Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Egypt (Ratification: 1964)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its latest report.

1.  Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention.  In its 1992 direct request, the Committee drew the attention of the Government on the need to review maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiations in the light of new physiological findings by the ICRP (Publication No. 60) to ensure effective protection of workers against ionizing radiations. The Committee notes the Government's indication in its latest report that the Commission that was set up to examine proposed amendments to Act No. 59, 1960, concerning regulation of work with ionizing radiation and protection against its hazards, is currently examining the provisions of the Act to decide to what extent certain provisions could be amended in the light of the new findings of the ICRP. The Committee takes note of the Government's assurance that it will provide the text of the amended provisions as soon as they are adopted.

2.  Scope of emergency work.  The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no provision in Egyptian legislation allows for exceptions from the normally tolerated dose limits in cases of emergencies and abnormal situations, and that Act No. 59 (1960) applies to all workers exposed to ionizing radiations. In its 1992 direct request, the Committee requested the Government to report on any further measures taken in relation to the matters raised in paragraph 35(c) of the general observation. The Committee notes from the Government's report that no information was made available in respect of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of paragraph 35(c), which relate to suspension of authorizations granted for use of specific equipment or practices which have been found unsafe; and the use of or investment in robotized equipment and/or other alternative techniques to avoid unnecessary human exposure to ionizing radiations during an emergency. It would, therefore, request the Government to provide this information in its next report.

3.  The provision of alternative employment.  Referring to the explanations provided in paragraphs 28 to 34 and 35(d) of its 1992 general observation on the Convention, the Committee again requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or contemplated to ensure the provision of suitable alternative employment to workers who exceed an accumulated dose of 1 Sv well before retirement age.