Chemical Substances Control

In our internal regulations, we stipulate substances with the potential to pollute the environment, and mandate notification to the person responsible for environmental management when handling such substances. In addition to keeping track of the amount of each substance handled, storage location, maximum storage volume, etc., we have SDSs*¹ and emergency response tools, conduct periodic drills to prepare for emergency situations, and are promoting the use of non-toxic or low-toxic alternatives to organic solvents and other hazardous chemical substances. In fiscal 2024, we reduced the number of chemical substances by 59 compared to the reduction target of 10 substances.

We also conduct chemical substance risk assessments*² when considering purchases or making changes in operations. In fiscal 2024, 135 chemical substance risk assessments were conducted for newly adopted chemicals and to review chemicals already in use.

In accordance with SDS management regulations, we regularly review safety data sheets and update ledgers when we handle applicable chemical substances in our departments, and share the updated information internally under the management of the Quality Assurance Department. In addition to regular reviews on an annual basis, SDSs are reviewed as appropriate when legal revisions or other changes are made.

We also provided e-learning education in fiscal 2024 to help employees understand how SDS management works, as well as learn about proper use and management of chemical substances and how to use SDSs.

Intended participants: 989 regular employees of Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd. Participation rate: 100%

Management is carried out according to SDS management regulations based on plant standards.
Using SDSs, we share what we are aware of regarding the dangers posed by the items we ship and the substances that we handle.

In accordance with our chemical risk assessment implementation management regulations and management standards, we take measures based on the Industrial Safety and Health Act and take necessary measures to prevent danger or health problems to workers.

Semiconductor Company conducts a workplace patrol twice a year for all the departments of the Hachioji Plant and Hanno Plant in accordance with the Chemical Substance Storage Patrol Regulations. The workplace patrol personnel appointed by the person responsible for environmental management check the storage locations and conditions, identification labels, and SDSs, among others, together with the department members in charge of chemical substance control, by using check sheets. Patrol results are reported to the person responsible for environmental management. If chemical substances are managed improperly, corrective action will be taken.

We are promoting the reduction and substitution of chemical substances in accordance with the PRTR* Act, Ordinance on Prevention of Organic Solvent Poisoning, and the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act. Of chemical substances that we handle, we have submitted notifications for two substances that exceed standard amounts for substances specified by the PRTR Act and five chemical substances to be appropriately controlled according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Security Ordinance.

Locations covered: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd. Hachioji Plant, Hanno Plant, and Tsuchiura Plant

Our Basic Environmental Policy states that we will carry out efforts to “make continuous improvements in order to reduce environmental impact,” “prevent pollution,” and “comply with environmental laws and ordinances related to business activities.” In order to establish a system for managing chemical substances contained in products in response to environmental laws and regulations and customer requirements, the Group has established the Environmental Green Initiative Team within the Sustainability Department.

The Environmental Green Initiative Team conducts briefing sessions for suppliers to request strict control and reporting related to chemical substances contained in the parts we procure. So far, over 400 suppliers have participated. In fiscal 2024, we asked suppliers to cooperate in our cloud-based survey on chemical substances contained in products, at a supplier briefing session held at Tokyo Tama Mirai Messe in Hachioji City, Tokyo, which was attended by 103 companies. We also held a briefing session for our suppliers in the charge/discharge testing system business at the Furudono Plant in Furudono-machi, Ishikawa-gun, Fukushima. The session was attended by 38 companies.

We have conducted surveys for suppliers on the RoHS Directive, REACH, and other topics. We also have an analysis room equipped with an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, and other equipment, and have established a system that allows us to perform checks as needed.

In April 2003, we established our Green Procurement Guideline and have received cooperation from our suppliers in our efforts to manage chemical substances in products. As regulations on the management of hazardous chemical substances have become more stringent in recent years, in fiscal 2023, we established the Green Procurement Standards, which have strengthened the Guideline, and are working to build a system that prioritizes the procurement of environmentally- friendly parts and materials with low environmental impact.

For the Metrology Company products, we have investigated six substances of the RoHS Directive and the four phthalic acids added in 2021, determining that 100% of our products are compliant. While Semiconductor Company products are exempt from the RoHS Directive as large-scale stationary industrial equipment, we established a RoHS Analysis Room in fiscal 2018 to analyze chemical substances contained in procured parts.

Since July 2020, we have made all our products comply with the TSCA-PBT*² regulations, in addition to restricting the use of PFOA*¹-related substances that were added to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) regulations. We export 100% compliant products to areas where the regulations are enforced.