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

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ratification: 1962)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its latest report. It notes in particular the Government's indication that it plans to revise the national legislation as necessary in order to implement the European Directive 96/92/EURATOM and that in this context a Consultative Document was published in 1998 containing proposals for revised Ionizing Radiations Regulations.

1. Article 7, paragraph 2. In its previous comments, the Committee had drawn the Government's attention to the lack of regulatory or legislative provisions expressly prohibiting that persons under 16 years of age are engaged in work involving exposure to ionizing radiations. In this regard, the Government had indicated that the explicit prohibition would be incorporated in the context with the revision of the Ionizing Radiations Regulations, 1985. In its last report the Government had indicated that, as the Basic Safety Standards Directive (96/92/EURATOM) did not expressly forbid young people under the age of 16 to work with ionizing radiations, the draft legislation only provides for a reduced dose limit of 1mSv/year. According to the Government, this ensures that young persons under the age of 16 will not be able to work in industrial undertakings which would result in significant exposure to ionizing radiation and this does however allow them to take part in approved work experience schemes which play an invaluable role in preparing young people for the world of work. The Committee therefore recalls once again that Article 7, paragraph 2, of the Convention provided for a general interdiction to engage young persons under the age of 16 in work involving ionizing radiations. The Committee trusts that the Government will take appropriate action towards the incorporation of a general interdiction to engage workers under the age of 16 in radiation work.

2. The Committee raises certain points in a request addressed directly to the Government.