Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - Bosnia and Herzegovina (Ratification: 1993)

The Committee notes that the report of the Government is silent on the application of the Convention in the Brčko District. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that effect is given to each provision of the Convention in the Brčko District.

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Articles 3(2), 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15(1) of the Convention. National legislation for the prevention, control and protection of workers against exposure to asbestos. The Committee notes that the Rulebook on Yugoslav standard for maximum allowable concentrations of harmful gases, vapours and aerosols (OG of SFRJ 54/91) prescribes the maximum allowable concentration of asbestos in the atmosphere in the workplace. However, the Government does not indicate if: (a) the national legislation is periodically reviewed in light of the technical progress and advances in scientific knowledge; (b) the national legislation provides that the exposure to asbestos shall be prevented or controlled by prescribing adequate engineering controls and work practices and/or by prescribing special rules and procedures for the use of asbestos; (c) the national legislation provides for the replacement or total or partial prohibition of asbestos, where necessary to protect the health of workers and technically practicable; (d) the use of crocidolite is prohibited; or (e) the spraying of asbestos is prohibited. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in this respect with regard to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Articles 15(4) and 18. Protective equipment and work clothing. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, pursuant to section 8 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Health (OG 22/90), the employer is required to provide personal protective equipment to workers if the danger and hazards to which they are exposed cannot be otherwise eliminated. However, the Government does not indicate if: (a) the handling and cleaning of used work and special protective clothing is carried out under controlled conditions; (b) national legislation prohibits the taking home of work and special protective clothing and of personal protective equipment; (c) the employer is responsible for the cleaning, maintenance and storage of work clothing, special protective clothing and personal protective equipment; (d) the employer provides facilities for workers exposed to asbestos to wash, take a bath or shower at the workplace; or (e) the employer provides, maintains and replaces adequate respiratory protective equipment and special protective clothing at no cost to the workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this respect in the Federation of BiH.

Republika Srpska

Article 17. Demolition of plants and structures and removal of asbestos. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that in the Republika Srpska there are no specialized companies for performing the demolition of plants and structures in which asbestos fibres are present, nor does the legislation provide for special requirements for this type of work. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the demolition of plants or structures containing friable asbestos insulation materials, and removal of asbestos from buildings or structures in which asbestos is liable to become airborne, are undertaken only by employers or contractors who are recognized by the competent authority as qualified to carry out such work and who have been empowered to undertake such work in the Republika Srpska.

Issues common to the Federation of BiH and the Republika Srpska

Article 15(2). Periodic review and update of limits for the exposure of workers to asbestos. The Committee notes that the Government does not indicate if the exposure limits for the maximum allowable concentration of asbestos in the atmosphere of working premises established in the Rulebook on Yugoslav standard for maximum allowable concentrations of harmful gases, vapours and aerosols (OG of SFRJ 54/91) are periodically reviewed and updated in light of technological progress and advances in technological and scientific knowledge. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in this respect with regard to the Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.