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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

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

Repetition

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 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 expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

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 takes this opportunity to refer the Government to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention, in which the Committee refers to the exposure limits on ionizing radiation recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), No. 60 (1990), according to which the permissible level of exposure to ionizing radiation for workers engaged in radiation work is recommended to be 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years, but not exceeding 50 mSv in any single year. 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 referred to in the Committee’s general observation of 1992 under this Convention.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comment, which read as follows:

Repetition

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 takes this opportunity to refer the Government to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention, in which the Committee refers to the exposure limits on ionizing radiation recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), No. 60 (1990), according to which the permissible level of exposure to ionizing radiation for workers engaged in radiation work is recommended to be 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years, but not exceeding 50 mSv in any single year. 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 referred to in the Committee’s general observation of 1992 under this Convention.

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

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 takes this opportunity to refer the Government to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention, in which the Committee refers to the exposure limits on ionizing radiation recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), No. 60 (1990), according to which the permissible level of exposure to ionizing radiation for workers engaged in radiation work is recommended to be 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years, but not exceeding 50 mSv in any single year. 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 referred to in the Committee’s general observation of 1992 under this Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

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 takes this opportunity to refer the Government to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention, in which the Committee refers to the exposure limits on ionizing radiation recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), No. 60 (1990), according to which the permissible level of exposure to ionizing radiation for workers engaged in radiation work is recommended to be 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years, but not exceeding 50 mSv in any single year. 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 referred to in the Committee’s general observation of 1992 under this Convention.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

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 takes this opportunity to refer the Government to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention, in which the Committee refers to the exposure limits on ionizing radiation recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), No. 60 (1990), according to which the permissible level of exposure to ionizing radiation for workers engaged in radiation work is recommended to be 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years, but not exceeding 50 mSv in any single year. 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 referred to in the Committee’s general observation of 1992 under this Convention.

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

1. 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.

2. Article 3, paragraph 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 takes this opportunity to refer the Government to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention, in which the Committee refers to the exposure limits on ionizing radiation recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), No. 60 (1990), according to which the permissible level of exposure to ionizing radiation for workers engaged in radiation work is recommended to be 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years, but not exceeding 50 mSv in any single year. 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 referred to in the Committee’s general observation of 1992 under this Convention.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the adoption of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 32 of 1997. It further notes the Government’s indication that consultants from the ILO are in the process of drafting the Regulations to the above Act. In the absence of the text of the 1997 Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 32, it has not been possible for the Committee to examine the extent to which the above Act applies the provisions of the Convention. It therefore requests the Government to supply a copy of this Act, as well as of its implementing Regulations, as soon as they are adopted. The Committee hopes that the Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 32 of 1997, as well as the Regulations, will apply the provisions of this Convention and will, in particular, address the points raised by the Committee in its previous direct request which concerned the need to adopt provisions to ensure that there is:

–      consultation of representatives of employers and workers on the measures designed to give effect to the Convention (Article 1 of the Convention);

–      in the light of new knowledge, effective protection of workers against ionizing radiations and constant revision of the maximum permissible doses (Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2);

–      finally, the notification of work involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations (Article 10).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the adoption of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 32 of 1997. It further notes the Government’s indication that consultants from the ILO are in the process of drafting the Regulations to the above Act. In the absence of the text of the 1997 Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 32, it has not been possible for the Committee to examine the extent to which the above Act applies the provisions of the Convention. It therefore requests the Government to supply a copy of this Act, as well as of its implementing Regulations, as soon as they are adopted. The Committee hopes that the Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 32 of 1997, as well as the Regulations, will apply the provisions of this Convention and will, in particular, address the points raised by the Committee in its previous direct request which concerned the need to adopt provisions to ensure that there is:

-      consultation of representatives of employers and workers on the measures designed to give effect to the Convention (Article 1 of the Convention);

-      in the light of new knowledge, effective protection of workers against ionizing radiations and constant revision of the maximum permissible doses (Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2);

-      finally, the notification of work involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations (Article 10).

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

The Committee notes that the Government indicated in its report in December 1994 that a draft Occupational Safety and Health Act containing provisions on radiation protection was being prepared with ILO technical assistance. The Committee was also informed of the adoption in March 1996 of a National Plan of Action on Occupational Safety and Health which indicates that the above-mentioned draft Act is presently the subject of consultations and should be adopted soon. Referring to its previous direct request, and to the general observation made in 1992, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to indicate in its next report the amendments that have been adopted and, in particular, the provisions taken to ensure that there is:

-- consultation of representatives of employers and workers on the measures designed to give effect to the Convention (Article 1 of the Convention);

-- in the light of new knowledge, effective protection of workers against ionizing radiation and constant revision of the maximum permissible doses (Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2);

-- finally, the notification of work involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiation (Article 10).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

I. 1. The Committee noted from the Government's reply in its 1982 report that legislation had not yet been enacted to give effect to Article 10 of the Convention which requires the notification of work involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations. It hopes that in the next report the Government will be able to indicate that steps have been taken in this regard.

2. The Committee also noted that measures are still to be taken to ensure the application of Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, which require, in light of current knowledge, that all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure the protection of workers and that dose limits shall be kept under constant review. In this regard, the Committee noted the information in the Government's first report that the Convention was applied by the United Kingdom Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionizing Radiations Arising from Medical and Dental Use. It requests the Government to indicate whether and under what provisions the revision of this Code in 1972 and the revision of the more general Code of Practice against Ionizing Radiations in 1985, in regard to medical and dental use, are applied in Guyana.

3. The Committee further requests the Government to supply copies of the Factories (Health and Welfare) Regulations No. 1951 and the Factories Act Cap 95:02.

II. The Committee would call the Government's attention to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention which sets forth, inter alia, the revised exposure limits established on the basis of new physiological findings by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in its 1990 Recommendations (Publication No. 60). The Committee would recall that, under Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure effective protection of workers against ionizing radiations and to review maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiations in the light of current knowledge. The Government is requested to indicate the steps taken or being considered in relation to the matters raised in the conclusions to the general observation.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

I. The Committee notes from the Government's report that no change in the application of the Convention has occurred, but that proposals are still under consideration by the Government. It hopes that the Government's next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee noted from the Government's reply in its 1982 report that legislation had not yet been enacted to give effect to Article 10 of the Convention, which requires the notification of work involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations. It hopes that in the next report the Government will be able to indicate that steps have been taken in this regard.

2. The Committee also noted that measures are still to be taken to ensure the application of Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, which require, in light of current knowledge, that all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure the protection of workers and that dose limits shall be kept under constant review. In this regard, the Committee noted that the Government had indicated in its first report that the Convention was applied by the United Kingdom Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionizing Radiations Arising from Medical and Dental Use. It requests the Government to indicate whether and under what provisions the revision of this Code in 1972 and the revision of the more general Code of Practice against Ionizing Radiations in 1985, in regard to medical and dental use, are applied in Guyana.

3. The Committee further requests the Government to supply copies of the Factories (Health and Welfare) Regulations No. 1951 and the Factories Act Cap 95:02.

II. The Committee would call the Government's attention to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention which sets forth, inter alia, the revised exposure limits established on the basis of new physiological findings by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in its 1990 Recommendations (Publication No. 60). The Committee would recall that, under Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure effective protection of workers against ionizing radiations and to review maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiations in the light of current knowledge. The Government is requested to indicate the steps taken or being considered in relation to the matters raised in the conclusions to the general observation.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

I. The Committee notes from the Government's report that no change in the application of the Convention has occurred since the Government's last report which was communicated in 1986. It hopes that the Government's next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee noted from the Government's reply in its 1982 report that legislation had not yet been enacted to give effect to Article 10 of the Convention, which requires the notification of work involving exposure of workers to ionising radiations. It hopes that in the next report the Government will be able to indicate that steps have been taken in this regard.

2. The Committee also noted that measures are still to be taken to ensure the application of Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, which require, in light of current knowledge, that all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure the protection of workers and that dose limits shall be kept under constant review. In this regard, the Committee noted that the Government had indicated in its first report that the Convention was applied by the United Kingdom Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionising Radiations Arising from Medical and Dental Use. It requests the Government to indicate whether and under what provisions the revision of this Code in 1972 and the revision of the more general Code of Practice against Ionising Radiations in 1985, in regard to medical and dental use, are applied in Guyana.

3. The Committee further requests the Government to supply copies of the Factories (Health and Welfare) Regulations No. 1951 and the Factories Act Cap 95:02.

II. The Committee would call the Government's attention to its General Observation under this Convention which sets forth, inter alia, the revised exposure limits established on the basis of new physiological findings by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in its 1990 Recommendations (Publication No. 60). The Committee would recall that, under Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure effective protection of workers against ionising radiations and to review maximum permissible doses of ionising radiations in the light of current knowledge. The Government is requested to indicate the steps taken or being considered in relation to the matters raised in the conclusions to the General Observation.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes that no report has been received from the Government. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee noted from the Government's reply in its 1982 report that legislation had not yet been enacted to give effect to Article 10 of the Convention, which requires the notification of work involving exposure of workers to ionising radiations. It hopes that in the next report the Government will be able to indicate that steps have been taken in this regard.

2. The Committee also noted that measures are still to be taken to ensure the application of Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, which require, in light of current knowledge, that all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure the protection of workers and that dose limits shall be kept under constant review. In this regard, the Committee noted that the Government had indicated in its first report that the Convention was applied by the United Kingdom Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionising Radiations Arising from Medical and Dental Use. It requests the Government to indicate whether and under what provisions the revision of this Code in 1972 and the revision of the more general Code of Practice against Ionising Radiations in 1985, in regard to medical and dental use, are applied in Guyana.

3. The Committee further requests the Government to supply copies of the Factories (Health and Welfare) Regulations No. 1951 and the Factories Act Cap 95:02.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1987, published 74th ILC session (1987)

1. The Committee notes from the Government's reply to its previous direct request that legislation has not yet been enacted to give effect to Article 10 of the Convention, which requires the notification of work involving exposure of workers to ionising radiations. It hopes that in the next report the Government will be able to indicate that steps have been taken in this regard.

2. The Committee also notes that measures are still to be taken to ensure the application of Article 3, paragraph 1 and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, which require, in light of current knowledge, that all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure the protection of workers and that dose limits shall be kept under constant review. In this regard, the Committee notes that the Government had indicated in its first report that the Convention is applied by the United Kingdom Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionising Radiations Arising from Medical and Dental Use. It requests the Government to indicate whether and under what provisions the revision of this Code in 1972 and the revision of the more general Code of Practice against Ionising Radiations in 1985, in regard to medical and dental use, are applied in Guyana.

3. The Committee further requests the Government to supply copies of the Factories (Health and Welfare) Regulations No. 1951 and the Factories Act Cap 95:02.