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

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ratification: 1962)

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.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report concerning the benefits available to workers prohibited from continued assignment to work involving exposure to ionizing radiations (Article 14 of the Convention).

Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention to all activities involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations in the course of their work. Case of emergency workers. The Committee previously noted that the term “emergency exposure” under the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 is defined as “to bring help to endangered persons, prevent exposure of a large number of persons or save valuable installations or goods”. With reference to paragraphs 36 and 37 of its general observation of 2015, the Committee recalls that, for emergency situations, informed emergency workers may volunteer to receive a dose higher than the established reference levels only in limited circumstances. It notes that those circumstances, outlined in paragraph 37, do not include the saving of valuable installations or goods. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take measures to ensure that emergency workers are not, in an emergency situation, subject to an exposure that exceeds the established limit for the purpose of saving valuable installations or goods.

Article 7(2). Young workers under the age of 16. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that pursuant to section 6 of Schedule 4 of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 and section 6 of Schedule 4 of the Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, the limit on effective dose for any person below the age of 16 shall be 1 mSv in any calendar year. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the dose limitations for persons under the age of 16 ensure that they are not able to work in industrial undertakings, which would result in significant exposure to ionizing radiations. However, they are permitted to take part in approved work experience schemes. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that it will review the need for a general prohibition to engage workers under the age of 16 years in radiation work as part of its wider programme of work currently in progress. Recalling that pursuant to Article 7(2), no worker under the age of 16 shall be engaged in work involving ionizing radiations, the Committee requests the Government to take appropriate action to ensure the full application of this Article. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard.