Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) - Bolivia (Plurinational State of) (Ratification: 1977)

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report. The Government has indicated that, as the competent technical bodies are presently working toward the elaboration of regulations concerning asbestos, the elaboration of regulations concerning the use of benzene and products containing benzene will still take some time. The Committee notes with regret, however, that the main provisions of the Convention are still not applied. The Committee, therefore, urges the Government to take the necessary measures in the near future to ensure the application of Article 1(b) of the Convention (the protective measures elaborated must not only apply to benzene, but also to products the benzene content of which exceeds 1 per cent by volume); Article 2 (whenever harmless or less harmful substitute products are available they shall be used instead of benzene or products containing benzene); Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2 (prohibition of the use of benzene or products containing benzene in certain work processes, including, at least, the use of benzene as a solvent or diluent, except where the process is carried out in an enclosed system or where there are other equally safe methods of work); Article 6, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 (measures shall be taken to prevent the escape of benzene vapour into the air and the maximum limit of the concentration of benzene in the air shall not exceed 25 parts per million; directions shall be issued on carrying out the measurement of the concentration of benzene in the air); Article 7, paragraph 1 (the regulation of work processes involving the use of benzene or products containing benzene generally to be carried out, as far as practicable, in an enclosed system); and Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2 (prohibition of the employment of pregnant women, nursing mothers and young persons under 18 years of age in work processes involving exposure to benzene or products containing benzene).

Article 9. The Committee notes from the Government's report that the draft regulations concerning medical services include as part of the general routine medical examinations prior to employment, during employment and thereafter. The Government has added that, during the final review of this draft, special account will be given, if necessary, to the question of referring to the use of benzene, the risks for exposed workers and the medical examinations necessary. The Committee would recall that this Article of the Convention calls for all workers employed in work processes involving exposure to benzene and products containing benzene to undergo pre-employment medical examinations, including a blood test, to determine fitness for employment and periodic re-examinations, including biological tests and blood tests. It hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to ensure the application of this Article and requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers exposed to benzene undergo a pre-employment medical examination sufficient for determining the workers' fitness for employment and including a blood test, and periodic re-examinations, including biological tests. The Government is also requested to indicate the frequency with which the periodic re-examinations are to take place and the types of biological tests provided.