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

Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) - Spain (Ratification: 1973)

With reference to its observation, the Committee to raise the following points.

Article 4(2) of the Convention. Obligation to prohibit the use of benzene and of products containing benzene as a solvent or diluent, except where the process is carried out in an enclosed system or where there are other equally safe methods of work. Indication of types of work in which it is still permitted to use benzene and products containing benzene as a solvent or diluent. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to indicate the work in which it is still permitted to use benzene and products containing benzene as a solvent or diluent. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the types of work in which it is permitted to use benzene and products containing benzene as a solvent or diluent are all of the activities that are not included in schedule XVII to the Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH). The Committee requests the Government to provide a list of the types of work in which it is still permitted to use benzene or products containing benzene as a diluent in Spain, except where the process is carried out in an enclosed system or where there are other equally safe methods of work, with an indication of the workers engaged in the work specified on this list, and whether it is planned to prohibit such work in accordance with the Convention.