Risks Associated with End-of-Life Ships
When older ships reach the end of their operational life and are decommissioned or scrapped, they often contain hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, mercury, PCBs and anti-fouling paints. These hazardous materials pose health risk to workers and the environment including fire risk to derelict vessels and must be properly identified and safely removed by licensed and trained by trained and certified abatement specialists.
Engineering Reports, Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Survey
Qualified third-party inspection teams and engineers are essential for conducting comprehensive inspections and risk assessments. These teams must identify all hazards to outline the scope of decontamination and remediation, which is then carried out by certified hazardous materials abatement contractors.
Engineering reports are often required related to corrosion, especially if the ship has been inactive. It is often necessary to restrict and reinforce decks, ladders, and stairways until they are deemed safe for workers. Additional emergency plans should be developed to address situations such as fire, harmful or explosive gases, falls, confined spaces, flooding, electrical issues, emergency lighting for dark areas, and water supply concerns. Testing and purging of harmful atmospheres are crucial safety measures.
Specialized Industrial Abatement, Decontamination Equipment and Services
Enviro-Vac offers industrial decontamination equipment designed to handle large-scale hazardous materials abatement. Their equipment includes industrial vacuum loaders with automated closed-circuit baggers, portable decontamination trailers, skid-mounted units, abrasive blasters, and negative air pressure systems. Specialized waste management services cover the entire process from packaging to transportation and final disposition.
Enviro-Vac also provides engineered shrink-wrap containment enclosures for high-risk decontamination projects, ensuring protection from environmental elements. As one of Canada's oldest privately owned environmental contractors, Enviro-Vac delivers comprehensive hazardous materials abatement and decontamination services, including shrink-wrap containments, industrial vacuum services, and abrasive blasting. The company is equipped to undertake both small and large-scale projects across Canada, with its head office located in Surrey, BC.
Contact Information
If you have questions about hazardous materials abatement, facility decontamination, high-risk containment, or industrial vacuum cleaning, please contact Enviro-Vac at their toll-free number: (888) 296-2499.
