Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13) - Azerbaijan (Ratification: 1992)

Article 1 of the Convention. Prohibition of the use of white lead and sulphate of lead, and of all products containing these pigments, in the internal painting of buildings. The Committee notes that the Government’s latest report includes a list of laws and regulations which appear to be relevant for the application of the Convention, but that national legislation does not address this issue specifically as white lead de facto is no longer used due to its low quality and as it is more expensive than other painting materials. The Government maintains, however, that the use of white lead in pure form in the works carried out indoors is not recommended due to its strong toxicity and that the use of white lead as a component in painting materials is prohibited. The Committee notes that the Government does not specify the relevant legislation which contains this prohibition. The Committee recalls that Article 1 lays down the obligation to undertake the prohibition of using white lead and sulphate of lead and of all products containing these pigments in the internal painting of buildings and that national laws and regulations should expressly provide for the prohibition of these harmful substances. The Committee once again invites the Government to take all relevant measures to give effect, in law and in practice, to the present Article of the Convention, to keep the Committee informed of any progress achieved and to supply a copy of any relevant provision adopted in this respect.

Part V of the report form. Article 7. Statistics as well as extracts from reports of inspection services with regard to results of technical control on painting works including lead poisoning among working painters. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it has no statistical information to provide as white lead is not used in Azerbaijan. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to supply any available statistics with regard to lead poisoning among working painters to allow it to make a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice.