Shipbreaking

Module 6: Workplace & Chemical Hazards

6.5 CadmiumSusan 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 chemical hazards of cadmium

Identify potential locations where cadmium may be found

List what PPE may be required for handling

Define chronic exposure effects

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Cadmium is considered a rare metallic element and found world wide.

6 Figure 1 Copper shredded in container

All soils and rock contain various amount of cadmium.

7 Figure 2 Areas along the mountains where cadmium may be found

Cadmium is commonly extracted from zinc, lead, and copper.

8 Figure 3 Copper shreds from a wire striper ESCO Marine

There are many uses for the metal and most noteworthy is found in the pigment of paint.

9 Figure 4 Paint peeling from vessel being dismantled

Ores contain small amounts of cadmium and is extracted during a smelting process.

10 Figure 5 Smelter operations

Emits a characteristic brown fume when heated or during cutting operations.

11 Figure 6 Fumes from hot work operations

Cadmium does not break down when it reenters the environment.

12 Figure 7 Cutting sectional down to smaller pieces on the pad

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Many older recycled batteries contain cadmium.

14 Figure 8 Batteries that are being recycled

Cadmium was used to create yellow, orange, and red paint pigments.

15 Figure 9 Magnet crane moving plate steel on trailer

Electroplating metal, 6% cadmium, excellent for corrosion resistance.

16 Figure 10 Motors from the engine room removed

Used to stabilize plastics.

17 Figure 11 Galley area plastic shelving

Cathodic protection to hulls due to the lower molecular structure to steel.

18 Figure 12 Stern section of the vessel during final cutting

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TWA Action level: Airborne concentrations of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

20 Figure 13 Fumes generated during hot work on the pad

Action Level is where the employer takes action to prevent exposure.

21 Figure 14 Bazooka Gun cutting shaft

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air over 8-hour TWA

22 Figure 15 Fumes released during hot work on hull sectional

Employer can use engineering and safe work practice controls to keep exposure levels down.

23 Figure 16 Open air cutting generates good air flow

Written compliance program will be implemented if such controls fail to reduce the levels.

24 Figure 17 Restricted area for waste storage

Monitoring can be discontinued if the initial monitoring and another monitoring 7 days later is below the action levels.

25 Figure 18 Series of workers cutting steel components on bench

If cadmium is above the action levels, the area is a regulated area and PPE is required.

26 Figure 19 Overall yard view

Personnel entering the regulated area shall wear a respirator.

27 Figure 20 Respirator worn while in restricted and designated area

Lead smelting process elevates the risk of exposure to cadmium.

28 Figure 21 Cutting pipe flanges

Mechanical ventilation must demonstrate effectiveness to control exposure.

29 Figure 22 Cut outs along the hull for light and ventilation

Respirators shall be worn when exposed to levels above the PEL.

30 Figure 23 Workers in Tyvek suit and respirators

Personnel experiencing eye irritation will wear full face piece respirators.

31 Figure 24 Workers with double face protection and respirator

HEPA filters.

32 Figure 25 Side view of face shield and respirator

Coveralls for outer clothing also includes gloves and head covering.

33 Figure 26 Workers in protective clothing

Face shields and vented goggles to protect eye and face contact.

34 Figure 27 Cutters wearing face shields, goggles, and respirator

Protective clothing and equipment shall be turned in at the end of the work shift. Do not remove clothing from facility or workplace.

35 Figure 28 View inside cargo compartment workers departing site

Do not use air to remove debris particles or shake down protective clothing once removed.

36 Figure 29 Wearing coveralls and respiratory gear

Showers, hand washing, and change rooms shall be provided to workers.

37 Figure 30 ESCO Marine’s decon, shower, and change out location

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Employees exposed to cadmium should have medical monitoring performed.

39 Figure 31 Personnel conducting medical monitoring prior to entry

Cadmium has been linked to lung cancer.

40 Figure 32 Hot work on hull section

Lung disease and emphysema from cadmium fumes during hot work.

41 Figure 33 Fumes and smoke emission after hot work

The kidneys are the target organ.

42 Figure 34 Personnel inspecting vessel

Bone disease over prolong periods of exposure.

43 Figure 35 Supervisor discussing dismantling operations to personnel

Studies found cadmium may increase heart disease.

44 Figure 36 Crews marking off restricted areas

Smoking compounds the risk of adverse health effects.

45 Figure 37 Tobacco leaves making cigars

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References

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OSHA eTool www.osha.gov

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) www.niehs.nih.gov

Wikipedia Encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org

Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health www.elcosh.org

Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry www.atsdr.cdc.gov

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Worker safety is a priority.