Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) - Italy (Ratification: 1985)

Replies received to the issues raised in a direct request which do not give rise to further comments (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, which answers the points raised in its previous direct request and has no further matters to raise in this regard.

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

1. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report in response to its previous comments, in particular regarding Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 2, as well as Article 13 of the Convention. It also notes the adoption of numerous legislative texts, in particular: Legislative Decree No. 25 of 2 February 2002 which transposes into the national legislation Directive 98/24/EC on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work, the Decree of 26 February 2004 relating to occupational exposure limits to chemical agents as well as Legislative Decree No. 187 of 19 August 2005 under Directive 2002/44/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (vibration). It wishes, however, to receive additional information on the following points.

2. Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3. Criteria and exposure limits, regular revision of the criteria. The Committee notes the information that the procedure allowing for the supervision and assessment of risks to workers of exposure, in particular through the establishment of registers, is still at the preparatory stage. The Committee also notes that an advisory committee was set up, in conformity with section 72ter of Inter-ministerial Decree No. 25 of 11 November 2002, in order to determine and update occupational exposure limits and maximum biological limits. It notes the information that, to date, this committee has not begun its work. The Committee thus requests the Government to keep it informed as to any developments in this regard and to provide a copy of the relevant texts once they have been adopted.

3. Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide extracts from labour inspection services reports, statistics on the number of workers covered by the legislation disaggregated by sex, if available, the number and nature of contraventions reported, as well as any other information allowing the Committee to assess more accurately how the Convention is applied in practice in the country.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government's report in reply to its previous comments, in particular concerning Articles 4, 9, 10, 12, and 15 of the Convention.

Article 1, paragraphs 2 and 3. The Committee notes with interest the Government's reply to its previous comments following the observations made by the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) and the Italian Confederation of Workers' Unions (CISL) and the Italian Union of Labour (UIL), concerning the exclusion of workers in the maritime and air navigation sectors from the scope of application of the relevant legislation. The Government indicates that Legislative Decree 626 of 19/9/94 (recognizing EEC Directives 89/654, 89/655, 89/656, 90/269, 90/270, 90/394, 90/679) in its section 1, paragraph 1 does not provide for any sector to be excluded from its scope, but that paragraph 2 of the same section offers the possibility for some sectors such as air and maritime transport to have the application of the same standards adapted to their particular situations by Decrees of the Ministries of Transport and Shipping. To that end Act No. 485 of 31 December 1998 provided for the setting up of a government mission to prepare the issuance of one or more Legislative Decrees to adapt these standards to the requirements of national merchant ships and fishing vessels. With the agreement of the shipowners' association and the workers' unions in the maritime sector, an outline of the Legislative Decree dealing with occupational safety and health, including air pollution, noise and vibration on board ships, has been drawn up. Please provide to the Office copies of the Legislative Decrees when they are adopted.

Article 8, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the Government's report does not contain replies to its previous comments. It recalls that according to the Government's earlier report, the Ministry of Health, through the Higher European Institute for Prevention and Safety (ISPELS) had established records in order to supervise exposure of workers to risks and to assess these risks on the basis of a procedure which was then being formulated. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 8, paragraphs 2 and 3. Further to its previous comments following the observation made by the CGIL, the Committee notes the Government statement that Italian preventive legislation was introduced to reduce workers' exposure to the lowest levels of pollution or risk that can technically be attained, and that in any event, Italy will, by 22 February 2000 recognize EEC Directive 98/24 which provides for the establishment of exposure ceilings for chemical agents. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would nonetheless provide the information previously requested regarding indications on whether the opinion of technically competent persons designated by the most representative organizations of employers and workers is taken into consideration by the competent authority in the elaboration of the criteria and the determination of exposure limits, and in what manner. It also reiterates its previous request for a description of the procedures by which the criteria and exposure limits to air pollution, noise and vibration in the working environment are supplemented and revised at regular intervals in the light of new national and international knowledge and data.

Article 13. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous comments. Please furnish a copy of the previously requested 1992 Agreement, or any replacing Agreement, signed by the General Confederation of Industry (CONFINDUSTIA) and the CGIL, the CISL and the UIL, providing for the establishment of an observatory of which one function is to promote initiatives in the field of vocational training in occupational health and safety.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes the Government's report and the comments made by the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) and the Trade Union Association of Public Petrochemical Undertakings (ASAP). It requests the Government to provide supplementary information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. Referring to the previous comments on the exclusion of workers in the maritime and air navigation sector from the scope of application of the relevant legislation, the Committee recalls that Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention provides that, after consultation with the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned, particular branches of economic activity may be excluded from the scope of the Convention. The Committee notes that in its comments the Italian General Confederation of Labour criticizes the exclusion of workers in the maritime sector and workers on board aircraft from the field of application of the relevant legislation, and this criticism is shared by the Italian Confederation of Workers' Unions and the Italian Union of Labour. It stresses that no consultation with the organizations of workers concerned took place. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the manner in which these organizations were consulted concerning the exclusion of workers on board ships and aircraft from the scope of the Convention. It is also requested to continue to inform the Office, in subsequent reports, on the position of its law and practice concerning these branches, specifying the extent to which effect has been given or is proposed to be given to the Convention with respect to these sectors, in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article.

Article 4. Referring to previous comments, the Committee again requests the Government to provide information on the progress made by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour in preparing a document to be distributed to employers and the supervisory body with respect to the application of Legislative Decree No. 277 of 15 August 1991, which was mentioned in the Government's 1991 report.

Article 8, paragraph 1. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that according to the Government's report the Ministry of Health, through the Higher European Institute for Prevention and Safety (ISPELS) has established records in order to supervise exposure of workers to risks and to assess these risks on the basis of a procedure which is now being formulated. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 8, paragraphs 2 and 3. The Committee notes the comments of the CGIL that, contrary to what that organization requested during discussions on Legislative Decree No. 277/91, there is no application machinery for updating the figures of exposure limits: in other words, there is no national body responsible for defining the limits of exposure of workers to occupational risks nor of criteria laid down for fixing exposure limits. Finally, the CGIL indicates the absence of a consultation procedure for experts designated by the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned whose opinion, from the technical point of view, must be taken into consideration, according to paragraph 2 of this Article, in the elaboration of the criteria for determining the exposure limits.

The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the opinion of technically competent persons designated by the most representative organizations of employers and workers is taken into consideration by the competent authority in the elaboration of the criteria and the determination of exposure limits, and in what manner. The Committee also requests the Government to describe the procedures by which the criteria and exposure limits are supplemented and revised at regular intervals in the light of new national and international knowledge and data.

Article 9. The Committee refers to its previous comments which concerned, in particular, the possibility of ensuring application of the provisions of this Article regarding the eradication of risks due to air pollution and vibration, by measures taken by the Government in the application of a future law (which must give effect to European Directive No. 89/391) of which the draft was before Parliament. It hopes that the text in question will be adopted in the near future and that appropriate measures - either technical measures or organization of work - will be taken in accordance with this Article. The Committee requests the Government to send it a copy of the text when adopted and all information on progress made in this regard.

Article 10. The Committee notes with interest that Legislative Decree No. 475 of 4 December 1992 lays down quality standards and requirements for the three categories of provisions for individual protection against risks of physical injury. These facilities must, according to section 1, paragraph 2, of the Decree, be made available to workers. The Committee notes that no provision of this Decree nor any other provision of national law specifies who, in accordance with this Article, is responsible for providing and maintaining individual protection equipment whenever exposure to air pollution (by substances other than those covered by existing legislation) or vibration exceeds the limits set by the competent authorities. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures which give effect to this provision.

Article 12. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures designed to ensure notification of the procedures, machinery and materials specified by the competent authority which result in workers being exposed to air pollution, noise or vibration.

Article 13. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the reference made by the Government in its report to Legislative Decree No. 77 of 1992 on the protection of workers' health against risks of exposure to chemical agents which lays down certain specific measures in particularly critical production situations when the concentration of harmful substances becomes higher than the level prescribed, along with the right of workers (or their representatives) to be informed of precautions to be taken in these situations.

The Committee notes the decisions of the Court of Appeal of 24.03.81 and 18.10.90 prescribing that workers must be informed on specific risks or possible prejudicial consequences during work and that the manufacturers and sellers of machinery are obliged to give appropriate instructions and directives to be observed during adjustment operations.

The Committee has taken due note of the Government's indication concerning the signing on 5 March 1992 by the General Confederation of Industry (CONFINDUSTRIA) on the one hand, and the CGIL, Italian Confederation of Workers' Unions (CISL) and the Italian Union of Labour (UIL) on the other, of an agreement which provides for the establishment of an observatory of which one function is to promote initiatives in the field of vocational training in occupational health and safety. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of this agreement and to continue to inform the Bureau on the state of its legislation and practice concerning the extension of the obligation to give adequate and appropriate instructions to workers regarding means to prevent or restrict hazards due to air pollution by substances other than those already covered by current legislation and to vibration.

Article 15. The Committee notes the reference made by the Government to section 11 of the draft Legislative Decree prepared on the basis of European Directive No. 89/391. This section provides that the employer should designate in his enterprise one or more persons to carry out tasks in the prevention of accidents and protection of workers service and that one of these people should be responsible for the service. The Committee requests the Government to send it a copy of this text when adopted.

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:

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's latest report and the adoption of Legislative Decree No. 277 of 15 August 1991 which prescribes measures for the protection of workers against hazards of exposure due to lead, asbestos and noise. The Committee also notes the communications made by the Trade Union Association of Public Petrochemical Undertakings (ASAP) and the General Confederation of Commerce and Tourism (CONFCOMERCIO) transmitted by the Government with its report. The Government is requested to provide further information on the following points:

1. Article 1, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's indication, in its latest report, that workers in the maritime sector and on board aircrafts are excluded from the scope of application of the relevant legislation. The Government has added that this exclusion is due to the special problems of applying the various technical and administrative provisions in those working environments, but that attempts were being made to find a solution to these problems. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the reservations expressed by the Government, at the time of ratification, with respect to the application of the Convention to the maritime sector. The Committee would recall that Article 1, paragraph 2 of the Convention provides that exclusions from the application of the Convention of particular branches of economic activity may be made after consultation with the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned. The Government is requested to indicate the manner in which these organizations have been consulted concerning the exclusion of the maritime and aircraft sectors from the application of the Convention and to continue to inform the Office, in subsequent reports, of the position of its law and practice, and the extent to which effect has been given or is proposed to be given to the Convention, with respect to these sectors, in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article.

2. Article 4. The Committee notes the Government's indication that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour are preparing a document to be distributed to employers and supervisory bodies with respect to the application of Legislative Decree No. 277. The Government is requested to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 5, paragraph 4. The Committee notes the Government's indication in reply to its previous comment that no measures have been taken to ensure that workers' and employers' representatives have the opportunity to accompany inspectors while they are supervising the application of the measures prescribed under the Convention, unless the inspector considers that this may be prejudicial to the performance of his or her duties. The Government is requested to indicate in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to provide workers' and employers' representatives with this opportunity, in accordance with this Article of the Convention.

3. Article 8, paragraph 1. The Committee notes with interest that Legislative Decree No. 277 of 1991 establishes criteria for determining the hazards of exposure, and exposure limits, with respect to lead, asbestos and noise. It notes, furthermore, that section 58 of the Decree calls for provisions to be adopted concerning the assessment of hazards and establishment of exposure limits, in light of the available technical and scientific knowledge, with respect to chemical, physical and biological agents not regulated by the Decree. The Government also indicates in its report that the establishment of criteria to define the hazards of exposure to air pollution, noise and vibration is now being studied by a scientific committee set up under the EEC Commission whose mandate is to propose indicative exposure limits based on the assessment of scientific data. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on any measures taken to establish criteria for determining the hazards of exposure to air pollution (other than the substances already covered by existing legislation) and vibration and to indicate whether any exposure limits have been set on the basis of these criteria.

Article 9. The Committee notes with interest the provisions of Legislative Decree No. 277 of 1991 which call for technical and supplementary measures to be taken to prevent the hazards of exposure due to lead, asbestos and noise. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 24 of Act No. 833 empowers the Government to issue a Consolidated Act on safety at work, in particular concerning work reorganization so as to prevent occupational accidents and diseases. In its latest report, the Government has indicated that the time-limit for issuing these standards has expired and that no standards have been issued under this section. The Government adds that Parliament is currently examining a new Act to authorize the Government to issue safety standards which would, in particular, give effect to the EEC Directive 89/391 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in this regard and any other steps taken to ensure that technical or supplementary organizational measures are taken to keep the working environment free from any hazard due to air pollution or vibration.

Article 10. The Committee notes with interest that the Legislative Decree No. 277 of 1991 prescribes the use of personal protective equipment whenever it is not possible to avoid the hazards of exposure to lead, asbestos or noise by other means. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers are provided with suitable protective equipment whenever exposure to air pollution (other than the substances already covered by existing legislation) or vibration exceeds the limits specified by the competent authority.

Article 12. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that section 20(d) of Act No. 833 requires the notification of substances used by enterprises. In its latest report, the Government has indicated that enterprises must inform the local health unit of the substances present in the production process and their toxicological characteristics. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to require notification of processes, machinery and equipment, involving exposure of workers to air pollution, noise or vibration, to be specified by the competent authority.

Article 13. The Committee notes with interest the provisions in Legislative Decree No. 277 of 1991 which provide for workers to be instructed in the measures available for the prevention and control of, and protection against hazards due to lead, asbestos and noise. The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers receive similar instructions with respect to the hazards due to other types of air pollution and to vibration.

Article 15. The Committee notes from the Government's report that no progress has been made in the application of this Article. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on any measures taken to ensure that, on conditions and in circumstances determined by the competent authority, the employer appoints a competent person or service to deal with matters pertaining to the prevention and control of air pollution, noise and vibration.

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

The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government's latest report and the adoption of Legislative Decree No. 277 of 15 August 1991 which prescribes measures for the protection of workers against hazards of exposure due to lead, asbestos and noise. The Committee also notes the communications made by the Trade Union Association of Public Petrochemical Undertakings (ASAP) and the General Confederation of Commerce and Tourism (CONFCOMERCIO) transmitted by the Government with its report. The Government is requested to provide further information on the following points:

1. Article 1, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's indication, in its latest report, that workers in the maritime sector and on board aircrafts are excluded from the scope of application of the relevant legislation. The Government has added that this exclusion is due to the special problems of applying the various technical and administrative provisions in those working environments, but that attempts were being made to find a solution to these problems. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the reservations expressed by the Government, at the time of ratification, with respect to the application of the Convention to the maritime sector. The Committee would recall that Article 1, paragraph 2 of the Convention provides that exclusions from the application of the Convention of particular branches of economic activity may be made after consultation with the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned. The Government is requested to indicate the manner in which these organizations have been consulted concerning the exclusion of the maritime and aircraft sectors from the application of the Convention and to continue to inform the Office, in subsequent reports, of the position of its law and practice, and the extent to which effect has been given or is proposed to be given to the Convention, with respect to these sectors, in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article.

2. Article 4. The Committee notes the Government's indication that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour are preparing a document to be distributed to employers and supervisory bodies with respect to the application of Legislative Decree No. 277. The Government is requested to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 5, paragraph 4. The Committee notes the Government's indication in reply to its previous comment that no measures have been taken to ensure that workers' and employers' representatives have the opportunity to accompany inspectors while they are supervising the application of the measures prescribed under the Convention, unless the inspector considers that this may be prejudicial to the performance of his or her duties. The Government is requested to indicate in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to provide workers' and employers' representatives with this opportunity, in accordance with this Article of the Convention.

3. Article 8, paragraph 1. The Committee notes with interest that Legislative Decree No. 277 of 1991 establishes criteria for determining the hazards of exposure, and exposure limits, with respect to lead, asbestos and noise. It notes, furthermore, that section 58 of the Decree calls for provisions to be adopted concerning the assessment of hazards and establishment of exposure limits, in light of the available technical and scientific knowledge, with respect to chemical, physical and biological agents not regulated by the Decree. The Government also indicates in its report that the establishment of criteria to define the hazards of exposure to air pollution, noise and vibration is now being studied by a scientific committee set up under the EEC Commission whose mandate is to propose indicative exposure limits based on the assessment of scientific data. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on any measures taken to establish criteria for determining the hazards of exposure to air pollution (other than the substances already covered by existing legislation) and vibration and to indicate whether any exposure limits have been set on the basis of these criteria.

Article 9. The Committee notes with interest the provisions of Legislative Decree No. 277 of 1991 which call for technical and supplementary measures to be taken to prevent the hazards of exposure due to lead, asbestos and noise. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 24 of Act No. 833 empowers the Government to issue a Consolidated Act on safety at work, in particular concerning work reorganization so as to prevent occupational accidents and diseases. In its latest report, the Government has indicated that the time-limit for issuing these standards has expired and that no standards have been issued under this section. The Government adds that Parliament is currently examining a new Act to authorize the Government to issue safety standards which would, in particular, give effect to the EEC Directive 89/391 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in this regard and any other steps taken to ensure that technical or supplementary organizational measures are taken to keep the working environment free from any hazard due to air pollution or vibration.

Article 10. The Committee notes with interest that the Legislative Decree No. 277 of 1991 prescribes the use of personal protective equipment whenever it is not possible to avoid the hazards of exposure to lead, asbestos or noise by other means. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers are provided with suitable protective equipment whenever exposure to air pollution (other than the substances already covered by existing legislation) or vibration exceeds the limits specified by the competent authority.

Article 12. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that section 20(d) of Act No. 833 requires the notification of substances used by enterprises. In its latest report, the Government has indicated that enterprises must inform the local health unit of the substances present in the production process and their toxicological characteristics. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to require notification of processes, machinery and equipment, involving exposure of workers to air pollution, noise or vibration, to be specified by the competent authority.

Article 13. The Committee notes with interest the provisions in Legislative Decree No. 277 of 1991 which provide for workers to be instructed in the measures available for the prevention and control of, and protection against hazards due to lead, asbestos and noise. The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers receive similar instructions with respect to the hazards due to other types of air pollution and to vibration.

Article 15. The Committee notes from the Government's report that no progress has been made in the application of this Article. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on any measures taken to ensure that, on conditions and in circumstances determined by the competent authority, the employer appoints a competent person or service to deal with matters pertaining to the prevention and control of air pollution, noise and vibration.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee notes with interest the information supplied in the Government's first and second reports on the application of the Convention, as well as the observations made by the General Confederation of Italian Agriculture and the Confindustria and transmitted by the Government.

1. Article 1, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the Government's indication in its first report that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity. In view of the reservations which had been expressed by the Government at the time of ratification in respect of the maritime sector, the Committee requests the Government to confirm, in its next report, its position in this regard.

2. The Committee would recall that specific measures concerning the prevention and control of, and protection against, occupational hazards in the working environment due to air pollution, noise and vibration need to be taken in order to ensure the full application of Part III of the Convention. It therefore requests the Government to provide further information on the following points:

Article 8, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the criteria established by the competent authority for determining the hazards of exposure to air pollution, noise and vibration and to indicate whether the opinions of technically competent persons designated by the most representative employers' and workers' organisations are taken into account in the elaboration of these criteria. The Committee notes with interest that the collective agreement for the National Enterprise for the Petrochemical Industry (Chimici Eni) contains threshold limit values recommended by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the provisions of any other collective agreements which set forth exposure limits with regard to air pollution, noise and vibration and to indicate the progress made towards specifying exposure limits in this regard for all branches of economic activity. Finally, the Committee notes that section 24, paragraphs 2 and 14 of Act No. 833 of 23 December 1978 to establish the National Health Service refer to rules to be drafted by the Ministry of Labour to ensure the revision of regulations concerning safety and health. By virtue of section 24, a consolidated Act on safety at work was to have been issued by the Government by 31 December 1979. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of this consolidated Act, if it has been adopted, and to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the criteria and exposure limits provided for in accordance with this Article of the Convention are supplemented and revised regularly in the light of current national and international knowledge and data.

Article 9. The Committee notes that section 24 of Act No. 833 empowers the Government to issue a Consolidated Act on safety at work, in particular concerning work reorganisation so as to prevent occupational accidents and diseases. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the steps which have been taken in accordance with this section to ensure that technical or supplementary organisational measures are taken to keep the working environment free from any hazard due to air pollution, noise or vibration.

Article 10. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that employers provide workers with suitable personal protective equipment whenever air pollution, noise and vibration limits exceed the limits specified by the competent authority.

Article 11, paragraph 2. The Committee notes from the information supplied in the Government's report and the observations made by the Confindustria that, in practice, the medical examinations are given free of cost to the worker concerned. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that these examinations are provided at no cost to the worker.

Paragraph 3. The Government has indicated that suitable alternative employment or income maintenance is provided to workers who have been medically advised to stop any work involving exposure to asbestos or silica. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure the application of this provision to workers who are medically advised not to continue in work assignments involving exposure to air pollution, noise or vibration.

Paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether implementation of this Convention has any adverse affects on the rights of workers under social security or social insurance legislation.

Article 12. Section 20(d) of Act No. 833 requires the notification of substances used by enterprises, their toxic characteristics and the possible affects on human beings and the environment. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the competent authorities have also specified the processes, machinery and equipment involving exposure of workers to air pollution, noise and vibration, use of which also requires notification. It also requests the Government to indicate whether the competent authority is empowered to prescribe conditions for the use of any of these processes, substances, machinery or equipment or prohibit such use.

Article 13. Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 303 of 19 March 1956 concerning general occupational health regulations provides that the employer has a general duty to inform workers of the health hazards associated with their work and ways of preventing these hazards. Article 13(b) of the Convention, however, also provides that workers shall be adequately instructed (not merely informed) in the measures available for the prevention and control of and protection against hazards due to air pollution, noise and vibration. The Committee, therefore, requests the Government to indicate steps taken to ensure that workers are adequately instructed, by means of training or other forms of practical instruction, in the prevention, protection and control measures.

Article 15. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the conditions and circumstances determined by the competent authority in which employers are required to appoint a competent person to deal with matters pertaining to the prevention and control of air pollution, noise and vibration in the working environment.

3. Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the technical standards, codes of practice or other appropriate methods adopted to ensure the practical implementation of the Convention.

Article 5, paragraphs 1 and 4. The Committee notes the Government's statement in its report that it is standard practice to consult the social partners with regard to the preparation of safety and health regulations. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that, in giving effect to the provisions of this Convention, the competent authority acts in consultation with the most representative employers' and workers' organisations. It also notes that it is standard practice for labour inspectors to invite workers' representatives to accompany them on their inspections, whenever this is considered necessary. The Committee would recall that under Article 5, paragraph 4, of the Convention, employers' and workers' representatives should generally have the opportunity to accompany inspectors while they are supervising the application of the measures prescribed under the Convention, except in cases where the labour inspectors consider, in light of general instructions established by the competent authority, that this may be prejudicial to the performance of their duties. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken in this regard.