielding wiring

Written plans must include the following:

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Description where lead is located

Engineering plans to control lead exposure

PELAir monitoringPPE, if requiredPlan must be

reviewed and updated annually Figure 6 Written plan at

gangways

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Largest concentrations of lead is located within the painting system of vessels.

13 Figure 7 Paint peeling off overhead in galley area

The exterior coating of the ships have different types of painting systems.

14 Figure 8 Exterior paint on military vessels

Most common primer that is found on vessels is red lead primer.

15 Figure 9 Paint chips on deck after testing completed

The interior of vessels may also have a lead primer or coating.

16 Figure 10 Paint test area inside main deck area

Lead-acid batteries located in the engine room.

17 Figure 11 batteries in a series on deck

Battery charging stations, and engineering spaces through out the vessel.

18 Figure 12 Engine room and generator area

Lead has been used in the bilge or keel area for ballasting the vessel.

19 Figure 13 Hull in slip being hauled out

Radiations shields in areas of medical area such as X-Ray compartments or nuclear shields

20Figure 14 Medical office onboard ship

Lead residue may exist within the ammunition storage areas and gun mounts.

21 Figure 15 Ammunition chart in gun mount

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OSHA “Action Level” when an employee is exposed to 30 micrograms per cubic meter of air without a respirator requirements

23 Figure 16 Hot work cutting down the sections

Levels at or below (30 ug/m(3)) is for a period of 8-hour per day working conditions.

24 Figure 17 Workers cutting lead shielded wiring for processing

Respirator required when concentrations of lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air

25 Figure 18 Respirator worn by lead workers outside restricted area

Permissible exposure limit (PEL) (50 ug/m(3)) is an average 8-hour per day.

26 Figure 19 Work area around lead wiring being recycled

Respirator requirements for fit test and training must be documented prior to usage.

27 Figure 20 Respirator and face shield

Initial monitoring determines if an employee is exposed to lead concentrations at or above the action levels.

28 Figure 21 Lead piping and pieces removed from vessel

Personal lead sampling must be collected for a full shift (at least 7 continuous hours).

29 Figure 22 Sorting valves from non-ferrous materials

Monitoring must take place if employee complains of symptoms or displays health issues.

30 Figure 23 Monitoring the workplace for lead residue and products

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Long term exposure to lead is increased blood pressure.

32 Figure 24 Worker on forklift moving tote out of warehouse

Memory loss or difficulty in concentrating

33 Figure 25 Worker coming out of engine room on ladder

Joint and muscle pains

34 Figure 26 Cut out for hoisting sectionals

Decreased fertility

35 Figure 27 Working in the area near the propeller shaft

Blood poisoning

36 Figure 28 Cutting sections down on land

There are links to Alzheimer’s disease

37 Figure 29 Sunlight on water of ship

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References

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OSHA eTool www.osha.govNational Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

(NIEHS) www.niehs.nih.govWikipedia Encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead

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Worker safety is a priority