Abstract

The shipyards in Livorno area can be divided between merchant and leisure vessels shipyards. They are represented by: the "C.N.F.O. shipyard", which builds vessels in steel; and by about 25 shipyards for the construction and repair of leisure boats, which mainly build in fibreglass. The work of both shipyards necessarily involves a number of third parties enterprises.

The first part of this study describes the economic situation of the two sectors and their perspectives, given the importance of the relationship that exists between adoption of safety rules and productivity levels, competitiveness, quality and the "health" of a sector. The second part concentrates on the problems of chemical safety in particular work cycles in three types of construction. The systems of risk prevention and protection are examined, divided into systems of machinery and individual items of protective equipment. New chemical risks linked to the use of particular materials are highlighted.