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

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Türkiye (Ratification: 1968)

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in its report as well as the comments made by the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK) and the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-IŞ) that are contained in the Government’s report.

1.  The Committee notes with interest the adoption of three regulations in the year 2000 which were elaborated on the basis of the 1990 ICRP recommendations, the criteria set forth in the Basic Safety Standards, jointly sponsored by the IAEA, the ILO, the WHO and three other international organizations which maintain the recommendations of the ICRP, and in the light of the European Directive EURATOM 26/96. It notes the detailed information summarizing the content of the regulations that were adopted in the year 2000 that changes the Turkish Atomic Energy Institution (TAEK) legislation. In this respect, the Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication concerning the establishment of new dose limits in occupational exposure. The Committee finds that the indicated dose limits would apply the following Articles of the Convention: the fixation of a dose limit of 20 mSv per year for workers directly engaged in radiation work and the equivalent dose limit of 1 mSv established for women during pregnancy would apply Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention; the establishment of 1 mSv as the maximum permissible dose for workers who are not directly engaged in radiation work and for the general public would be in conformity with the provisions of Article 7, paragraph 1, and Article 8 of the Convention. The Government further indicates that the provision concerning the responsibility of the owner of a licence to exploit ionizing radiation sources provides for appropriate medical examination of workers directly engaged in radiation work. These medical examinations take place before and after employment in radiation work as well as once every year during the employment, which would meet the requirements set forth in Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee takes due note of this information. It will examine the situation once again at its next session when it is in possession of a translation of the relevant legislation.

2.  Emergency situations.  The Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication that, while no nuclear power plant and other large-scale nuclear installations exist in the country, nonetheless plans with regard to emergency situations caused by calamities from reactors located in neighbouring countries were elaborated. The Government explains that the Turkish Atomic Energy Commission is responsible for the implementation of the Macro Plan on the National Nuclear and Radiation Emergency Plan and its related regulations. The Regulations for the Implementation of the National Nuclear and Radiation Emergency Plan provide a general framework of rules related to the protection of individuals, the society and the environment from radiation as well as from contamination hazards. In preparing the abovementioned national emergency plan, which has been in force since 15 January 2000, account was taken of the radiological effects of nuclear accidents that may occur. To this effect, a system called "National Early Warning System for the Risk of Radiation in Neighbouring Countries" has been established which covers 33 stations and works 24 hours per day. This system controls the national radiation levels and a warning announcement is released in the event of excess of certain levels. The Government further indicates that a new project in order to develop the system was prepared and implemented successfully. The Committee notes this information with interest and requests the Government to explain whether the National Nuclear and Radiation Emergency Plan fixes dose limits for exposure to radiation in emergency situations. It also requests the Government to indicate whether a special training programme has been designed for the radiation personnel who will intervene in the case of an emergency.

3.  Provision of alternative employment.  With regard to the issue of alternative employment, the Government indicates that the new regulation contains a provision regarding alternative employment for workers who have accumulated exposure beyond which an unacceptable risk of detriment of their health is to occur. According to this provision, the worker concerned can be employed in other work where he or she is not subject to occupational exposure to radiation. In finding an alternative employment, the worker’s socio-economic position, age and special abilities are taken into consideration. The Committee notes this information with interest. It will examine the situation at its next session when it is in possession of the translation of the relevant legislation.

4.  Part V of the report form.  The Committee notes that the use of ionizing radiation sources is subject to a special licence by the Turkish Atomic Energy Institution (TAEK). During the validity of that licence, new installations are evaluated and radiation resources in the installation are measured with regard to their safety standard. It is also checked whether a supervisor and a qualified expert for radiation safety at work are employed, and whether equipment for standardized dose measurement and for the measurement of radiation in the environment is installed. Noting the information, the Committee invites the Government to continue to supply information on aspects related to the practical application of the Convention in the country.