51. Mechanical engineering, workshops, shipyards

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Contents

1. Scope

2. Environmental impacts and protective measures

2.1 Potential hazards of selected operations

2.1.1 Metal cutting
2.1.2 Cleaning and degreasing of workpieces
2.1.3 Painting
2.1.4 Electroplating
2.1.5 Welding
2.1.6 Soldering
2.1.7 Grinding

2.2 Mechanical engineering and operation of workshops and shipyards

2.2.1 Waste air
2.2.2 Wastewater
2.2.3 Waste matter
2.2.4 Soil
2.2.5 Noise

3. Notes on the analysis and evaluation of environmental impacts

3.1 Air
3.2 Wastewater
3.3 Waste matter
3.4 Noise

4. Interaction with other sectors

5. Summary assessment of environmental relevance

6. References

 

1. Scope

The different branches of mechanical engineering are concerned with the machining and processing of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This covers the whole range of production processes, which can be subdivided as follows:

A: Metal cutting
  * drilling * milling * turning
  * planing * broaching * sawing
  * filing * honing * grinding
  * lapping * sandblasting * chiselling
B: Non-cutting processes
  Thermal bonding    
  * oxy-acetylene welding * electric welding  
  * inert-gas-shielded welding * submerged arc welding  
  * build-up welding    
  Thermal cutting
  * oxy-acetylene cutting * plasma cutting  
  Forming
  * forging * deep drawing * bending
  Dividing    
  * punching * cutting * shearing
  * nibbling    
  Jointing
  * riveting * adhesive bonding * soldering
  Surface treatment
  * surface cleaning * degreasing * pickling
  * surface coating * phosphating * chromatizing
  * electroplating * enamelling *hot-dip galvanizing
  * anodizing * painting, lacquering * surface annealing

The raw materials used in these processes may have high environmental pollution potential (e.g. heavy metals), and hazardous production materials may be used (e.g. cleaning agents containing chlorinated hydrocarbons). At the same time, vapours, heat and noise are generated, together with various waste products and wastewater, leading to adverse effects on the environment and on man, especially in enclosed areas.

In shipyards, the main process is welding. This is made additionally hazardous by the fact that welders working on bulkheads often have to work in enclosed areas, which further aggravates the health risks discussed below.


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