Shipbreaking

1. Shipbreaking Module 6: Workplace & Chemical Hazards 6.5 Cadmium Susan Harwood Grant Number SH-17820-08-60-F-23

2. Disclaimer 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.

3. Objectives • 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

6. Cadmium is considered a rare metallic element and found world wide. Figure 1 Copper shredded in container

7. All soils and rock contain various amount of cadmium. Figure 2 Areas along the mountains where cadmium may be found

8. Cadmium is commonly extracted from zinc, lead, andcopper. Figure 3 Copper shreds from a wire striper ESCO Marine

9. There are many uses for the metal and most noteworthy is found in the pigment of paint. Figure 4 Paint peeling from vessel being dismantled

10. Ores contain small amounts of cadmium and is extracted during a smelting process. Figure 5 Smelter operations

11. Emits a characteristic brown fume when heated or during cutting operations. Figure 6 Fumes from hot work operations

12. Cadmium does notbreak down when it reenters the environment. Figure 7 Cutting sectional down to smaller pieces on the pad

14. Many older recycled batteries contain cadmium. Figure 8 Batteries that are being recycled

15. Cadmium was used to create yellow, orange, and red paint pigments. Figure 9 Magnet crane moving plate steel on trailer

16. Electroplating metal, 6% cadmium, excellent for corrosion resistance. Figure 10 Motors from the engine room removed

17. Used to stabilize plastics. Figure 11 Galley area plastic shelving

18. Cathodic protection to hulls due to the lower molecular structure to steel. Figure 12 Stern section of the vessel during final cutting

20. TWA Action level: Airborne concentrations of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Figure 13 Fumes generated during hot work on the pad

21. Action Level is where the employer takes action to prevent exposure. Figure 14 Bazooka Gun cutting shaft

22. Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)is 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air over 8-hour TWA Figure 15 Fumes released during hot work on hull sectional

23. Employer can use engineering and safeworkpractice controls to keep exposure levels down. Figure 16 Open air cutting generates good air flow

24. Written compliance programwill be implemented if such controls fail to reduce the levels. Figure 17 Restricted area for waste storage

25. Monitoring can be discontinued if the initial monitoring and another monitoring 7 days later is below the action levels. Figure 18 Series of workers cutting steel components on bench

26. If cadmium is above the action levels, the area is a regulated area and PPE is required. Figure 19 Overall yard view

27. Personnel entering the regulated area shall wear a respirator. Figure 20 Respirator worn while in restricted and designated area

28. Lead smelting process elevates the risk of exposure to cadmium. Figure 21 Cutting pipe flanges

29. Mechanical ventilation must demonstrate effectiveness to control exposure. Figure 22 Cut outs along the hull for light and ventilation

30. Respirators shall be worn when exposed to levels above the PEL. Figure 23 Workers in Tyvek suit and respirators

31. Personnel experiencing eye irritation will wear full face piecerespirators. Figure 24 Workers with double face protection and respirator

32. HEPA filters. Figure 25 Side view of face shield and respirator

33. Coveralls for outer clothing also includes gloves and headcovering. Figure 26 Workers in protective clothing

34. Face shields and vented goggles to protect eye and face contact. Figure 27 Cutters wearing face shields, goggles, and respirator

35. Protective clothing and equipment shall be turned inat the end of the work shift. Do not remove clothing from facility or workplace. Figure 28 View inside cargo compartment workers departing site

36. Do not use air to remove debris particles or shake down protective clothing once removed. Figure 29 Wearing coveralls and respiratory gear

37. Showers, hand washing, and change rooms shall be provided to workers. Figure 30 ESCO Marine’s decon, shower, and change out location

39. Employees exposed to cadmium should have medical monitoring performed. Figure 31 Personnel conducting medical monitoring prior to entry

40. Cadmium has been linked to lung cancer. Figure 32 Hot work on hull section

41. Lung disease and emphysema from cadmium fumes during hot work. Figure 33 Fumes and smoke emission after hot work

42. The kidneysarethetarget organ. Figure 34 Personnel inspecting vessel

43. Bone diseaseover prolong periods of exposure. Figure 35 Supervisor discussing dismantling operations to personnel

44. Studies found cadmium may increase heart disease. Figure 36 Crews marking off restricted areas

45. Smokingcompoundsthe risk of adverse health effects. Figure 37 Tobacco leaves making cigars

48. References • 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

49. Worker safety is a priority.