Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) - Côte d'Ivoire (Ratification: 1973)

With reference to its observation on the Convention and its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 4 of Decree No. 95-307 of 1 March 1995, amending section 4 (2)(11) D471 "technical prevention measures" of the Labour Code, the atmosphere in premises in which work is performed that is liable to cause intoxication by benzene must not contain more than 0.80 grams of benzene per m3. The Committee recalls that, in accordance with this provision of the Convention, the concentration of benzene in the air of the places of employment shall not exceed a maximum which shall be fixed by the competent authority and shall not exceed 80mg/m3, or 0.08g per m3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to ensure that this level is not exceeded.

Article 11, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that under section 4 of Decree No. 95-307, young persons under 18 years of age are considered unsuited to work that is liable to cause intoxication by benzene, unless specially authorized by a physician or unless they have received education or training under adequate technical and medical supervision. The Committee recalls that this provision of the Convention prohibits the employment of young persons under 18 years of age in work processes involving exposure to benzene or products containing benzene, except in the framework of vocational education or training, subject to adequate technical and medical supervision. The Convention does not permit other exceptions, such as the employment of young persons with special authorization by a physician. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to give effect to this Article of the Convention.