Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2009, publiée 99ème session CIT (2010)

The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government’s latest report, including the adoption of the legislative Decree No. 64 of 2005, and the Prime Minister’s Decree No. 134 of 2007 on Radiation Protection and Safety and Security of Radiation Sources in Syria, which appears to give further effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee also notes the response provided regarding effect given to Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6 paragraph 2, of the Convention on the exposure limits for pregnant workers; and Article 7, paragraph 2, on the prohibition of work involving ionising radiations for workers under the age of 16. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regards to the Convention, and to submit a copy of Decree No. 64 of 2005 and Decree No. 134 of 2007.

Article 8. Exposure limits for workers not directly engaged in radiation work. The Committee notes the information that section 59 of Decree No. 134 of 2007 stipulates that employers shall ensure, in the same manner as for the general public, the protection of workers who may be exposed to radiation sources which have no relation to their work. The Committee also notes the Government’s response indicating that medical exposure, pursuant to section 1 of Decree No. 134 of 2007, is defined as the exposure of sick persons as part of their medical or dental diagnosis or treatment; exposures (other than occupational) incurred knowingly and willingly by individuals helping in the support and comfort of patients undergoing treatment; and exposure incurred by volunteers as part of medical research. The Committee notes the information that section 15 of the abovementioned Decree deals with dose limits for workers and the non-applicability of permissible dose limits in cases of authorized medical exposure, and that Annex II of the Decree specifies dose limits for persons accompanying patients and for volunteers in the field of medical research as 5 mSv during the diagnosis or treatment of any patient and less than 1 mSv for child visitors. The Committee asks the Government to indicate, in the light of paragraph 14 of its 1992 general observation on the Convention, the measures undertaken or envisaged to revise the dose limits currently in force for medical exposure concerning individuals helping in the support and comfort of patients undergoing treatment; and exposure incurred by medical research volunteers.

Occupational exposure limits during emergency situations. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that a National Emergency Plan has been established by virtue of Decree No. 1427 of 2002 in order to respond to emergency cases, and that section 10 of Decree No. 64 of 2005 provides that the Atomic Energy Authority shall be responsible for building national capacity to respond to radioactive or nuclear emergencies. The Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of the abovementioned National Emergency Plan and to indicate, with reference to paragraphs 16 to 27 and 35(c) of the Committee’s 1992 general observation on the Convention, and paragraphs V.27 and V.30 of the Basic Safety Standards on Radiation Protection issued in 1994, the circumstances in which exceptional exposure of workers, exceeding the normally tolerated dose limit, is to be allowed for immediate and urgent remedial work.

Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the information that section 15 of Decree No. 64 of 2005 stipulates that the responsibility of the Atomic Energy Authority is to conduct inspections of facilities and sites in which radiation sources are used and to appoint inspectors to conduct these inspections, and that section 16 provides that the inspectors have the capacity of judicial police. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of the Convention, including the number and nature of contraventions reported and the measures taken to remedy them.