Pentax 2009 Annual Report Download - page 31

Download and view the complete annual report

Please find page 31 of the 2009 Pentax annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

Page out of 94

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94

• Steps Taken to Reduce Use of Chemical Substances
Hoya has replaced the silica gel used in packaging certain products for transport to maintain quality with
another desiccant. This decision was made in light of the EU’s REACH regulations, which specify the
cobalt chloride used in silica gel as a substance of very high concern.
The facility in Hachioji, Tokyo voluntarily reduced the amount of isopropyl alcohol used in their prod-
uct washing process. Japan’s Ministry of the Environment acknowledged these efforts to reduce VOCs
(volatile organic substances) with a certificate of commendation.
• Efforts to Reduce Environmental Impact of Operations on Surrounding Areas
(1) Measures to reduce leakage
Previously, there was a risk that the hydrofluoric acid effluent used in production processes at the facility
in Akiruno, Tokyo could leak under unusual conditions due to the small capacity of the collection tank. In
response, Hoya increased its emergency preparedness by installing an additional, larger tank to ensure
that accidental leakage could be prevented even in extraordinary circumstances.
(2) Measures for tanks and distribution lines
To prevent the risk of leakage, Hoya has been proceeding with checking tanks and distribution lines
throughout its operations. In addition, the Company is replacing buried distribution lines with
aboveground lines.
(3) Steps to improve and restore soil quality
Because the facility in Koka, Shiga Prefecture uses harmful substances, such as hydrofluoric acid, the Com-
pany has elected to conduct voluntary checks for soil contamination. Soil tests are now run on all ground
other than under buildings. Results are analyzed to ensure that each indicator falls within allowed standards.
(4) Establishing inspection wells
As a result of the enforcement in August 2008 of a revised pollution prevention bylaw in Shiga Prefecture,
Hoya is now required to test and report on the quality of the ground water at all facilities in that prefec-
ture that handle harmful substances.
Consequently, to enable us to obtain and measure samples of ground water, the Company built an
inspection well at its Koka facility. Going forward, tests will be conducted annually, and the results
reported to the prefectural governor.
• Measures to Handle Asbestos Building Materials
Measures to handle asbestos building materials are one of the Group’s priorities. All sprayed asbestos
had been either removed or effectively contained by March 2008. Non-sprayed asbestos building materi-
als are also being gradually removed. At some facilities, the Company removed asbestos building materi-
als used in the insulation material in roofs. When removing these materials, great care is taken to address
safety and health considerations, with producing and utilizing asbestos removal checklists.
Introduction of Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001 Certification)
Since October 1996, Hoya has been introducing ISO 14001 environmental management systems both in
Japan and overseas, with focus on production facilities. Group-wide, a total of 42 sites (13 domestic sites
and 29 overseas sites, as of March 31, 2009) were certified under ISO 14001 standards.
Inspection well for the collection and
testing of groundwater
Tank for collecting hydrofluoric acid
waste fluid
Certificate of commendation for
efforts to reduce VOCs
29
HOYA Annual Report 2009