Ricoh 2012 Annual Report Download - page 73

Ricoh Group Sustainability Report 2012 72
Top Message About us Our Activities
Sustainable Environmental Management
Data
Risk minimization and information sharing
as part of chemical substance control at our
manufacturing sites
In compliance with the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM), the Ricoh Group has established a system to
manage the risks of chemical substances by applying a risk evaluation
method, aiming to minimize the risk throughout the lifecycle of chemicals
and to share related information.
Under this risk management system, all the chemical substances
used, discharged and disposed of in the manufacturing processes
of Ricoh products are assessed in two steps: (1) screening in terms
of discharged amounts, according to the hazard* level scale; (2) for
substances evaluated as above a specified level, exposure assessments
are conducted. Based on the results obtained, we assess the risks of
hazardous substances that may affect the health of local residents as well
as water-borne creatures living in the surrounding areas. Enhancing this
risk assessment scheme, we are working to establish a global system to
reduce risks related to chemical substances.
In addition, the Group has a system in place to manage environmental
risks. To control soil and underground water contamination, we have
formulated basic principles, provided in the group management standards
and other guidelines. In case of contamination, we voluntarily conduct
an investigation using the group’s uniform standards and promptly take
steps for remediation.
Regarding soil and underground water contamination, PCBs, and
asbestos, the Group started to make efforts to understand environmental
liabilities that could have a financial impact.
* Harmfulness to human beings and the environment
Accurate and swift information disclosure
through chemical substance control system
The Ricoh Group uses its chemical substance control system to monitor
data on chemical substances used, discharged, and disposed of at
business sites. The system is designed to promote the reduced use of
chemical substances, to prepare materials for PRTR reporting, and to
quickly respond to inquiries received from around the world.
In 2008, we also developed a database and formulated common
rules for the communication of chemical substance information based on
a related system developed by the Joint Article Management Promotion-
consortium (JAMP), of which Ricoh is one of the founders. This system
has been introduced at some 1,200 suppliers in Japan, China, and Korea.
In 2009, we started employee training programs to ensure the accuracy of
information collected, and prepared and distributed written instructions
on appropriate handing of the information of applicable chemicals. From
October 2009, the information on SVHC in products for the European
market has been made available on our website3. The Ricoh Group is fully
able to comply with the REACH requirements and is ready to respond
promptly to future development of the regulations.
1. This is a new EU regulatory framework for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and
Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). It requires the registration and management of all chemical
substances used in businesses in accordance with their conditions of use to ensure safe assessment
of chemical substances. It came into force on June 1, 2007, and the regulations have been gradually
enforced since June 1, 2008.
2. Called “Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC),” these are substances on the European Chemicals
Agency’s candidate list for eventual inclusion in Annex XIV.
3. On the Health & Safety Information page of Ricoh Europe’s website, see REACH FAQs,
Q3 “SVHC—Machines”
Chemical substance control and pollution prevention at our manufacturing sites
Efforts are being made on a global scale to reduce the amount of chemical substances used/discharged in the manufacturing processes and to prevent
pollution in the areas surrounding our manufacturing sites, based upon the idea of risk management.
Establishment of a chemical substance risk management system www.ricoh.com/environment/office/risk/01_01.html
Understanding environmental liabilities www.ricoh.com/environment/office/risk/04_01.html
Management of the contamination risk of soil and underground water www.ricoh.com/environment/office/risk/02_01.html
Environment risk management with respect to assets www.ricoh.com/environment/office/risk/04_01.html
Asbestos and PCBs www.ricoh.com/environment/office/risk/03_01.html
Used and discharged amount of chemical substances www.ricoh.com/environment/office/risk/outline.html
WEB
WEB
WEB
WEB
WEB
WEB
■ Chemical substance control system
Chemical substance
information
● Substance information
● Legal information
● Toxicity information
Chemical product
information
● MSDS
● Information on
controlled substances
contained in products
Information on uses
and emissions
● Information on uses
● Information on
emissions/movements
Chemical
substance
control system
Efforts to reduce
chemical substances
at business sites
Response to inquiries
from other organizations
PRTR information