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Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Ecuador (RATIFICATION: 1970)

General observation of 2015. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2015 under this Convention, and in particular to the request for information contained in paragraph 30 thereof.

Articles 3(1) and 6(2) of the Convention. Protection measures adopted in the light of current knowledge. With reference to its previous comment, the Committee notes that the Government has not provided information on the measures taken to bring the Regulations on radiological safety of 1979 into conformity with current knowledge, as envisaged by the Convention. In this regard, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the fact that current knowledge in the area of protection against ionizing radiation is summarized in its 2015 general observation. The Committee once again requests the Government to adopt all the necessary measures to give effect to these provisions of the Convention, taking into consideration the 2015 general observation.

Article 7. Prohibition of engaging young workers in radiation work. The Committee notes that, under section 62(2) of the Regulations on the safety and health of workers and the improvement of the working environment, persons under 18 years of age and pregnant women are prohibited from performing any type of work subject to the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation.

Article 14. Discontinuation of assignment to work involving exposure to ionizing radiation pursuant to medical advice and alternative employment. The Committee notes section 11(7) of the Regulations on the safety and health of workers and the improvement of the working environment, which establishes the general requirement for employers to move workers to another section of the enterprise, without reducing their remuneration if, as a result of their work, they suffer injury or contract an occupational disease. It also notes section 62(11) of the Regulations, which establishes that, if workers who have been exposed to ionizing radiation are suspected, following medical examination, to have absorbed the maximum permissible dose in any of their organs or tissues, they shall be transferred to another job that is risk free.

Technical assistance. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it considers it appropriate to request ILO technical assistance to give effect to the Convention, in view of the limited progress made with regard to the legislation.