Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Guyana (Ratification: 1966)

General observation of 2015. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2015 under this Convention, including the request for information contained in paragraph 30 thereof.

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It expresses deep concern in this respect. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report and the attached documentation. It notes that section 75(1)(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Act No. 32 of 1997) provides that the Ministry may adopt regulations to further regulate occupational safety and health issues. It notes the detailed draft regulations on the safe use of chemicals at work of 31 January 2003, which was attached to the Government’s report, but also notes that this draft text does not contain any rules with respect to ionizing radiation. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers are protected against ionizing radiation at work, particularly through issuing regulations under section 75 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Article 3(1) of the Convention. Effective protection of workers in the light of knowledge available at the time. With respect to exposure limits to chemical substances and agents, the Committee notes that Annex 2 in the proposed regulations refers to the international standard established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken or envisaged to give effect to the Convention, taking due account of the recommendations of the ICRP.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.