asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied that Irish standards on safety and health in welding are on a par with those operated in the USA through their occupational safety and health administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Welding Safety Standards.
28.
The safety regulations for electric welding were updated in 1972 and are regarded by the industrial inspectorate of my Department as adequate for conditions in this country. All industrial safety regulations are reviewed from time to time and brought up to date if necessary.
In the light of the Deputy's query, I shall ask the inspectorate for an opinion in this matter.
Could the Minister indicate what are the hazards of welding?
Electrical welding?
Yes. I have 30 years' experience of it and I have not been the worse for it.
Please allow Question Time to proceed.
I would not care to intrude on the Deputy's knowledge in this area. I would not hazard even an opinion on the hazards in this area except to say I am informed by the inspectorate that our regulations are on a par with international standards. We are inquiring into the American situation which, I gather, differs from state to state.
Can I say——
We cannot "say" at Question Time.
——and I think Deputy Dr. Gibbons will agree with me, that conjunctivitis is the greatest fault?