Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) - Guinea (Ratification: 1977)

1. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's latest report. The Government has indicated that the draft decree concerning occupational cancer elaborated with the assistance of the ILO gives full effect to the provisions of the Convention enumerated in the Committee's previous comments. The Committee takes due note of this indication. It hopes that accordingly, the necessary provisions will soon be adopted for the protection of workers against hazards arising from benzene which were not clearly provided for in Order No. 2265 of 9 April 1982. In particular, while the Order tends to set forth general principles concerning the use of benzene, further measures are required to ensure the practical application of these principles; in so far as these measures are not specified in the draft decree concerning occupational cancer, the Government is requested to indicate whether it envisages amending the Order or supplementing it with administrative circulars or technical directives in order to ensure the application of the following provisions:

Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee had noted that section 3 of Order No. 2265 concerning the protection of workers against hazards arising from benzene provided that the use of benzene as a solvent or diluent was prohibited, except where the process is carried out in an enclosed system or where there are other equally safe methods of work. The Government is requested to indicate the work processes which are considered to be as safe as using an enclosed system and to indicate the manner in which it is ensured that, whenever benzene is used as a solvent or diluent, the process is carried out in an enclosed system or where there are other equally safe methods of work.

Article 5. The Committee had noted that section 4 of the Order provided that occupational hygiene and technical measures shall be taken to ensure effective protection of workers exposed to benzene. The Government is requested to indicate the types of measures referred to in this Order and to indicate the manner in which it is ensured that such measures are taken in workplaces involving exposure to benzene.

Article 6, paragraph 1. The Committee had noted that section 5(1) of the Order provided that measures must be taken to prevent the escape of benzene vapour into the air of places of employment. The Government is requested to indicate the kinds of measures which must be taken in this regard and the manner in which it is ensured that such measures are taken in the workplace.

Article 6, paragraph 3. The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken or envisaged by the competent authority to issue directions concerning the measurement of the concentration of benzene in the air of places of employment.

Article 7, paragraph 2. The Committee had noted that section 6(2) of the Order provided for the removal of benzene vapour. The Government is requested to indicate the types of measures envisaged for the removal of benzene vapour and the manner in which it is ensured that such measures are taken in the workplace.

Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee had noted that, under section 7(1) and (2) of the Order, workers shall be provided with personal protection against benzene. The Government is requested to specify the means of personal protection with which workers exposed to benzene must be equipped and the manner in which it is ensured that such personal protective equipment is provided to workers.

Article 13. The Government is requested to indicate the steps taken to ensure that workers exposed to benzene are provided with appropriate instructions on measures to safeguard health and prevent accidents, as well as on the appropriate action if there is any evidence of poisoning.

2. The Committee had noted in its previous comments that no measures existed to give effect to the following provisions of the Convention: Article 6, paragraph 2 (a maximum permissible concentration of benzene in the air of 25 parts per million); Article 8, paragraph 2 (the limitation of duration of exposure for workers who are, for special reasons, exposed to concentrations of benzene in the air exceeding the established maximum). The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken to ensure the application of these provisions and to transmit copies of any draft texts being considered in this regard.

3. The Government is requested to provide any pertinent extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of employed persons covered by the relevant legislation and other measures, and the number and nature of contraventions reported, as requested under point IV of the report form.