Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 1992, publiée 79ème session CIT (1992)

Convention (n° 136) sur le benzène, 1971 - Zambie (Ratification: 1973)

I. The Committee notes the Government's statement in its latest report that it agrees with the Committee's previous comments as concerns the application of the Convention and that it would advise the ILO of the progress and developments made. The Committee, therefore, hopes that the necessary measures will be taken in the near future to ensure the application of Article 4, paragraph 2 of the Convention (prohibition of the use of benzene as a solvent or diluent unless the process is carried out in an enclosed system (and not area)), Article 7 (work processes involving the use of benzene generally to be carried out in an enclosed system as far as practicable, and where not practicable, the workplace shall be equipped with effective means to ensure the removal of benzene vapour), and Article 8, paragraph 2 (limitation on the duration of exposure to benzene vapour for workers who, for special reasons, are exposed to concentrations of benzene exceeding the maximum prescribed level). The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in this regard.

II. The Committee notes from the reply in the Government's report as concerns the application of Article 6, paragraph 3 of the Convention (instructions on carrying out the measurement of benzene in the air), that the Government is currently processing a request for ILO technical co-operation. The Committee hopes that the Government will, with the assistance of the ILO, soon be in a position to ensure the appropriate monitoring of the concentration of benzene in the air of places of employment by means of adequate instructions on the carrying out of the measurement of such concentrations. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in this regard.

The Committee further notes the Government's statement in its report that the Government hopes that ILO technical assistance will enable it to improve the practical application of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to improve the application of the Convention in practice and that it will ensure the enforcement of the provisions designed to give it effect, including, in particular, provisions for the medical examination of all workers concerned and the inspection of all workplaces where workers may be exposed to benzene or to products containing benzene. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be able to indicate the progress made in this regard.