Faculty of Health
School of Health Sciences
Bachelor Environmental & Occupational
Health and Safety
ENVS2710 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
PRACTICES
Identification Number : C3177837
Student Name : Hajamuhaideen Sheik Mohamed
Date : 27 March 2013
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN
SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY
Environmental Management in Shipbuilding Industry
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SUMMARY-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
2. INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3
3. INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS GENERATE ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION IN SHIPYARD---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
3.1 WELDING OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
3.2 SURFACE TREATMENT --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
3.3 ABRASIVE BLASTING ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
3.4 PAINTING AND COATING ----------------------------------------------------------------- 5
3.5 SHIP MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ----------------------------------------------------- 5
4. NOISE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
5. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ---------------------------- 5
6. RECOMMENDED CONTROL MEASURES--------------------------------------------------------- 8
6.1 AIR POLLUTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8
6.1.1 RECOMMENDATION AND BENEFITS--------------------------------------------- 8
6.1.2 LEGISLATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
6.1.3 FINANCIAL COST---------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
6.2 WATER POLLUTION
6.2.1 RECOMMENDATION AND BENEFITS -------------------------------------------- 10
6.2.2 LEGISLATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
6.3 DEPLETION OF NATURAL RESOURCES----------------------------------------------- 12
7. OTHER RECOMMENDED CONTROL MEASURES
7.1 HOUSEKEEPING AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES ---------------------------------- 13
7.2 EDUCATION AND TRAINING ------------------------------------------------------------ 13
7.3 INVENTORY MANAGEMENT ------------------------------------------------------------ 13
8. CONCLUSION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
9. REFERENCE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Environmental Management in Shipbuilding Industry
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1. SUMMARY
This report examines significant environmental pollutions likely to cause significant impacts,
environmental changes that are affected by the SHIPBUILDING industry. This report shows
that, one of the heavy metal fabrication sector shipyard involve a large number of materials are
used in a shipyard for various process and activities that can impact major changes to the
environment also contribute to significant climate changes.
Taking a holistic approach to address the environmental pollutions during construction and other
phases of shipyard industry; therefore, recommend some control measures on those
identifications liable with legal legislations.
2. INTRODUCTION
The shipyard processes such as construction, maintenance and repairing activity creates a
tremendous amount of pollution to the environment; that is presenting unique problem in terms
of applying pollution control techniques. The construction phase in shipyard is a significant
number of processes; which are constituted with significant changes to the environment.
One of the primary areas focuses on shipbuilding environmental impact is climate change.
Which are constituted with discharge of waste water, emission of air pollution, pollutants in soil,
water and the energy consumption of raw materials.
3. Industrial Operations Generate Environmental Pollution in Shipyard
The direct environmental impacts in shipbuilding should naturally incur by construction,
maintenance and repair of ships. Always construction will generate major pollution to the
environment; beside construction, typically ship maintenance and repair operation also associate
environmental pollution. Here the following activities that are gradually generating
environmental pollution in shipbuilding;
I. Welding Operation
II. Surface treatment operation include Painting and coating, abrasive blasting operation
III. Ship Repair and Maintenance Operation and
IV. Noise
3.1 WELDING OPERATION
The welding process involves bonding two metals by heating the surfaces to exceedingly
high temperatures and melting the two metals together with molten filler. Among the other
Environmental Management in Shipbuilding Industry
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welding process in shipbuilding, electric arc welding is most popular and emitting the most
significant quantity of harmful gases to the atmosphere.
Emissions from welding process including Greenhouse Gas (GHG), toxic chemicals and
substances which include ozone (O3), Particulate matter (such as Carbon, nitrates, sulphates
& Ammonia), Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NO3) and
lead.
Those all above particle is a key source of dangerous air pollution. Other hazard and
dangerous in welding fumes include nickel, lead, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide; nitrogen
oxides and ozone (O3) added with dissolved solids and generate water pollution. Electricity
is the major source of welding operation; therefore may affect global warming by the source
of fossil fuel.
3.2 SURFACE TREATMENT
Surface treatment operation is as during the “Ship construction, as well as during various
ship maintenance and repair activities. These include operations such as the cleaning and
coating of steel, cleaning tanks and cargo areas and painting and paint removal.
Surface treatment is among the most environmentally hazardous processes in the
shipbuilding industry (OSHA 2006)” reference from www.oecd.org/sti/ind/46370308.pdf
Emissions of Particulate Matters (sodium chloride, carbon, sulfates), Volatile organic
compounds which are involved in depletion of ozone layer and greenhouse effect, zinc which
is generated air pollution and the operation also create noise.
3.3 ABRASIVE BLASTING
Abrasive blasting is that the process technique prepares surfaces for coating and painting in
construction of ships, maintenance and repair activities. This process generates particulate
matters, and abrasive. Particulate matters and disposing dust, causes respiratory and other
human health problems if its cause to inhaled.
Where fugitive emissions from blasting operations can be travelled over that area, by air or
by water will generate significant impact on public and environment. In shipyard other most
practical blasting operation is dry-abrasive blasting, which is transmit on compressed air to
push the abrasive contents onto the surface element including rust and paint chips at very
high velocity. This generates Particulate matter emissions, which is representing a major
source of hazardous and dangerous air pollutants.
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3.4 PAINTING AND COATING
Painting and Coating operation is typically large single source of volatile organic compound
emission from shipyards. Painting waste can account for more than 50% of the total
dangerous waste generated at shipyard. Both activity use significant number of chemicals
that hazardous or flammable, such as thinner or solvent, and the activity release significant
air pollutants including lead, Particulate Matter (organic & inorganic particulate), Volatile
Organic Compound (benzene & hydrocarbons), lead and zinc. Those are the particulates
significantly generate impacts to the environment through air pollution and depletion of
ozone layer.
When using high pressure equipment to wash the surface generates alkalies, organics, and
solvents in metal contaminated with metal creates water pollution to the environment.
3.5 SHIP MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
“The maintenance and repair services include ship conversations, overhaul, servicing
programs and damage repairs of ships and their equipment” Reference from www.
www.oecd.org/sti/ind/46370308.pdf . This will be generating of dangerous waste of oil,
hydraulic fluids & lubricants, thinners, acids and anti freeze. When the particles mixed with
water may cause water pollution to the environment.
4. NOISE
In shipyard many activities are creating foremost source of noise. That noise is naturally
affect people who are affianced in the noise generating activity, as well as who located in the
area. “Workers in shipyard may exposed to continuous sound levels of between 85 dbA to
105 dbA” www.oecd.org/sti/ind/46370308.pdf .
5. CAUSE AND EFFECT- ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS
Here the following industrial activities which are classified as generating more
environment pollution in the order of importance in shipbuilding industry.
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Industrial
Activity /
Process
Environmental
Aspect
Environmental
Impact
Priority
Level Rational or explanation for Priority level
Painting and
Coating
Emission of particulate Matter such as Organic and
Inorganic particles, Nitrates, hydrocarbons, lead,
ammonia, sulphates, during paint mixing and spray
painting operation at shipyard construction stage.
Toxic and hazardous vapour when mixing enamel
paint with thinner.
Air Pollution
1
Inhalation of toxic and flammable vapour
generates from painting process will cause
serious health issue to human.
Flown of painting particles during ship
painting process will contaminate with water
change the nutritional effects.
The open area painting process is the main & a
significant source of air pollution. It can be
easily visualized during the process.
Emission of VOCs during the spray painting
process will significantly affect ozone layer.
Use of solid is a major risk factor of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
Exposed Volatile Organic Compound (Benzene,
hydrocarbons) during enamel spray paints. Depletion of
Ozone layer
Zinc, Alkalies, Organic and solvent (paint),
Discharge of Hazardous and toxic vapours are
contaminated with water and spills & leakage of
paints when process carried out on wet surface.
Water pollution
Welding
Operation
Emissions of Ozone (O3) such as nitrogen oxides
(NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
Particulate Matter such as carbon, Nitrate, sulphate
and ammonia; Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur
Dioxide (Non combustion source) at during electric
arc and gas welding operation.
Air pollution
2
Emission of carbon monoxide is the major
source of global warming and as well as air
pollution source too.
Emission of sulphuric dioxide is severely
damage to human health (May cause
permanent lung failure inhalate 20ppm)
Sulphur dioxide emitted to atmosphere oxidise
by oxidants to sulphur trioxide finally absorbed
by water vapour as sulphuric acid mist.
VOCs produce methane and photochemical
oxidants contributing to green house effect.
Increase temperature to the atmosphere
For welding operation electricity is the main
resource, so that the use of high electricity all
resources are consumed.
Depletion of
natural resources
(Global warming)
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Industrial
Activity /
Process
Environmental
Aspect
Environmental
Impact
Priority
Level Rational or explanation for Priority level
Surface
Treatment
Emissions of Particulate Matter (10) such as
Sodium chloride, carbon, sulphates from ship
cleaning and coating process. Solvent cleaners and
paint stripper.
Air Pollution
3
Emission of particulate matter (PM10) chronic
exposure to particles contributes to the risk of
developing cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases, as well as lung cancer.
Cleaning of hulls and tanks using waste water
contaminated with oil and solvent may cause
low nutrition in water.
Preparation of metal fabrication will increase
the noise exposure level >85dbA may result in
Noise induced deafness.
Waste water contaminated with paint chips,
cleaning and paints stripping solvents, surface
contaminants and oil residues from bilges.
Water pollution
Heavy metal operation during installation and
fabrication process Noise
Abrasive
Blasting
Removed existing pigmented coating and substrate
Fugitive Emissions, Particulate Matters
Operation been carried out by compressor air to
remove existing paint.
Air pollution
4
Removed silicon may cause chronic respiratory
effect to human
Anti-foulant removed during blasting process,
when ship’s prepared for dry blasting VOCs an ingredient in the formation of low
level ozone regulating hazardous air pollution.
Ship
Maintenance
and Repair
Discharge of oils, leaks and spills contaminated
with water and soil
Water &
Soil pollution 5
Hydraulic fluid, lubricant, fuel and thinner
leaks or discharge during maintenance process.
When the process being carried out on sea
level may cause water pollution.
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6. RECOMMENDED CONTROL MEASURES
As on the above table shows that shipyard industrial activity such as Painting and coating
operation is the highest priority level consequent with welding and surface treatment process.
Here recommend to analyse the top three priority level and research existing control
measures to minimise the environmental pollution in safe level.
Priority
Level
Environmental
Aspect
Environmental
Impact
Existing
Control Measure
1
1. Emissions from mixing and spray painting
(Particulates & hydrocarbons)
Air
Pollution
Wet or dry scrubber and
Fixed filters system at
exhaust ventilation
2. Emissions in arc and gas welding operations
(carbon monoxide & sulphur dioxide)
Capture and collection
system (torch fumes
extractor)
3. Emissions from ship cleaning and coating
process (PM10), carbon and sulphates
Electrostatic Precipitator
(ESP) system.
2
4. Wastewater discharge from Surface treatment
operation grinding , blasting substances
surface contaminant, containing oil & grease
residues from bilges and storm water
Water
pollution
Grease trap, drainage
system
3
5. Resource consumption (high electricity
consumption for welding operation) Depletion of
natural
resources
Motion detection sensor
installed at ROBOT
welding
The best way to minimise pollution is to eliminate the work. Some organisation tremendously
implemented pollution control methods and techniques that increase efficiency and increase
profits; and simultaneously reduce (or) control environmental impacts. This method
differently can be done, such as control material, re-engineering process to communicate
reuse by products, improving management practices and control substitution of toxic
chemicals.
6.1 AIR POLLUTION
Here the three different types of emissions and their independent control measures may
charge significant financial impact. The system replacement such as frequency of
changing filters and maintenance cost all need to be considered. It may sort of higher
cost impact to the organisation.
6.1.1 RECOMMENDATION AND BENEFITS
The recommended type of air pollution control system for the three major emissions
Local Exhaust Ventilation system (LEV). This method is use to control air
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contaminants by trapping them together at or near source, large amount of dust or
fumes where generated, and control the source. Local exhaust ventilation system is
more effective way to controlling high toxic contaminants before they reach into the
workers breathing zones. The diameter of particles may differ from 100 micron to 0.01
micron or less. Air cleaning is a device that designs the purpose of removing
atmospheric airborne impurities such as dust, vapour, fume and smoke.
6.1.2 LEGISLATION
Workplace safety and health (General provision) regulation stipulated that under
section 5 and 39 gases, vapour and other impurities generate from any process may
provide sustainable ventilation system to maintain and circulating fresh air workplace.
Environmental Protection and Management Act (Chapter 94A) under part IV Air
pollution control section 10 – 14 stipulated that to take adequate preventive measure
to control the air pollution in environment.
Environmental Protection and Management (Air Impurities) Regulations
6.1.3 FINANCIAL COST
The cost local exhaust ventilation system is depend on the specification such as
required parameter area in M², size of the equipment & filters and the number of
outlets. So that the minimum cost to provide LEV at any premises S$ 25,000/-.
Local Exhaust Ventilation system at confined hot work area
Local Exhaust
ventilation duct
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Air filtering method using LEV
6.2 WATER POLLUTION
6.2.1 RECOMMENDATION AND BENEFITS
The best method to control water pollution is Segregation. Reduce wastewater pollution
in various methods of treatment for disposal. Diluted wastewater after treatment may be
used for irrigation.
Primary Treatment:
In the primary treatment, screens, grit and sedimentation chamber are used in a serial
order. After the water passes through, chlorine gas is used to kill microbes. However,
various types of organic waste cannot be separated.
Secondary Treatment:
This method, organic matter is biological degraded by microbes. The biological
degradation of organic matter takes place under aerobic conditions. The sludge material
settle in the sedimentations tanks and is removed through sludge digester
Territory Treatment:
This method, the chemical remaining in the water are segregated and removed.
Segregation method is a significant cost reducing method to control water pollution at
shipyard. And also which can excess min 10years to 15years rather than else. It can be
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controlled the Trade Effluent of Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) & Total
suspended solid (TSS) within the specified concentration before discharge into a public
Sewer/ Watercourse/ Controlled watercourse.
SEGREGATION WASTEWATER DIAGRAM
CONTINUOUS PROCESS DIAGRAM
6.2.2 LEGISLATION
Sewerage and Drainage (Trade Effluent) Regulation
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Environmental Protection and Management Act
Environment Protection and Management (Trade Effluent) Regulation
Code of Practice on Pollution Control under the section of (4.1)
6.3 DEPLATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
In shipyard industry have various methods to control and protect the natural resource by
minimising the usage of electricity for welding operation. The best method to doing a
welding operation with minimizing the source of electricity is ROBOT WELDING
MACHINE. Significant of energy source can be saved during the process and accuracy
is even better than the actual welding. Concern about environment air pollution can be
controlled by LEV system.
Robot Welding in shipyard
Process of Robot welding in ship during construction
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7. OTHER RECOMMENDED CONTROL MEASURES
7.1 HOUSEKEEPING AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Conduct regular housekeeping practices when the task is completed.
Hose and electric conductor must be elevated over or placed under the walkway
or working surface.
To conduct regular maintenance and services of changing filter on local exhaust
ventilation system.
Emergency passage ways must be maintained and free from corrosive and
flammable materials to store and the steps free of oil and grease spill &leaks.
Toxic substance and hazardous chemical to store at designated storage area
under surveillance.
Toxic, flammable materials, hazardous chemical are prohibited to use and
stored at confined spaces.
Do not discharge any toxic and hazardous waste or substances directly into
water before proceeding segregation process.
7.2 TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Establish sustainable training programs and practices that prevent stormwater
pollution include with prevention of stormwater training in new employee
during orientation.
Incorporate stormwater pollution prevention system to accomplishment all into
annual job performance evaluation
Provide relevant material to educate employees for prevent air and water
pollutions.
7.3 INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
To keep and maintain record keeping for hazardous and toxic chemicals &
substance in and out record by permits.
Control Hazardous and flammable material to the environment by using
automated software system at storage area.
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8. CONCLUSION
The direct environmental impact of shipbuilding, which may the process constitute with
the construction, maintenance and repairs of ships. However, those activities have
created significant source of potential environment pollution, include handling of large
amount of toxic chemicals, fumes, fluids. Potential risks are revealing from various
type of hazardous and toxic contaminants to the environment. Those are aggravated in
the industry. In shipbuilding industry more activities have been doing in open air
environment, and secondly most activity near by the waterfront location. This is clearly
defining the potential pollutants to go directly into the aquatic environment. Hence,
those been raised more pollution and give significant impact to the environment.
Follow the adequate control measure during the process that can be minimised impact
and virtually safe the environment.
9. REFERENCES
1. Environmental Hazards: Marine pollution / Martha, Gorman 1952
2. Marine Debris: sources, Impacts and solution / James M.Ceo, Donald B. Rogers,
Editors 1997
3. Environmental pollution and control (Fourth Edition) J. Jeffery Peirce, Ruth F.
Weiner, P. Aarne Vesilind 11/1997
4. U.S Environment protection agency “Shipbuilding and ship repair Sector” web url...
5. “Environmental and climate changes issues in Shipbuilding Industry” November
2010 from OECD council Working Party on Shipbuilding (WP6) web url.....
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