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

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Djibouti (Ratification: 1978)

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

Articles 3(1) and 6(2) of the Convention. Effective protection of workers against ionizing radiation. Review of maximum permissible doses and amounts in light of current knowledge. The Committee notes that in reply to the observations of the General Union of Djibouti Workers (UGTD) of 2007, which raised concerns about inadequate protection against ionizing radiation for workers in health centres, the Government indicates in its report that Order No. 1010/SG/CG of 3 July 1968 on the protection of workers in hospitals and health facilities, provides sufficient protection for workers. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that Order No. 1010/SG/CG must be revised in order to take into account the revised exposure limits of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and that the National Occupational Safety and Health Committee (CNSST) will be consulted on this matter. In this regard, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to paragraphs 9 and 11, and paragraph 32, of its 2015 general observation on the Convention concerning the recommended dose limits for occupational exposure. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the revision of Order No. 1010/SG/CG in light of the 2007 recommendations of the ICRP, and to provide a copy of the Order once it has been adopted.

Article 7(1)(b). Exposure limits for young workers between the age of 16 and 18 years. Referring to its previous comments on the employment of children under the age of 16 years, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that children under the age of 16 years cannot work, pursuant to section  5 of the Labour Code (Act No. 133/AN/05/5e of 2006). It also notes the Government’s indication that the threshold for the maximum permissible doses for exposure to radiation of young workers aged between 16 and 18 years will be determined following the official launch of the work of the CNSST. In this regard, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the indications contained in paragraphs 13 and 34 of its 2015 general observation. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to fix appropriate levels of ionizing radiation for young workers aged between 16 and 18 years who are directly engaged in radiation work, as required by Article 7(1)(b), and to provide information on this subject.

Articles 9(2) and 15. Instruction of workers engaged in radiation work. Inspection services. The Committee notes that, in reply to the 2007 observations of the UGTD, according to which workers exposed to ionizing radiation are not sufficiently informed of the dangers involved in their work, the Government indicates that Order No. 1010/SG/CG addresses these concerns and that the labour inspectorate ensures compliance with the Order. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers engaged in radiation work are duly informed, before and during the assignment of such work, of the precautions to take for their safety and the protection of their health.