Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Paraguay (Ratification: 1967)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report and has taken note of resolution No. 678 of 16 July 1979 which establishes standards concerning the risks related to the use of x-rays and radiotherapy. It notes that, by virtue of section 1, this resolution is applicable to work in hospitals, sanatoriums, clinics, dispensaries, dentist and doctor offices, and radiological and anti-cancer centres in which the staff are regularly exposed to x-rays corresponding to an energy level of 1,000,000 electrovolts or less and to radiation from radiotherapy. The Committee would recall, however, that by virtue of Article 2 of the Convention, the provisions of the Convention are to apply to all activities involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations in the course of work.

The Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that, due to insufficient human, technical and material resources, no measures have been taken to revise dose limits nor to ensure effective protection of workers against the hazards due to ionizing radiations other than the protection afforded by resolution No. 678. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the activities occurring in the country, other than those covered by resolution No. 678, which involve exposure to ionizing radiations and urges the Government to take all necessary measures in the near future to ensure that the provisions of this Convention are applied to all activities involving such exposure. In this regard, the Committee would refer the Government to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention which sets forth, inter alia, the revised maximum dose limits recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in 1990. The Government is requested to supply detailed information on the steps taken or envisaged to ensure the protection of all workers who might be exposed to ionizing radiations, with particular respect to the specific points raised in the Conclusions of the general observation of 1992 (paragraph 35).

[The Government is asked to supply a detailed report for the period ending 30 June 1994.]