Hazardous Materials Tracking System
Abstract
In the 1970s and 1980s, the shipbuilding industry lost some of its competitive edge to overseas shipbuilding and repair operations. Several things can be done to restore the industry to its proper place in the world market. One way is to be smarter in utilizing computers. Most shipyards now possess the hardware and software but have only begun to use these resources to solve problems in the production arena. Computers no longer need to be restricted to offices; they can now become an integral part of the shop floor supervision and management tasks. This report details the development of the Hazardous Materials Tracking System (HMTS). Other possible enhancements or additional modules (e.g. advanced labeling systems, MSDS scanning modules, live shipyard installation) are suggested, and a summary of these enhancements is detailed in the conclusion. A major reason for the increased attention on hazardous chemical tracking was the passage of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and its predecessor, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Shipyards quickly became targeted by local environmental groups because of their location to scenic harbors and the potential for environmental damage to these areas from daily hazardous materials use. The level of detail now required for reporting the quantities and locations of hazardous materials to local, state and federal agencies requires nothing short of a computer system with modem software and hardware tools.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA451637