Outside the United States, shipbreaking is one of the hazardous occupations in the world. Best practices can be used to reduce risk and hazards related to occupational health and safety. Statistics show that workers are injured or killed everyday or contract illness which leads to death from exposures to asbestos, diesel emissions, lead-based paint, and other toxins. Controls can be used to improve profitability, productivity, and performance. Organizations like WHWB, ILO, WHO, etc. are available for help.

1. Occupational
Health and Safety
in Shipbreaking
Presented by:
Bernard L Fontaine, Jr., CIH, CSP, AIHA Fellow
The Windsor Consulting Group, Inc.
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The intent of this information:
 Help global employers and employees improve
shipbreaking health and safety by utilizing work
practices that identify, correct and eliminate hazards;
 Provide a training resource for workers in the industry,
universities, governmental officials, and consultants;
 Aid with implementing health and safety established
best practices and regulatory requirements; and
 Request assistance from Workplace Health Without
Borders (WHWB), American Industrial Hygiene
Associations (AIHA), International Labour Organization
(ILO), and/or World Health Organization (WHO).

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Shipbreaking is the process of dismantling an obsolete vessel's
structure for scrapping or disposal. Conducted at a pier, dry dock,
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.

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Gandani Shipyard - Bangladesh
Gaddani shipbreaking yard is the world's third largest
shipbreaking yard, situated about 50kms northwest of Karachi.

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Most decommissioned ships to be dismantled end up either in
Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan

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Asbestos Pipe Lagging

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JLG used to transfer equipment
and materials from ship
General Working Conditions
Many conditions and operations
in shipbreaking may result in
hazards that must be evaluated
and controlled. Some of these
conditions and operations
include:
 Housekeeping
 Illumination
 Utilities
 Work in Confined or Enclosed
Spaces
 Lifeboats
 Health and Sanitation
 First Aid
Dry dock used to scrap ship with
trash and recycle containers

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Survey and pre-planning includes
identifying hazardous materials and
determining work processes:
 Confined or Enclosed Spaces and
Other Dangerous Atmospheres
 Inventory of Hazardous Materials
 Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
 Access and Guarding of Work
Surfaces
 Scaffolds (Staging)
 Ladders
 General Working Conditions
 Fire Protection
Shipbreaking Processes
Step 1 - Shipbreaking
survey.

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Removing hazardous material includes
removing items included in the inventory
of hazardous materials (such as fuel and
cargo residues, insulating materials,
preservatives, and paints):
 Confined or Enclosed Spaces and
Other Dangerous Atmospheres
 Inventory of Hazardous Materials)
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Access and Guarding of Work Surfaces
 Scaffolds (Staging)
 Ladders
 Cleaning and Other Cold Work
 Surface Preparation for Removal of
Hazardous Materials
 Tools and Related Equipment
 General Working Conditions
 Fire Protection
Shipbreaking Processes
Step 2 – Worker
scraping ship hull

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Salvaging equipment and valuable Shipbreaking Processes
Step 3 – Salvage
equipment and valued
materials
materials such as machinery, equipment,
electronics, wiring, piping, furnishings,
and non-ferrous metals:
 Confined or Enclosed Spaces and
Other Dangerous Atmospheres
 Inventory of Hazardous Materials
 Hot Work (including Welding, Cutting
and Heating)
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Access and Guarding of Work Surfaces
 Scaffolds (Staging)
 Ladders
 Tools and Related Equipment
 Materials Handling (including rigging)
 General Working Conditions
 Fire Protection
 Sanitation