Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - Cyprus (Ratification: 1992)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Previous comment on Convention No. 155Previous comment on Convention No. 162Previous comment on Convention No. 170Previous comment on Convention No. 187

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified occupational safety and health (OSH) Conventions, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 155 (OSH), 162 (asbestos), 170 (chemicals) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

A.General provisions

I.Action at the national level

National policy

Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 155 and Article 3(1) of Convention No. 187. National OSH policy. In its report, the Government provides information on the implementation of the National OSH Strategy 2013–20 and indicates that it was evaluated at regular intervals through an action plan prepared for this purpose. The Committee notes with interestthat the implementation of the National OSH Strategy for 2013–20 resulted in, inter alia, a decrease in work-related accidents, issuance of new OSH regulations and promotion of actions for the reduction of occupational accidents and diseases in the construction sector. The Committee notes that a new National OSH Strategy 2021–27 was approved by the Council of Ministers in December 2021, after consultation with the members of the Pancyprian Safety and Health Council and the Labour Advisory Board. The Committee notes that the new Strategy constitutes a continuation of previous National OSH Strategies, and defines the directions and priorities set for continuous and sustainable improvement of the levels of OSH in the workplace. The Committee notes that for the preparation of the Strategy 2021-27, the Strategic Framework of the European Union for Safety and Health at Work 2021-27 was taken into account, as well as the views of the social partners, the results of the previous National OSH Strategy, and the experiences gained from the implementation of the OSH legislation. Welcoming the Government’s indications, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to implement the National OSH Strategy 2021-27, arrangements made for its periodic review in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers, and the results thereof.

National system

Article 10 of Convention No. 155. Guidance to employers and workers. The Committee notes that the Government provides information on a series of measures taken to provide guidance to employers and workers, including the development of new online interactive risk assessment tools aiming to facilitate the compliance of employers with their obligation to conduct risk assessments. The Government further indicates that the Department of Labour Inspection (DLI) became a partner of the International Social Security Association’s Vision Zero Global Campaign for Zero Accidents, Diseases and Harm at Work in 2017.The Committee notes this information which addresses its previous request.

Article 4(3)(d) of Convention No. 187. Occupational health services. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that occupational health services were only available in a small number of enterprises, mainly large companies, and that the DLI had developed an action plan to set up a national system for occupational health surveillance aimed at enabling enterprises, irrespective of their size, to avail themselves of occupational health services. The Committee notes that the National OSH Strategy 2021-27 sets as one of its priorities the expansion and improvement of the Surveillance System and Promotion of the Health of employees. In this context, it notes the adoption of the Safety and Health at Work (Health Surveillance) Regulations of 2017 (R.A.A. 330/2017) which specify the procedures and framework of the surveillance system of workers’ health. The Government indicates that the Regulations were enforced through Ministerial Ordinances issued in 2018, 2020 and 2021 regulating medical examinations for workers working with asbestos and dockworkers, work at height and work in mines and quarries. The Committee notes that the DLI is also preparing draft ministerial ordinances for medical examinations for activities involving the occupational use of pesticides and activities with cytostatic drugs in the health care sector. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on efforts to maintain, progressively develop and periodically review the provision of occupational health services.The Committee also requests the Government to provide further information on the provision of occupational health services at the workplace level, specifically on whether occupational health services are provided in all undertakings irrespective of their size.

Article 11(c) of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(3)(f) and (g) of Convention No. 187. Collection and analysis of data on occupational injuries and diseases. Collaboration with relevant insurance and social security schemes.In its previous comments, the Committee notedthat the DLI was working in close collaboration with the Social Insurance Services (SIS) and that efforts were being made to create a system for the collection of data on occupational diseases from various sources. The Government indicates that the DLI, in cooperation with the SIS, conducted a pilot study regarding the exchange of information on the applications received for patient allowances concerning some musculoskeletal disorders. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to enhance collaboration between the DLI and the SIS, and progress achieved towards the establishment of a system of data collection on occupational diseases from various sources.

Article 4(3)(h) of Convention No. 187. Progressive improvement of occupational safety and health conditions in micro-enterprises, in small and medium-sized enterprises. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, the Government elaborated online tools on occupational risk assessment for five different economic sectors to help micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal economy. The Government indicates that the DLI and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, implemented a national programme for the promotion of these tools, which included a series of promotional activities including informative events and publications, and the review of six of the existing tools to comply with the legislative amendments. Further, the Committee notes that the National OSH Strategy on 2021–27 contains provisions aimed at supporting micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken, including in the framework of the National OSH Strategy 2021-27, to establish support mechanisms for a progressive improvement of OSH in micro-enterprises and in small and medium-sized enterprises, and on the impact of these measures.

National programme

Article 5(1) of Convention No. 187. National OSH programme. The Government indicates that the annual inspection programme includes a regular programme of inspections, as well as specific inspections in the context of small targeted campaigns.The Committee notes that the setting of priorities for the preparation of the programme is based, inter alia, on the implementation of the National OSH Strategy, the analysis of accidents reported in recent years by sector of economic activity and, specifically, the frequency and/or severity of accidents in high-risk sectors, the results of inspections of the last two years, as well as relevant suggestions from inspectors.The Committee notes that targeted inspections and campaigns were rolled out by the DLI in high-risk sectors, focused on the construction sector, where the accident rate decreased by 14.7 per cent. The Government further indicates that the application of the previous National OSH Strategy resulted in a series of measures aiming to promote OSH culture (awareness-raising campaigns, special guides, competitions, informative activities for teachers and students, publications and cooperation with social partners). The Committee notes this information which responds to its previous request.

II.Action at the level of the undertaking

Article 13 and Article 19(f) of Convention No. 155. Protection of workers removed from situations presenting imminent and serious danger. The Committee notes that under section 11(1) and (2) of the Management of Safety and Health Issues at Work Regulations of 2021, workers shall have the right to remove themselves from danger when they are exposed to serious, immediate and unavoidable danger and shall inform their supervisor except if there is an inability to contact him, in which case the employer is obliged to inform the supervisor. Under section 11(2) and section 22, workers who remove themselves from danger are protected against undue consequences. The Committee recalls that Articles13 and 19(f) of the Convention do not refer to a danger that is “unavoidable” and include situations where the workers have a reasonable justification to believe that there is an imminent and serious danger. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that national legislation or regulations provide that workers shall have the right to remove themselves from danger when they have a reasonable justification to believe that there is an imminent and serious danger.

B.Protection against specific risks

1.Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Article 15(2) of the Convention. Periodic review and update of limits for the exposure of workers to asbestos.The Committee recalls that the exposure limits for asbestos are established in the Health and Safety at Work (Protection from Asbestos) Regulations of 2006. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which these exposure limits or other exposure criteria are periodically reviewed and updated in the light of technological progress and advances in technological and scientific knowledge.

Article 17(1). Demolition of plants or structures containing asbestos, and removal of asbestos by qualified employers or contractors. The Committee notes that the Government refers to section 15 of the Health and Safety at Work (Protection from Asbestos) Regulations of 2006, on the submission of work plans for approval by the Chief Labour Inspector, prior to work related to the demolition or removal of asbestos and/or materials containing it, in accordance with Article 17(2) of the Convention. It further notes the obligation, in section 15(1)(b) of the Regulations to engage specialized personnel who know the risks and the protective measures to be taken in this work. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken to ensure that the demolition of plants and structures and removal of asbestos provided for under Article 17(1) of the Convention shall be undertaken only by employers or contractors who are recognized by the competent authority as qualified to carry out such work.

Article 20(4). Workers’ or their representatives’ right to request the monitoring of the working environment and to appeal to the competent authority concerning the results of the monitoring. The Committee notes that section 7(4) of the Health and Safety at Work (Protection from Asbestos) Regulations of 2006 provides that the assessment of exposure of employees to asbestos shall be the subject of consultation with employees and/or with their representatives. Section 14 provides that the opinion of the employees and/or their representatives is also required before certain work processes, such as demolition, removal of asbestos, repair and maintenance. However, there is no provision that specifically refers to the right to request monitoring and the right to appeal. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that workers or their representatives have the right to request the monitoring of the working environment and to appeal to the competent authority concerning the results of the monitoring, in accordance with Article 20(4) of the Convention.

2.Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

Article 12(d) of the Convention. Responsibilities of employers concerning exposure. Keeping of and access to records of the monitoring of the working environment. The Committee notes that under the Safety and Health at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations of 2001, the employer is obliged to keep records of the results of risk assessments, records on safety and health (including on the presence of chemicals in the working environment), as well as health and exposure records. According to section 6(2) of the Management of Safety and Health Issues at Work Regulations of 2021, the safety and health record must be accessible to workers and their representatives. Regarding keeping records of the monitoring of the working environment, section 11 of the Safety and Health at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations of 2001 provides that when an enterprise ceases to exist, the health and exposure records are passed on to the competent authority. The Committee notes this information which responds to its previous request.

Article 15(d). Training of workers on a continuing basis. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that effect is given to this provision through section 17(2) of the Management of Safety and Health Issues at Work Regulations of 2021, according to which the employer must ensure that the training of employees is adapted to new risks and is repeated at regular intervals. The Committee notes this information which responds to its previous request.

Article 18(1) and (2). Workers’ right to remove themselves from danger. The Committee notes that under section 11(1) and (2) of the Management of Safety and Health Issues at Work Regulations of 2021, workers shall have the right to remove themselves from danger when they are exposed to serious, immediate and unavoidable danger and shall inform their supervisor except if there is an inability to contact him, in which case the employer is obliged to inform the supervisor. Under section 11(2) and section 22, workers who remove themselves from danger are protected against undue consequences. The Committee recalls that Article 18(1) does not refer to a danger that is “unavoidable” and includes situations where the workers have a reasonable justification to believe that there is an imminent and serious danger. The Committee requests the Government to refer to its comments under Articles 13 and 19(f) of Convention No. 155.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. National legislation. The Committee notes the adoption of the Safety and Health at Work (Protection from Asbestos) (Amendment) Regulations of 2015 (P.I. 46/2015) which, according to the Government’s report, do not provide for any derogations.

Article 21(4). Provision of other means of maintaining the income of workers. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the effect given to Article 21(4) of the Convention on the provision of other means of maintaining the income of workers. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on any further developments in this regard.

Application in practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that 345 inspections have been conducted in workplaces where asbestos works are carried out and that the number of workers exposed to asbestos is still estimated at less than 200, mainly male workers. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that contraventions are very limited in number and are not of a serious nature due to the fact that the Department of Labour Inspection approves in advance action plans on asbestos works which must submitted by employers. According to the statistics compiled by the Cancer Registry of the Ministry of Health and the Oncology Centre of the Bank of Cyprus, 61 cases of mesothelioma were recorded between 2010 and 2015. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on labour inspection activities, including the approval of action plans on asbestos works, inspection visits conducted and the results thereof, the number and nature of the contraventions reported and on the number and nature of cases of occupational disease reported as being caused by asbestos.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Article 3 of the Convention. National legislation. The Committee notes the legislation attached to the Government’s latest report, including the Health and Safety at Work (Protection from Asbestos) Regulation of 2006 (P.I 316/2006) which gives effect to Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken and the general application of the new provisions with regard to the Convention.

Article 21(4). Provision of other means of maintaining income. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes from the Government’s response that there are no workers who work exclusively with materials containing asbestos and that workers who are medically unfit to continue working with materials containing asbestos, can be provided alternative work without exposure to such materials. The Committee also notes the information that in exceptional cases, when an employer is unable to provide alternative work, or if the worker is unable to find another job, the worker can receive benefits from the system of social security. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to the fact that this provision in Article 21(4) also relates to situations before any occupational disease has been declared but after a determination that continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos has been found to be medically inadvisable. The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government to indicate the specific measures taken to ensure that the workers concerned are provided with other means of maintaining their income and to provide information on the practical application of this Article.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s response that 313 inspections have been carried out and that there are less than 200 workers covered by the asbestos legislation. The Committee also notes the information that there were a very limited number of violations, two occupational accidents and 23 cases of mesothelioma of the lung recorded during the period covered by this report. The Committee requests the Government to provide, if possible, extracts from the reports of the inspection services, including information on the resulting action taken following any contraventions or violations and to continue to provide information on how this Convention is applied in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

1. Further to its observation, the Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

2. Article 3 of the Convention. National legislation. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is currently revising the legislation applicable to asbestos and will in the close future adopt the Asbestos Regulations (the Health and Safety at Work (Protection from Asbestos) Regulations), to be issued under the Health and Safety at Work Law. The Committee hopes that these regulations will be adopted in the close future and that it will fully implement all Articles of the Convention and asks the Government to provide a copy of them, once adopted.

3. Article 21, paragraph 4. Provision of other means of maintaining income. The Committee notes with concern that in reply to its previous comments on this issue, the Government indicates that no specific measures are provided for cases where the continuation of work involving exposure to asbestos is medically inadvisable in the Asbestos Law and Regulations. The Committee notes, however, that the Government reports that in cases of workers being unable to pursue their work as a result of exposure to other dangerous agents, efforts are made, through consultations with employers’ and the workers’ representatives, to find alternative employment and, if required, workers’ income is maintained through social security. Against this background, the Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on efforts made, consistent with national conditions and practice, to ensure that workers declared medically unfit due to exposure to asbestos are provided with alternative employment or with other means to maintain their income.

4. Part V of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country and to attach extracts from the reports of the inspection services, information on the number of workers covered by the legislation, disaggregated by gender, if possible, the number and nature of the contraventions reported and the resulting action taken, and the number of occupational accidents and diseases reported.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report and the attached legislation. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction that the previously mentioned proposed amendments to the Asbestos (Safety and Health at Work) Law (No. 47 of 2000) have been adopted, ensuring application of Articles 12, 15(4), 17(3), 20(1) and (2) and 20(3) and (4) of the Convention.

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes the Government’s report as well as the information supplied by the Government in response to its comments. The Committee notes with interest the legislative amendments introduced in 2000 to the Asbestos Act, specifying additional substances that come under the definition of asbestos and thus extending its scope of application.

It further notes the Government’s indication that legislative action will be taken to amend the Asbestos Regulations of 1993. The draft of the new Regulations has been approved by the Labour Advisory Board and will be soon submitted to the Legal Service for vetting. The amendments to the Asbestos Regulations will address the comments the Committee has made on the application of Article 12 (interdiction of all forms of asbestos), Article 15, paragraph 4 (provision of adequate respiratory protective equipment and special protective clothing to workers only as a supplementary measure when hazards cannot be otherwise prevented or controlled), Article 17, paragraph 3 (elaboration of plans on protective measures before starting demolition work of plants or structures containing friable asbestos insulation materials), Article 20, paragraphs 1 and 2 (method of measurement of the concentration of asbestos in the air of workplaces, and the period during which the records on the monitoring of the working environment and of the exposure of asbestos of workers), and Article 20, paragraphs 3 and 4, of the Convention (workers’ right of access to the records on the monitoring of the working environment and of their exposure to asbestos, and their right to request the monitoring of the environment, including the right to appeal to the competent authority concerning the results of the monitoring). Taking due note of this information, the Committee hopes that the draft amendments to the Asbestos Regulations, 1993, will be adopted in the near future to optimize the protection of workers in relation to asbestos. It requests the Government to supply a copy of the above Regulations once they are adopted.

In addition, and further to its previous comments, the Committee would draw the Government’s attention on the following points.

Article 3, paragraph 4, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that since 1995, the year when the enabling Asbestos (Safety and Health of Persons at Work) Law, 1993, No. 23(I), and its implementing Regulations on asbestos came into force, no derogations from this legislation have been granted. The Committee thus would conclude from the Government’s indication that in practice the grant of derogations to the asbestos legislation is not envisaged. It nevertheless requests the Government to indicate the measures that would be taken in the event the competent authority would grant derogations from the provisions to the Asbestos Law and its related Regulations in the future.

Article 6, paragraph 3. With regard to the establishment of procedures for dealing with emergency procedures to be prepared by employers in cooperation with the occupational safety and health services, and after consultations with the workers’ representatives concerned, the Government indicates that this issue will be addressed in the framework of amendments that will be introduced to the Safety and Health at Work Law, 1996, and the special implementing Regulations issued thereunder. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the revision work has already started, and, if that is not the case, the Government is asked to indicate the measures envisaged to accomplish the intended legislative amendments.

Article 11, paragraph 2. The Committee notes the provision of Regulation 22 of the Asbestos Regulations, according to which crocidolite (blue asbestos), even though its use is prohibited in certain manufacturing processes, may nevertheless be used on the basis of an authorization to be granted by the Minister. The Government indicates that this authorization is restricted in so far as the grant of a permit for the use of crocidolite is never unrestricted, but imposes conditions aiming to ensure, among others, the protection of workers. The Committee requests the Government to specify the above conditions, whose respect is compulsory for the use of crocidolite, by giving examples which would illustrate the content of such permits to enable the Committee to appreciate the level of protection that is provided to workers when authorizing the use of crocidolite.

Article 18, paragraph 2. The Committee notes again the provision of Regulation 10, paragraph 3, in conjunction with Regulation 17, paragraph 3, of the Asbestos Regulations prescribing that protective clothing, supplied to workers exposed to asbestos, must be cleaned at the premises where the work is undertaken or in a properly equipped laundry. Moreover, the asbestos-contaminated clothing removed from the workplace for subsequent cleaning purposes, further use or for disposal as waste must be stored in a suitable container labelled according to the provisions of Schedule 2 to the Asbestos Regulations concerning products containing asbestos. The Committee observes that the provisions to which the Government refers deal with the places where the cleaning of asbestos-contaminated clothing and protective equipment has to be carried out, whereas Article 18, paragraph 2, of the Convention regulates the conditions under which the cleaning of used work clothing or special protective clothing must be carried out to prevent the release of asbestos dust. The Committee accordingly asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the handling and cleaning of work clothes are carried out under controlled conditions to prevent the release of the asbestos dust.

Article 18, paragraph 3. The Committee notes the provisions of Regulation 10, paragraph 3, of the Asbestos Regulations providing for the cleaning of protective clothing at the premises where the work is undertaken or in a properly equipped laundry, and of Regulation 9, paragraph 1, of the Asbestos Regulations requiring the employer to provide protective equipment, to monitor it, and to make sure that the protective equipment is clean, in good condition and appropriately prepared, which implies, according to the Government’s interpretation, the prohibition for workers to take home protective clothing and other special protective equipment. The Committee, however, believes that the wording of the above provisions does not exclude the possibility for workers to take home work clothing and special protective equipment, particularly since Regulation 9, paragraph 1, of the Asbestos Regulations only specifies the required result, that is the clean and appropriately prepared protective equipment, but not the manner in which this is to be achieved. Recalling the provision of Article 18, paragraph 3, of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary legislative measures to prohibit the taking home of work clothing, special protective clothing and personal protective equipment.

Article 21, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that pursuant to section 5, subsection 4, of the Asbestos Law, the monitoring of workers’ health, carried out by the employer to comply with his obligations under this law, is free of charge for the workers. As concerns the time where the monitoring of workers’ health takes place, the Government indicates that it is a common practice to carry them out during working hours. In view of this fact, the Committee invites the Government to consider the possibility to make the common practice a statutory one, in order to fully apply Article 21, paragraph 2, of the Convention.

Article 21, paragraph 4. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, neither the Asbestos Law nor the Asbestos Regulations prescribe specific measures to provide workers, whose continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is found to be medically inadvisable, with other means to maintain their income. However, in similar cases related to workers’ exposure to other dangerous agents, consultations have taken place between the employer and the workers’ representatives with the objective to find alternative employment for the worker concerned within the employer’s undertaking. In this process, the Government employment services are also involved. Moreover, the Social Insurance Fund may provide a benefit to a worker who is considered medically unfit to continue work in a specified job. This benefit is granted to supplement the worker’s income in the case that the income the worker draws from the new employment secured to him is less than the income drawn from his previous employment. The Committee considers that the practice described by the Government would apply this Article of the Convention. The Committee nevertheless invites the Government to take the necessary measures to translate this practice into legal provisions, which then would constitute a reliable protective framework for the workers concerned.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes that the Government's report does not reply to its previous comments. The Committee is therefore bound to repeat its previous request which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraph 4, of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific precautions taken to protect workers' health when the competent authority permits derogations from the provisions of the Asbestos (Safety and Health of Persons at Work) Law 1993, No. 23(1) and the Asbestos (Safety and Health of Persons at Work) Regulations of 1993.

Article 6, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that employers, in cooperation with the occupational safety and health services, and after consultation with the workers' representatives concerned, prepare procedures for dealing with emergency situations.

Article 10(a). The Committee notes that section 4 of the Asbestos Law empowers the Council of Ministers to issue regulations prohibiting the use at work of any or all forms of asbestos. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any measures taken or envisaged to provide also for the replacement of asbestos, where necessary to protect the health of workers and where technically practicable, by other products scientifically evaluated as harmless or less harmful, whenever this is possible.

Article 11, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that a permit may be granted for the use of crocidolite in certain manufacturing process and that these exceptions have been discussed with and agreed by the representative organizations of workers and employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the steps taken to ensure that the health of workers is not placed at risk.

Article 12. The Committee notes that the Government's report states that spraying is prohibited only for crocidolite and that asbestos spraying is not a method practised in Cyprus. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that spraying of all forms of asbestos is prohibited.

Article 15, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that such equipment is used only as a supplementary, temporary, emergency or exceptional measure and not as an alternative to technical control.

Article 17, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the workers or their representatives are consulted on the work plan specifying the measures to be taken before commencing demolition work.

Article 18, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that Regulation 10 of the Asbestos Regulations provides that the protective clothing given to employees exposed to asbestos, should be cleaned at the premises where work is undertaken or in a properly equipped laundry. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the handling and cleaning of work clothes are carried out under controlled conditions to prevent the release of asbestos dust.

Article 18, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that work clothing, special protective clothing and personal protective equipment are not taken home.

Article 18, paragraph 4. The Committee notes that section 5 of the Asbestos Law requires employers to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of workers. The Committee also notes that pursuant to the Asbestos Regulations (Regulations 10 and 16), workers' protective clothing should be cleaned at the work premises or in a properly equipped laundry and separate storage facilities for the protective clothing and personal clothing not used at work, should be provided. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the employer is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of work clothing, special protective clothing and personal protective equipment.

Article 20, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee notes that employers are required to measure the concentration of asbestos in the air and monitor the exposure of workers to asbestos at intervals specified by the Chief Inspector, depending on each case. The Committee further notes that employers are also required to keep records of monitoring or a suitable summary thereof for a period to be prescribed by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance. The Government's report indicates that the approved method of measurement and the period during which records of monitoring should be kept, will be prescribed in the future. The Committee therefore requests the Government to keep the Office informed of the progress made in this regard.

Article 20, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which workers concerned, their representatives, and the inspection services are provided access to the records of the monitoring of the environment.

Article 20, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that workers have the right to request monitoring of the environment and to appeal to the competent authority concerning the results of the monitoring.

Article 21, paragraph 2. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the monitoring of workers' health in connection with the use of asbestos shall not result in any loss of earnings for them and shall be free of charge and shall take place, as far as possible, during working hours.

Article 21, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the efforts made to provide workers concerned with other means of maintaining their income, since continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is medically inadvisable.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes that the Government's report does not reply to its previous comments. The Committee is therefore bound to repeat its previous request which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraph 4, of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific precautions taken to protect workers' health when the competent authority permits derogations from the provisions of the Asbestos (Safety and Health of Persons at Work) Law 1993, No. 23(1) and the Asbestos (Safety and Health of Persons at Work) Regulations of 1993.

Article 6, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that employers, in cooperation with the occupational safety and health services, and after consultation with the workers' representatives concerned, prepare procedures for dealing with emergency situations.

Article 10(a). The Committee notes that section 4 of the Asbestos Law empowers the Council of Ministers to issue regulations prohibiting the use at work of any or all forms of asbestos. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any measures taken or envisaged to provide also for the replacement of asbestos, where necessary to protect the health of workers and where technically practicable, by other products scientifically evaluated as harmless or less harmful, whenever this is possible.

Article 11, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that a permit may be granted for the use of crocidolite in certain manufacturing process and that these exceptions have been discussed with and agreed by the representative organizations of workers and employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the steps taken to ensure that the health of workers is not placed at risk.

Article 12. The Committee notes that the Government's report states that spraying is prohibited only for crocidolite and that asbestos spraying is not a method practised in Cyprus. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that spraying of all forms of asbestos is prohibited.

Article 15, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that such equipment is used only as a supplementary, temporary, emergency or exceptional measure and not as an alternative to technical control.

Article 17, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the workers or their representatives are consulted on the work plan specifying the measures to be taken before commencing demolition work.

Article 18, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that Regulation 10 of the Asbestos Regulations provides that the protective clothing given to employees exposed to asbestos, should be cleaned at the premises where work is undertaken or in a properly equipped laundry. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the handling and cleaning of work clothes are carried out under controlled conditions to prevent the release of asbestos dust.

Article 18, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that work clothing, special protective clothing and personal protective equipment are not taken home.

Article 18, paragraph 4. The Committee notes that section 5 of the Asbestos Law requires employers to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of workers. The Committee also notes that pursuant to the Asbestos Regulations (Regulations 10 and 16), workers' protective clothing should be cleaned at the work premises or in a properly equipped laundry and separate storage facilities for the protective clothing and personal clothing not used at work, should be provided. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the employer is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of work clothing, special protective clothing and personal protective equipment.

Article 20, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee notes that employers are required to measure the concentration of asbestos in the air and monitor the exposure of workers to asbestos at intervals specified by the Chief Inspector, depending on each case. The Committee further notes that employers are also required to keep records of monitoring or a suitable summary thereof for a period to be prescribed by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance. The Government's report indicates that the approved method of measurement and the period during which records of monitoring should be kept, will be prescribed in the future. The Committee therefore requests the Government to keep the Office informed of the progress made in this regard.

Article 20, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which workers concerned, their representatives, and the inspection services are provided access to the records of the monitoring of the environment.

Article 20, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that workers have the right to request monitoring of the environment and to appeal to the competent authority concerning the results of the monitoring.

Article 21, paragraph 2. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the monitoring of workers' health in connection with the use of asbestos shall not result in any loss of earnings for them and shall be free of charge and shall take place, as far as possible, during working hours.

Article 21, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the efforts made to provide workers concerned with other means of maintaining their income, since continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is medically inadvisable.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government's first report and requests the Government to provide further clarification on the following points:

Article 3, paragraph 4, of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific precautions taken to protect workers' health when the competent authority permits derogations from the provisions of the Asbestos (Safety and Health of Persons at Work) Law 1993, No. 23(1) and the Asbestos (Safety and Health of Persons at Work) Regulations of 1993.

Article 6, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that employers, in cooperation with the occupational safety and health services, and after consultation with the workers' representatives concerned, prepare procedures for dealing with emergency situations.

Article 10(a). The Committee notes that section 4 of the Asbestos Law empowers the Council of Ministers to issue regulations prohibiting the use at work of any or all forms of asbestos. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any measures taken or envisaged to provide also for the replacement of asbestos, where necessary to protect the health of workers and where technically practicable, by other products scientifically evaluated as harmless or less harmful, whenever this is possible.

Article 11, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that a permit may be granted for the use of crocidolite in certain manufacturing process and that these exceptions have been discussed with and agreed by the representative organizations of workers and employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the steps taken to ensure that the health of workers is not placed at risk.

Article 12. The Committee notes that the Government's report states that spraying is prohibited only for crocidolite and that asbestos spraying is not a method practised in Cyprus. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that spraying of all forms of asbestos is prohibited.

Article 15, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that such equipment is used only as a supplementary, temporary, emergency or exceptional measure and not as an alternative to technical control.

Article 17, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the workers or their representatives are consulted on the work plan specifying the measures to be taken before commencing demolition work.

Article 18, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that Regulation 10 of the Asbestos Regulations provides that the protective clothing given to employees exposed to asbestos, should be cleaned at the premises where work is undertaken or in a properly equipped laundry. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the handling and cleaning of work clothes are carried out under controlled conditions to prevent the release of asbestos dust.

Article 18, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that work clothing, special protective clothing and personal protective equipment are not taken home.

Article 18, paragraph 4. The Committee notes that section 5 of the Asbestos Law requires employers to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of workers. The Committee also notes that pursuant to the Asbestos Regulations (Regulations 10 and 16), workers' protective clothing should be cleaned at the work premises or in a properly equipped laundry and separate storage facilities for the protective clothing and personal clothing not used at work, should be provided. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the employer is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of work clothing, special protective clothing and personal protective equipment.

Article 20, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee notes that employers are required to measure the concentration of asbestos in the air and monitor the exposure of workers to asbestos at intervals specified by the Chief Inspector, depending on each case. The Committee further notes that employers are also required to keep records of monitoring or a suitable summary thereof for a period to be prescribed by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance. The Government's report indicates that the approved method of measurement and the period during which records of monitoring should be kept, will be prescribed in the future. The Committee therefore requests the Government to keep the Office informed of the progress made in this regard.

Article 20, paragraph 3. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which workers concerned, their representatives, and the inspection services are provided access to the records of the monitoring of the environment.

Article 20, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that workers have the right to request monitoring of the environment and to appeal to the competent authority concerning the results of the monitoring.

Article 21, paragraph 2. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the monitoring of workers' health in connection with the use of asbestos shall not result in any loss of earnings for them and shall be free of charge and shall take place, as far as possible, during working hours.

Article 21, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the efforts made to provide workers concerned with other means of maintaining their income in the event that continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is medically inadvisable.