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

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - Portugal (Ratification: 1999)

1. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s two reports, and particularly the observations of the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP), criticizing the application of Article 22, paragraph 3, of the Convention relating to regular and continuing training of workers on the health hazards due to exposure to asbestos and methods of prevention and control. The Committee notes that this Article of the Convention is applied by section 278 of the new Labour Code. However, the Committee would be grateful to be provided with additional information on the points raised by the CGTP.

2. Article 3, paragraph 2, and Article 15, paragraph 2. Periodical review and updating in the light of technical progress and advances in scientific knowledge. The Committee notes the observations of the CGTP concerning the application of Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The CGTP indicates that there is no legal provision respecting the review and updating of exposure limits and criteria, and that the last review took place in 1993. In this respect, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the review and updating of the exposure limits set out in the national legislation will be undertaken when a directive is adopted by the Community for this purpose. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments in this respect and to provide a copy of the relevant national texts when they are adopted.

3. The Committee is also addressing a request directly to the Government on certain other points.