Work with chemicals on deck of Norwegian chemical tankers

The chemical environment on deck of Norwegian chemical tankers in 1985/1986 is described using information obtained from an interview of 85 seamen. The seamen are exposed to vapours from volatile chemicals during several working operations, such as loading, unloading and cleaning of the tanks. The major exposure is probably to organic solvents and other hydrocarbon compounds, both in the cargo and in the chemicals used in the cleaning processes. Captains experience almost no chemical exposure. Mates, pumpmen and able seaman may receive exposure of a similar kind and magnitude, but there are individual differences within each group of seamen. The eldest seamen seem to be more exposed to chemicals than the younger. Symptoms of acute intoxication occur in 35% of the seamen, related to work with organic solvents, to tank cleaning work and to insufficient use of protective respiratory equipment. Improvements of the chemical environment on board are recommended, to prevent acute and chronic effects of volatile chemical compounds. Better information concerning chemical hazards and prevention of these on chemical tankers seem to be of major importance.