Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - Ecuador (Ratification: 1990)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report in reply to its previous comments. It requests the Government to supply further information, in its next report, on the points raised below.

Article 2 of the Convention. In its previous comments the Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures taken to define asbestos dust, airborne asbestos dust and exposure to asbestos in order to ensure a clear understanding of the meaning of the legislation. The Committee notes the Government's indication in its report that authorities use the technical definitions contained in specialized documentation. The Committee notes in this regard that the definitions used correspond to the definitions contained in this Article of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to include such definitions in the national regulations.

Article 3, paragraph 1; Article 6, paragraph 1; and Article 16. The Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that the regulation on the use of asbestos in safe conditions is still pending before the Ministry of Labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this regard.

Article 5, paragraph 1. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government's indication that not enough inspections have been carried out in small repair shops which rebuild automobile clutches. The Government indicates in its latest report that the labour inspectorate is seeking to expand its coverage and improve labour inspection service through intervention by the Department of Occupational Safety and Hygiene of the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether labour inspection has improved, particularly with respect to the repair shops noted above.

Article 7. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments on the adoption of the draft regulations setting forth the specific responsibilities of workers with respect to asbestos, and to transmit a copy of the text once it is adopted.

Article 9(a) and (b). In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government's indication that authorization and notification will be covered in the draft asbestos regulations. The Government indicates in its latest report that these asbestos regulations will set forth the most suitable measures for efficient control. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments on the adoption of the asbestos regulations prescribing control measures, and to transmit a copy of the relevant text once it is adopted.

Article 10(b). The Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that the Asbestos Recommendation 6.1 provides for the replacement of asbestos or of certain types of asbestos or products containing asbestos by other materials or products. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether any measures have been taken to prohibit, totally or partially, the use of asbestos or products containing asbestos in certain work processes.

Article 11, paragraph 2. The Committee requests the Government to indicate in its future reports any derogations from the prohibition of the use of crocidolite which might have been granted.

Article 12, paragraph 2. The Committee requests the Government to indicate in its future reports any derogations from the prohibition of spraying asbestos which might have been granted.

Article 17, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that regulations will be issued prescribing rigorous control measures applicable to demolition work. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect and to provide a copy of the relevant text once it is adopted.

Article 21, paragraph 4. The Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that currently, it is not possible to offer affected workers other means of income, although social security benefits are available for those cases of serious financial need. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether any additional efforts have been made to ensure other means of income to all workers exposed to asbestos for whom continued exposure is medically inadvisable.