Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Nicaragua (Ratification: 1981)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report covering the period 1992 to 1994.

1. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee drew previously the Government's attention to the revised dose limits adopted by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) in 1990 and asked the Government to indicate steps taken to ensure effective protection of workers against ionizing radiation in the light of current knowledge. The Committee takes note with interest of Act No. 156 of 1993 on ionizing radiation and of Decree No. 24-93 establishing the National Commission on Atomic Energy. It also notes that the Government indicates in its 1994 report that regulations on radiological protection were being drafted. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information on the provisions adopted in the light of the 1990 above-mentioned recommendations and the 1994 International Basic Safety Standards for protection against ionizing radiation and for the safety of radiation sources, and that it will supply a copy of the regulations when adopted.

2. Article 7. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the provisions of laws or regulations or other means that prohibit the employment of persons under the age of 16 in work involving exposure to ionizing radiation.

3. Protection against accidents and in emergency situations. Referring to the explanations given in paragraphs 16 to 27 and 35(c) of its 1992 general observation under the Convention and in the light of paragraphs 233 and 236 of the 1994 International Basic Safety Standards, the Committee hopes that the Government will provide information on the measures taken or contemplated in relation to emergency situations.

4. Provision of alternative employment. With reference to paragraphs 28 to 34 and 35(d) of its 1992 general observation, and the principles reflected in paragraphs 96 and 238 of the 1994 International Basic Safety Standards, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or contemplated to ensure effective protection of workers who have accumulated exposure beyond which an unacceptable risk of detriment is to occur and who may thus be faced with the dilemma that protecting their health means losing their employment.