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* 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 2022, we reduced the number of chemical substances by 45 compared to the reduction target of 10 substances.

When considering the purchase of industrial chemicals, we conduct a chemical substance risk assessment to check for the presence of environmental pollutants (organic solvents, specified chemical substances, hazardous materials, etc.). In fiscal 2022, 76 chemical substance risk assessments were conducted for newly adopted chemicals and to review chemicals already in use.

* Safety data sheets (SDSs) provide information on the hazards, toxicity, storage, disposal methods, and other information on the handling of chemical substances.

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.

* The Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) is a system for providing notification of the release and transfer of pollutants. It is a system for identifying, compiling, and publicly announcing the sources of hazardous chemicals and the amounts released into the environment.

(in tons) 

Scope : Hachioji Plant, Tsuchiura Plant

We conduct 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 addition, we have conducted cloud-based surveys for suppliers on the RoHS Directive, REACH, and other topics.

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 the PFOA*1 regulations that were added to the POPs regulations. We export 100% compliant products to areas where the regulations are enforced.