Hazardous Materials Tracking System Scanning Module
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 how it utilizes its 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. A major reason the Superfund Comprehensive for the increased attention on hazardous chemical tracking was the passage of Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and its predecessor, the Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Shipyards quickly became targeted by local environmental groups because of their location near scenic harbors and the potential for environmental damage to these areas from their daily use of hazardous materials. 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 modern software and hardware tools. During the development of the Hazardous Materials Tracking System (HMTS), it became evident that another module would be required to make the system as effective as possible in the shipyard. While HMTS records the required amount of data from the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for tracking hazardous materials in a shipyard, there are several distinct advantages in having an on-line electronic image of the MSDS readily available to shipyard personnel. The requests from several SP-1 panel members confirmed the need for this added functionality not specified in the original contract. There have been some attempts at mainlining an electronic MSDS library and all have a number of shortfalls.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA451703