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

Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) - Guyana (Ratification: 1983)

1. In comments that it has been making since 1987, the Committee noted that national laws and regulations were too general to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention and that specific measures should therefore be taken to regulate the use of benzene and products containing benzene in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's information in its report that a final draft Occupational Safety and Health Act has been prepared by officers at the Attorney-General's chamber for submission to Parliament. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report on progress made towards the adoption of specific measures required under the Convention to protect workers against hazards of poisoning arising from benzene.

2. The Committee raises certain points in a request addressed directly to the Government.