Shipbreaking

Module 6: Workplace & Chemical Hazards

6.5 Cadmium
Susan Harwood Grant Number SH-17820-08-60-F-23
 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.

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 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

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

Figure 1 Copper shredded in container

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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.

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.

Figure 17 Restricted area for waste storage

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 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.

Figure 19 Overall yard view

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 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.

Figure 21 Cutting pipe flanges

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 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.

Figure 29 Wearing coveralls and respiratory gear

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

Figure 30 ESCO Marines decon, shower, and change out location

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 Employees exposed to cadmium should
have medical monitoring performed.

Figure 31 Personnel conducting medical monitoring prior to entry

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 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.

Figure 37 Tobacco leaves making cigars

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 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

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 Worker safety is a priority.

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