Effects of VOC Emissions on Health and Safety of Ship Personnel in Crude Oil Tankers: Risks and Protective Measures

Abstract

This article discusses the effects of emitted VOCs on health safety of shipboard personnel in crude oil tankers considers some protective measures that may be used to mitigate the risks. The term VOC defines any chemical compound that is volatile at typical environmental conditions and can be emitted into the atmosphere during a specific source activity. For example, transportation of crude oil can generate many serious hazards because of either the fire hazard or the toxic nature of VOCs. Health effects of VOCs on crew range from short-long-term diseases, mainly pointing to respiratory diseases disorders of the nervous system. Simultaneously, emissions of VOC enhance fire and explosion hazards, hence becoming one of the serious safety concerns for ships. The paper will present an assessment of different technical and operational strategies for mitigation of those risks, which include the use of vapor recovery units, personal protective equipment, risk assessment methodologies such as HAZOP and LOPA. It also addresses negative effects on the marine ecosystem, as well as other environmental hazards, due to VOCs especially around sensitive areas. Generally, this requirement is a holistic approach to reduce adverse effects on crew health safety of ships due to the emanation of VOCs.