Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2015, publiée 105ème session CIT (2016)

Convention (n° 136) sur le benzène, 1971 - Iraq (Ratification: 1972)

Autre commentaire sur C136

Demande directe

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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report in reply to its previous request concerning Article 8(2) of the Convention on the compulsory use of personal protective equipment against the risk of inhaling benzene vapour and Article 9(1)(b) on periodic medical re-examinations.

Article 6(3) of the Convention. Measurement of the concentration of benzene. The Committee notes that pursuant to section 6 of Instruction No. 6 of 1993 on benzene risks, the administration or the employer in any economic activity shall seek the assistance of the National Centre for Occupational Safety and Health when applying its instructions on the manner in which the concentration of benzene in the air of places of employment shall be measured. Recalling that Article 6(3) of the Convention requires the competent authority to issue directions on carrying out the measurement of the concentration of benzene in the workplace, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any directions issued in this regard.

Article 12. Clearly visible danger symbols on any container holding benzene or products containing benzene. The Committee notes that according to section 12 of Instruction No. 6 of 1993, danger symbols shall be clearly visible on containers holding benzene or products containing benzene. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how it is ensured that containers holding benzene, or products containing benzene, are labelled as containing benzene, in conformity with Article 12 of the Convention.

Articles 13 and 14. Proper instructions on measures to safeguard health and prevent accidents and on appropriate action to take in the event of poisoning. Responsibility for compliance with the Convention and appropriate inspection. The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on this subject. Therefore, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on how it ensures that workers exposed to benzene, or products containing benzene, receive appropriate instructions on measures to safeguard health and prevent accidents, as well as on the appropriate action if there is any evidence of poisoning. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate the person or persons on whom the obligation of compliance with the provisions of this Convention rests and whether appropriate inspection services exist to supervise its application.

Application in practice. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the functions and strategy of the Occupational Cancer Council. However, it notes the Government’s statement that it does not have information concerning the application in practice of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide, when available, information concerning the application of the Convention in practice, particularly on the number of workers exposed to benzene or products containing benzene, and on the number and nature of contraventions and cases of occupational diseases reported.