Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Syrian Arab Republic (RATIFICATION: 1964)

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

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.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report in reply to its previous comments regarding Article 8 of the Convention (appropriate levels of exposure for workers not directly engaged in radiation work).

Articles 2 and 3. Application of the Convention to all activities involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations in the course of their work. Measures to ensure protection of workers in the light of knowledge available. Occupational exposure limits during emergency situations. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria is responsible for measuring and monitoring radiation levels in the workplace and for carrying out inspections in undertakings where activities involve exposure of workers to ionizing radiation. In this respect, the Committee would like to draw the attention of the Government to paragraphs 17–23 and 36–37 of its 2015 general observation, where it indicates that individual exposure in emergency situations should be optimized, with appropriate boundaries of reference levels. Such reference levels should be selected to be within, or if possible below, the 20–100 mSv band. Measures are to be taken to ensure that no emergency worker is subject to an exposure in an emergency in excess of 50 mSv. In exceptional situations, informed emergency workers may volunteer to receive a higher dose only: (a) for the purposes of saving a life or preventing serious injury; (b) when undertaking actions to prevent severe deterministic effects and actions to prevent the development of catastrophic conditions that could significantly affect people and the environment; or (c) when undertaking actions to avert a large collective dose. Response organizations (as defined in note No. 19 of the general observation, “A response organization is an organization designated or otherwise recognized by a State as being responsible for managing or implementing any aspect of an emergency response”) and employers should ensure that emergency workers who undertake actions in exceptional circumstances in which the doses received might exceed 50 mSv do so voluntarily, have been clearly and comprehensively informed in advance of the associated health risks, as well as of available measures for protection and safety and that they are, to the extent possible, trained in the actions they may be required to take. Therefore, acknowledging the difficult situation in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the boundaries of reference levels for the exposure of workers in emergency situations, as well as the exceptional circumstances and the conditions in which emergency workers might be subject to an exposure in excess of 50 mSv.

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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.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report in reply to its previous comments regarding Article 8 of the Convention (appropriate levels of exposure for workers not directly engaged in radiation work).

Articles 2 and 3. Application of the Convention to all activities involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations in the course of their work. Measures to ensure protection of workers in the light of knowledge available. Occupational exposure limits during emergency situations. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria is responsible for measuring and monitoring radiation levels in the workplace and for carrying out inspections in undertakings where activities involve exposure of workers to ionizing radiation. In this respect, the Committee would like to draw the attention of the Government to paragraphs 17–23 and 36–37 of its 2015 general observation, where it indicates that individual exposure in emergency situations should be optimized, with appropriate boundaries of reference levels. Such reference levels should be selected to be within, or if possible below, the 20–100 mSv band. Measures are to be taken to ensure that no emergency worker is subject to an exposure in an emergency in excess of 50 mSv. In exceptional situations, informed emergency workers may volunteer to receive a higher dose only: (a) for the purposes of saving a life or preventing serious injury; (b) when undertaking actions to prevent severe deterministic effects and actions to prevent the development of catastrophic conditions that could significantly affect people and the environment; or (c) when undertaking actions to avert a large collective dose. Response organizations (as defined in note No. 19 of the general observation, “A response organization is an organization designated or otherwise recognized by a State as being responsible for managing or implementing any aspect of an emergency response”) and employers should ensure that emergency workers who undertake actions in exceptional circumstances in which the doses received might exceed 50 mSv do so voluntarily, have been clearly and comprehensively informed in advance of the associated health risks, as well as of available measures for protection and safety and that they are, to the extent possible, trained in the actions they may be required to take. Therefore, acknowledging the difficult situation in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the boundaries of reference levels for the exposure of workers in emergency situations, as well as the exceptional circumstances and the conditions in which emergency workers might be subject to an exposure in excess of 50 mSv.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s latest report, including the adoption of the legislative Decree No. 64 of 2005, and the Prime Minister’s Decree No. 134 of 2007 on Radiation Protection and Safety and Security of Radiation Sources in Syria, which appears to give further effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee also notes the response provided regarding effect given to Articles 3(1) and 6(2) of the Convention on the exposure limits for pregnant workers; and Article 7(2), on the prohibition of work involving ionising radiations for workers under the age of 16. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regards to the Convention, and to submit a copy of Decree No. 64 of 2005 and Decree No. 134 of 2007.

Article 8. Exposure limits for workers not directly engaged in radiation work. The Committee notes the information that section 59 of Decree No. 134 of 2007 stipulates that employers shall ensure, in the same manner as for the general public, the protection of workers who may be exposed to radiation sources which have no relation to their work. The Committee also notes the Government’s response indicating that medical exposure, pursuant to section 1 of Decree No. 134 of 2007, is defined as the exposure of sick persons as part of their medical or dental diagnosis or treatment; exposures (other than occupational) incurred knowingly and willingly by individuals helping in the support and comfort of patients undergoing treatment; and exposure incurred by volunteers as part of medical research. The Committee notes the information that section 15 of the abovementioned Decree deals with dose limits for workers and the non-applicability of permissible dose limits in cases of authorized medical exposure, and that Annex II of the Decree specifies dose limits for persons accompanying patients and for volunteers in the field of medical research as 5 mSv during the diagnosis or treatment of any patient and less than 1 mSv for child visitors. The Committee asks the Government to indicate, in the light of paragraph 14 of its 1992 general observation on the Convention, the measures undertaken or envisaged to revise the dose limits currently in force for medical exposure concerning individuals helping in the support and comfort of patients undergoing treatment; and exposure incurred by medical research volunteers.

Occupational exposure limits during emergency situations. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that a National Emergency Plan has been established by virtue of Decree No. 1427 of 2002 in order to respond to emergency cases, and that section 10 of Decree No. 64 of 2005 provides that the Atomic Energy Authority shall be responsible for building national capacity to respond to radioactive or nuclear emergencies. The Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of the abovementioned National Emergency Plan and to indicate, with reference to paragraphs 16 to 27 and 35(c) of the Committee’s 1992 general observation on the Convention, and paragraphs V.27 and V.30 of the Basic Safety Standards on Radiation Protection issued in 1994, the circumstances in which exceptional exposure of workers, exceeding the normally tolerated dose limit, is to be allowed for immediate and urgent remedial work.

Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the information that section 15 of Decree No. 64 of 2005 stipulates that the responsibility of the Atomic Energy Authority is to conduct inspections of facilities and sites in which radiation sources are used and to appoint inspectors to conduct these inspections, and that section 16 provides that the inspectors have the capacity of judicial police. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of the Convention, including the number and nature of contraventions reported and the measures taken to remedy them.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government’s latest report, including the adoption of the legislative Decree No. 64 of 2005, and the Prime Minister’s Decree No. 134 of 2007 on Radiation Protection and Safety and Security of Radiation Sources in Syria, which appears to give further effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee also notes the response provided regarding effect given to Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6 paragraph 2, of the Convention on the exposure limits for pregnant workers; and Article 7, paragraph 2, on the prohibition of work involving ionising radiations for workers under the age of 16. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regards to the Convention, and to submit a copy of Decree No. 64 of 2005 and Decree No. 134 of 2007.

Article 8. Exposure limits for workers not directly engaged in radiation work. The Committee notes the information that section 59 of Decree No. 134 of 2007 stipulates that employers shall ensure, in the same manner as for the general public, the protection of workers who may be exposed to radiation sources which have no relation to their work. The Committee also notes the Government’s response indicating that medical exposure, pursuant to section 1 of Decree No. 134 of 2007, is defined as the exposure of sick persons as part of their medical or dental diagnosis or treatment; exposures (other than occupational) incurred knowingly and willingly by individuals helping in the support and comfort of patients undergoing treatment; and exposure incurred by volunteers as part of medical research. The Committee notes the information that section 15 of the abovementioned Decree deals with dose limits for workers and the non-applicability of permissible dose limits in cases of authorized medical exposure, and that Annex II of the Decree specifies dose limits for persons accompanying patients and for volunteers in the field of medical research as 5 mSv during the diagnosis or treatment of any patient and less than 1 mSv for child visitors. The Committee asks the Government to indicate, in the light of paragraph 14 of its 1992 general observation on the Convention, the measures undertaken or envisaged to revise the dose limits currently in force for medical exposure concerning individuals helping in the support and comfort of patients undergoing treatment; and exposure incurred by medical research volunteers.

Occupational exposure limits during emergency situations. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that a National Emergency Plan has been established by virtue of Decree No. 1427 of 2002 in order to respond to emergency cases, and that section 10 of Decree No. 64 of 2005 provides that the Atomic Energy Authority shall be responsible for building national capacity to respond to radioactive or nuclear emergencies. The Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of the abovementioned National Emergency Plan and to indicate, with reference to paragraphs 16 to 27 and 35(c) of the Committee’s 1992 general observation on the Convention, and paragraphs V.27 and V.30 of the Basic Safety Standards on Radiation Protection issued in 1994, the circumstances in which exceptional exposure of workers, exceeding the normally tolerated dose limit, is to be allowed for immediate and urgent remedial work.

Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the information that section 15 of Decree No. 64 of 2005 stipulates that the responsibility of the Atomic Energy Authority is to conduct inspections of facilities and sites in which radiation sources are used and to appoint inspectors to conduct these inspections, and that section 16 provides that the inspectors have the capacity of judicial police. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of the Convention, including the number and nature of contraventions reported and the measures taken to remedy them.

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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report. It notes in particular the information supplied by the Government with regard to Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

The Committee notes, however, that the Government’s report contains no reply to the following points, which have been the subject of the Committee’s previous comments. It is therefore bound to draw the Government’s attention again to the following points.

1. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Atomic Energy Commission has issued Order No. 99/112, in application of section 4 of Order No. 6514 of 1997, which empowers the latter to issue regulations providing for protection and safety requirements in relation to all activities involving exposure of persons to ionizing radiations. In this respect, the Committee notes that section 6(a), in conjunction with Annex II of Order No. 99/112 of 1999 provides for maximum permissible dose limits of the different categories of workers and the general public, which are consistent with the dose limits recommended by the ICRP in 1990 and which were reflected in the 1994 International Basic Safety Standards developed under the auspices of the IAEA, the ILO, the WHO and three other international organizations. However, by virtue of section 6(b) of the abovementioned Order, the established maximum permissible doses are not applicable in cases of authorized medical exposure. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to ensure effective protection of workers exposed to ionizing radiation under these conditions. It further requests the Government to indicate whether special dose limits for pregnant women workers directly engaged in radiation work have been established. If this is not the case, the Committee would invite the Government to consider the possible incorporation of special dose limits of exposure to ionizing radiations for pregnant women workers. In this respect, the Committee would draw the Government’s attention to paragraph 13 of its 1992 general observation under the Convention referring to the pertinent values recommended by the ICRP, which would provide some guidance for the Government in this matter.

2. Article 7, paragraph 2. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Order No. 1112 of 1973 has been repealed. While section 3 of Order No. 1112 of 1973 provided for a general interdiction to engage workers under the age of 16 in work involving ionizing radiations, Order No. 99/112 does not contain an equivalent provision prohibiting the employment of workers under the age of 16 in radiation work. The Committee further notes that, according to the Government, a new order concerning the protection of workers against ionizing radiations will be adopted and promulgated soon replacing Orders Nos. 269 of 1977 and 1112 of 1973. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate whether this order has been adopted yet and, if that is the case, to indicate whether it guarantees that young workers under the age of 16 cannot be engaged in work involving ionizing radiations. It also asks the Government to supply a copy of the new order upon its adoption.

3. Article 8. The Committee notes that Order No. 99/112 of 1999 does not contain provisions prescribing dose limits for non-radiation workers. However, paragraph 1(a) of Annex II to Order No. 99/112 establishes a permissible annual dose limit of 1 mSv for the general public, without indicating whether this value is equally applicable to workers who are not directly engaged in radiation work, but who remain or pass where they may be exposed to ionizing radiations. Referring once again to paragraph 14 of its 1992 general observation under the Convention, the Committee recalls that the employer has the same obligations towards workers not engaged in radiation work, as far as restricting their radiation exposure is concerned, as if they were members of the general public with respect to the sources or practices under the employer’s control. Hence, the dose limits should be those applied to the individual members of the public, which is 1 mSv per year, in accordance with the recommendations of the ICRP adopted in 1990. In this context, the Committee notes that only for persons who are visiting patients at hospital or working in hospitals as volunteers to provide help to the patients when the diagnosis is established and during their prescribed treatment, section 6 in conjunction with paragraph 1(b), subparagraph 1, of Annex II to Order No. 9/112 fixes a dose limit of 5 mSv for exposure to ionizing radiations. The Committee accordingly invites the Government to take the necessary measures to establish the dose limits for non-radiation workers, in conformity with the 1990 ICRP recommendations. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to revise the dose limits currently in force for the persons working in hospitals without being employed by the hospital in the light of the abovementioned ICRP recommendations.

4. Occupational exposure during emergency situations. With regard to workers’ exposure to ionizing radiations during emergency situations, the Government indicates that the Atomic Energy Commission, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency in the framework of a pilot scheme to ensure protection against ionizing radiations in the East and West Asian countries, elaborates an emergency plan covering all levels of action (government, undertakings and laboratories). At an appropriate stage, the Atomic Energy Commission will invite all parties concerned to participate in the implementation of this emergency plan. The Committee, taking due note of the information, hopes that such emergency plans will be established in the near future. It requests the Government to supply information on any progress achieved in this respect.

5. Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that approximately 50 inspectors are assigned to supervise the strict application of the Convention, such as to evaluate the conditions in which the workers are exposed with regard to pollutants found in the working environment. These inspectors are empowered to take immediate steps to remedy the defects observed at enterprises concerning appliances or methods of work representing a danger for safety and health of the workers, in collaboration with the employer to maintain the workers’ safety and health. Then, they draw up a minute indicating the infractions stated in order to bring the matter and the person responsible before the courts. However, if the inspector considers an infraction as not representing any danger, he nevertheless draws up a minute indicating the person responsible to bring this person before the courts so that adequate measures could be taken against him. The Committee, noting this development with interest, invites the Government to continue to supply information on the practical application of the Convention in the country.

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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report. It notes with interest the adoption of Order No. 6514 of 8 December 1997, issued by the Council of Ministers, and Order No. 99/112 of 3 February 1999, issued by the Atomic Energy Commission, on the general protection against ionizing radiation. Further to its previous comments, the Committee would draw the Government’s attention to the following points.

1. Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes the indications of the Atomic Energy Commission annexed to the Government’s report that it supervises the application of the provisions concerning the protection against ionizing radiation of workers in both the public and the private sector, in accordance with section 1 of Order No. 6514 of 1997. To this effect, the Atomic Energy Commission only needs information on the workplace where workers are exposed to radioactivity and the identity of the person responsible. In this context, the Committee notes that, pursuant to section 3 of Order No. 99/112 of 1999, the regulations on the general protection against ionizing radiation apply to all activities, which involve or could involve exposure of persons to ionizing radiations. In addition, according to section 6 of Order No. 6514 of 1997, the exercise of any activity in relation with ionizing radiation is subject to authorization, issued by the Atomic Energy Commission. Hence, no activity is excluded from the application of the provisions concerning the protection of workers against ionizing radiation. The Committee further notes that by virtue of section 10 of Order No. 99/112 of 1999, in well-justified cases the Atomic Energy Commission may grant exemptions from the particular requirements established for receiving the authorization. The Committee would request the Government to indicate whether such exemptions have been granted and, to specify the criteria which would justify such an exemption, in accordance with section 10 of Order No. 99/112.

2. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 1. The Committee notes with interest that the Atomic Energy Commission has issued Order No. 99/112, in application of section 4 of Order No. 6514 of 1997, which empowers the latter to issue regulations providing for protection and safety requirements in relation to all activities involving exposure of persons to ionizing radiations. In this respect, the Committee notes with interest that section 6(a), in conjunction with Annex II of Order No. 99/112 of 1999 provides for maximum permissible dose limits of the different categories of workers and the general public, which are consistent with the dose limits recommended by the ICRP in 1990 and which were reflected in the 1994 International Basic Safety Standards developed under the auspices of the IAEA, the ILO, the WHO and three other international organizations. However, by virtue of section 6(b) of the above Order, the established maximum permissible doses are not applicable in cases of authorized medical exposure. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to ensure effective protection of workers exposed to ionizing radiation under these conditions. It further requests the Government to indicate whether special dose limits for pregnant women workers directly engaged in radiation work have been established. If this is not the case, the Committee would invite the Government to consider the possible incorporation of special dose limits of exposure to ionizing radiations for pregnant women workers. In this respect, the Committee would draw the Government’s attention to paragraph 13 of its 1992 general observation under the Convention referring to the pertinent values recommended by the ICRP, which would provide some guidance for the Government in this matter.

3. Article 7, paragraph 2. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Order No. 1112 of 1973 has been repealed. While section 3 of Order No. 1112 of 1973 provided for a general interdiction to engage workers under the age of 16 in work involving ionizing radiations, Order No. 99/112 does not contain an equivalent provision prohibiting the employment of workers under the age of 16 in radiation work. The Committee further notes that, according to the Government, a new order concerning the protection of workers against ionizing radiations will be adopted and promulgated soon replacing Orders Nos. 269 of 1977 and 1112 of 1973. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate whether this order has been adopted yet and, if that is the case, to indicate whether it guarantees that young workers under the age of 16 cannot be engaged in work involving ionizing radiations. It also asks the Government to supply a copy of the new order upon its adoption.

4. Article 8. The Committee notes that Order No. 99/112 of 1999 does not contain provisions prescribing dose limits for non-radiation workers. However, paragraph 1(a) of Annex II to Order No. 99/112 establishes a permissible annual dose limit of 1 mSv for the general public, without indicating whether this value is equally applicable to workers who are not directly engaged in radiation work, but who remain or pass where they may be exposed to ionizing radiations. Referring once again to paragraph 14 of its 1992 general observation under the Convention, the Committee recalls that the employer has the same obligations towards workers not engaged in radiation work, as far as restricting their radiation exposure is concerned, as if they were members of the general public with respect to the sources or practices under the employer’s control. Hence, the dose limits should be those applied to the individual members of the public, which is 1 mSv per year, in accordance with the Recommendations of the ICRP adopted in 1990. In this context, the Committee notes that only for persons who are visiting patients at hospital or working in hospitals as volunteers to provide help to the patients when the diagnosis is established and during their prescribed treatment, section 6 in conjunction with paragraph 1(b), subparagraph 1 of Annex II to the Order No. 99/112 fixes a dose limit of 5 mSv for exposure to ionizing radiations. The Committee accordingly invites the Government to take the necessary measures to establish the dose limits for non-radiation workers, in conformity with the 1990 ICRP Recommendations. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to revise the dose limits currently in force for the persons working in hospitals without being employed by the hospital in the light of the abovementioned ICRP Recommendations.

5. Occupational exposure during emergency situations. With regard to workers’ exposure to ionizing radiations during emergency situations, the Government indicates that the Atomic Energy Commission in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency in the framework of a pilot scheme to ensure protection against ionizing radiations in the East and West Asian countries, elaborates an emergency plan covering all levels of action (government, undertakings and laboratories). At an appropriate stage, the Atomic Energy Commission will invite all parties concerned to participate in the implementation of this emergency plan. The Committee, taking due note of the information, hopes that such emergency plans will be established in the near future. It requests the Government to supply information on any progress achieved in this respect.

6. Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that approximately 50 inspectors are assigned to supervise the strict application of the Convention, such as to evaluate the conditions in which the workers are exposed with regard to pollutants found in the working environment. These inspectors are empowered to take immediate steps to remedy the defects observed at enterprises concerning appliances or methods of work representing a danger for safety and health of the workers, in collaboration with the employer to maintain the workers’ safety and health. Then, they draw up a minute indicating the infractions stated in order to bring the matter and the person responsible before the courts. However, if the inspector considers an infraction as not representing any danger, he nevertheless draws up a minute indicating the person responsible to bring this person before the courts so that adequate measures could be taken against him. The Committee, noting this development with interest, invites the Government to continue to supply information on the practical application of the Convention in the country.

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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its latest report, dating from 7 December 1994. It further notes the adoption, in 1989, of the Basic Safety Standards for Radiation Protection.

1. Noting from the Government's report that the recommendations issued by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) are applied to all public sector operators and most private sector operators which deal with radiation in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Committee would request the Government to specify the private sectors excluded, and to supply information on steps taken or envisaged in the light of Article 2, paragraph, 1 of the Convention.

2. In its general observation of 1992 under the Convention, the Committee drew attention to the revised dose limits established on the basis of new physiological findings by the International Commission for Radiological Protection in its publication No. 60 (1991). These recommendations have a bearing on the application of the Convention, in view of the references to knowledge available at the time and current knowledge included in Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee would request the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to amend the dose limits in the light of current knowledge as reflected in the 1990 Recommendations of the ICRP and the International Basic Safety Standards of 1994 jointly sponsored by the IAEA, WHO, ILO and three other international organizations, which are based on the ICRP Recommendations.

3. Article 8. Referring to paragraph 14 of its general observation of 1992 under the Convention, the Committee recalls that the employer has the same obligations towards workers not engaged in radiation work, as far as restricting their radiation exposure is concerned, as if they were members of the public with respect to sources or practices under the employer's control. The dose limits should be those applied to individual members of the public. The annual dose limit for these remains at 1 mSv under the new ICRP Recommendations. While noting that under section 4/318 of the 1989 Basic Safety Standards individuals who work in restricted areas on a temporary basis or from time to time, such as for maintenance or reparations, shall be ensured the same safety measures as the radiation workers, the Committee would request the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to revise the dose limits regarding this category of workers as reflected in the ICRP Recommendations of 1990.

4. Occupational exposure during emergency situations. Referring to the explanations given in paragraphs 16 to 27 and 35(c) of its 1992 general observation and in light of paragraphs 233 and 236 of the 1994 International Basic Safety Standards, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or contemplated in relation to emergency situations, in particular with respect to measures to ensure that exceptional exposure of workers in an emergency is strictly limited in scope and duration to what is required to meet an acute danger to life and health; to preclude situations wherein workers or other volunteers may be exposed to radiation for the purpose of rescuing items of material value during emergency situations; and to ensure the necessary investments in robotized or other techniques of intervention aimed at minimizing the exposure of workers.

5. Part V of the report form. In response to the Committee's previous direct request concerning inspection services, the Government indicates that, under 50 of the Social Insurance Act No. 91, it has set up an integrated occupational health service responsible for various industrial and specialized establishments in the country and for evaluating the conditions of exposure of workers in these establishments to the dangers of contamination of the working environment. The Committee notes this development with interest and requests the Government to supply, in its next report, information regarding the specific tasks of the inspectors with regard to radiation work, the number of personnel assigned for this purpose and, in particular, whether they are empowered to take steps with a view to the remedying of defects observed in the installations, apparatus or work procedures that could constitute a threat to the health and safety of workers.

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1. In its previous direct request, the Committee had noted that a draft Order concerning the protection of workers against ionising radiations had been prepared to replace Order No. 269 of 1977 and Order No. 1112 of 1973, taking into account the Committee's previous comments and international recommendations. The Committee notes from the Government's latest report that the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Social Insurance Institute has studied the situation in order to elaborate a new draft decree which would take into account the comments made by the Committee as concerns the maximum permissible level of exposure to ionising radiation and the criteria for establishing these levels, as well as the measures to be taken and dose limits set for abnormal situations. In this regard, the Committee would call the Government's attention to its General Observation under this Convention which sets forth the revised exposure limits established on the basis of new physiological findings by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in its 1990 Recommendations (Publication No. 60). The Committee would recall that, under Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, all appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure effective protection of workers against ionising radiations and to review maximum permissible doses of ionising radiations in the light of current knowledge.

The Committee hopes that the draft Order will be adopted in the near future and that current knowledge, as reflected in the General Observation, will have been taken into account in its elaboration. The Government is requested to provide a copy of the Order as soon as it is adopted and to indicate the manner in which the representatives of employers' and workers' organisations were consulted in its elaboration, in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention.

2. Point V of the report form. As the Government's report did not contain a reply to this point of the Committee's previous comments, the Government is once again requested to provide information on the organisation of the inspection services carried out by the Social Insurance Institute and to indicate how the Convention is applied in practice.

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1. The Committee notes with interest from the Government's report that a draft Order concerning the protection of workers against ionising radiations has been prepared as a result of a meeting with physicians from the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Social Insurance Institute, in order to replace Order No. 269 of 1977 and Order No. 1112 of 1973. It notes the Government's statement that the Committee's previous comments were examined by the meeting and that the draft will fix the maximum permissible dose levels taking into account current international recommendations, and the worker's sex, age and health, and will specify measures to be taken in cases of emergency, such as leaks or breakages in radioactive sources. The Committee hopes that the draft Order will be adopted in the near future and that it will give full effect to Article 6, paragraph 2, Article 7, paragraph 1(b), and Article 13 of the Convention. It draws attention to its general observation of 1987 and also hopes that representatives of employers' and workers' organisations will be consulted on the draft Order before its adoption, in conformity with Article 1 of the Convention.

2. While noting the Government's statement that the use of radioactive substances is limited to hospitals where nuclear medicine units are located, the Committee again requests the Government to provide information on the organisation of the inspection services carried out by the Social Insurance Institute, and the practical application of the Convention, in accordance with point V of the report form adopted by the Governing Body of the ILO.