Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ratification: 1979)

With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction from the Government's report the adoption and entry into force on 1 October 1989 in Great Britain of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1988, which introduce a comprehensive and systematic approach to the control of hazardous substances at work, and, inter alia, set forth maximum exposure limits and provide for health surveillance, including periodic medical and biological monitoring in prescribed circumstances and the monitoring of exposure to substances hazardous to health by persons having the necessary information, instruction and training. Thus, these regulations are to provide better legislative backing for the implementation of Articles 8 and 15 of the Convention in respect of air pollution.

The Committee notes the Government's indication in its report that the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Northern Ireland) regulations would be made in 1990 and that these regulations would mirror the provisions contained in the Great Britain COSHH Regulations. The Government is requested to indicate whether the Northern Ireland Regulations for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health are now in force and to transmit a copy to the Office as soon as the Regulations have been adopted.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.