Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1988, published 75th ILC session (1988)

From the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request, the Committee notes that the Occupational Hygiene and Safety Standard NC 19-03-34 of 1985 concerning general safety requirements in works using paintings is the legislative text giving effect to the Convention. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply additional information on the following points in its next report.

1. Please indicate the manner in which the concerned employers' and workers' organisations have been and, where required, continue to be consulted in conformity with Article 1, paragraph 1 of the Convention (authorising exemptions to the general prohibition); Article 3, paragraph 2 (permitting the employment of apprentices), and Article 6 (taking of steps to ensure the observance of the regulations implementing the Convention).

2. The Committee notes that the provisions contained in Section 7 of the Standard closely conform to those of the Convention. However, by virtue of the introductory clause, the Standard as a whole does not apply to the external painting of buildings. The Committee would point out that Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Convention require the regulation of the use of white lead, sulphate of lead and all products containing these pigments in all operations, including the external painting of buildings. Please indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to extend the application of Section 7 of the Standard to the external painting of buildings.

3. Please indicate the manner in which instructions concerning hygienic precautions to be taken in the painting trade are distributed to working painters in conformity with Article 5, paragraph IV, of the Convention.

4. Article 3, paragraph 1. The Committee notes that Section 1.11 of the Standard prohibits pregnant women and women of reproductive capacity from employment in works using painting. In this connection the Committee refers to its comments in paragraphs 60 to 63 of its general report. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the practical application of this paragraph of the Convention.

5. Please supply the statistics called for by Article 7 of the Convention on cases of mortality and mortality caused by lead poisoning.