Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Norway (Ratification: 1961)

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report and the attached documentation.

2. Article 1 of the Convention. Giving effect to the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Ordinance No. 1362 of 21 November 2003 on Radiation Protection and Use of Radiation (as amended up to Ordinance No. 167 of 18 February 2005) (Ordinance No. 1362) that entered into force on 1 January 2004, implementing the provisions of Act No. 36 of 12 May on Radiation Protection and the Use of Radiation, replacing to a certain extent the Ordinance on work involving ionizing radiation (No. 1157 of 14 June 1985, as amended up to Ordinance No. 494 of 1 March 2004). The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the harmonization between the two sets of rules is based upon the specialist competence possessed, respectively, by the Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) and the Radiation Protection Authority (Statens strålevern). The Committee notes that the dose limits are regulated by the Radiation Protection Authority, while the provisions on medical examinations will continue to be regulated by the Ordinance on work involving ionizing radiation.

3. Articles 3, paragraph 1, and 6, paragraph 2. Maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiation. The Committee notes with satisfaction the Government’s statement that Ordinance No. 1362 is based on recent recommendations from international organizations (ICRP, IAEA and EU) and that section 21 of Ordinance No. 1362 prescribes a dose limit of 20 mSv per calendar year for workers over the age of 18 years, provides that the dose limit for young workers (between the age of 16 and 18 years), as part of their vocational training, shall not exceed 5 mSv per year and that with respect to pregnant women (once the pregnancy has been notified) the dose to the foetus shall not exceed 1 mSv, which are all in compliance with the 1990 ICRP Recommendations.

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