Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Finland (Ratification: 1978)

The Committee has taken note of the Government's report and the observations made by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) on the application of the Convention, transmitted by the Government without comment.

According to the SAK, there are problems with the supervision of the Radiation Protection Act with regard to nuclear power plants. The SAK indicates that the plants employ many outside workers, particularly for annual maintenance, and that there is a failure to notify these outside workers about radiation doses. The Committee notes that Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention provides that the Convention applies to all activities involving exposure of workers to ionising radiation in the course of their work. Furthermore, Article 9 provides that any information necessary concerning the presence of hazards from ionising radiations and adequate instructions in the precautions to be taken for their protection and the reasons therefor shall be provided to the workers. The Committee notes that section 25 of the Radiation Protection Act provides that only a person with the necessary working skills and competence may install, repair and service radiation-generating appliances. It further notes that, under section 36 of the Act, workers shall receive training and guidance respecting their duties in accordance with the nature of the operations and conditions at the workplace in order to ensure adequate prevention of unnecessary exposure to radiation and the risk of occurrences leading to excessive exposure to radiation. The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that outside workers whose work involves entering establishments in which there are radiation sources, in particular to conduct annual maintenance, are provided with the necessary information and instruction with regard to ionising radiations.

The SAK also indicated that the labour protection delegates and shop stewards do not always receive adequate information about radiation protection. The Government is also requested to indicate the manner in which it is ensured that these workers receive the necessary information and instruction, in accordance with Article 9 of the Convention.

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