Hazards

• Hazards to shipbuilders can include chemical hazards from chemical, fuel and paint fumes, as well as possible exposure to asbestos. Exposure to excessive noise or intense heat, or working in small spaces and around heavy equipment, can also cause accidents. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) outlines safety guidelines to protect workers.
  
  

Prevention and Resolution

• To safeguard against fumes and other respiratory irritants, an employer can provide proper ventilation in areas where welding is done. Workers doing this type of work in small spaces must use a respirator to help them breathe properly. Fire prevention involves a fire safety plan that deals with identifying potential causes of fire, evacuation of employees and firefighting procedures.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Smaller spaces present unique problems from the accumulation of hazardous fumes and lack of adequate ventilation, which can lead to low oxygen levels. Employers must identify these hazards and take corrective actions. The space may require special ventilation; otherwise, workers will have to wear appropriate respirators to breathe properly.