Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - Uganda (Ratification: 1990)

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Article 13 of the Convention. Notification to the competent authority of certain types of work involving exposure to asbestos. The Committee notes that section 40(2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (2006) provides for written notice to the Commissioner of Occupational Safety and Health Department not less than one month before occupying or using any premises as a workplace, indicating, among other activities, the use of hazardous substances. It notes the Government’s indication that this obligation would include any work that is asbestos-related. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the implementation of Article 13 of the Convention in practice, including whether this notification includes demolition work of structures containing asbestos materials or work to remove asbestos. It encourages the Government to consider including specific provisions implementing Article 13 in the draft Hazardous Substances Regulation under development.

Article 15. Prescription of exposure limits. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that exposure limits have been adopted by the Occupational Safety and Health Department. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the limits prescribed for the exposure of workers to asbestos, as well as information on the periodic review of these limits, in accordance with Articles 15(1) and (2) of the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure that the exposure limits or other exposure criteria are complied with and exposure is reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable (in accordance with Article 15(3)), as well as the provision of adequate respiratory protective equipment and special protective clothing as appropriate (in accordance with Article 15(4).