At Advantest Group, we manage the chemical substances that we use by container through our chemical substance management system. Based on the chemical substances management level specified under the PRTR Law, the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law, the Industrial Safety and Health Law and other laws and regulations, we have established a classification system of management ranks and set the management method according to each rank, with the aim of having a flexible system.
Furthermore, in response to the revision of laws and regulations, Advantest built and executed a system for the risk management of chemical substances which had become a requirement as of June 2016.
Management of Chemical Substances
Basic Policy for Chemical Substance Management
We are working to ensure safety management and compliance with laws and regulations in the use and storage of chemical substances used at Advantest Group business locations.
To this end, we have adopted a chemical substance management system. This system facilitates chemical substance registration, safety reviews, input/output control, and the calculation of data required by relevant laws and regulations, as well as making the safety data sheets (SDS) that are necessary for the safe handling of chemical substances available at any time.
In addition, in order to realize strengthened risk management and chemicals substance management, we are constructing a safety training system, and are conducting audits and providing guidance through the corporate chemical management division to ensure the safety of stored chemical substances, so as to further enhance our safety control system.
Improving Chemical Substance Management: "Aiming for More Precise Management"
Adopting the High-precision Management Methods in Line with the Different Level of Risks Posed by Different Chemical Substances
We implement training in chemical substance handling for Advantest Group employees, ensuring that employees understand how to handle particular types of chemical substances and are aware of the key points to note regarding their use. Management procedures are simplified for chemical substances that are less hazardous, and autonomous management is implemented with respect to commercially-available sprays, adhesives, etc.
Chemical substance control ranks
| Rank | Conditions for application | Locked storage | Dispensary control | Inventory checks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Some chemical substances are extremely toxic or have a profound social impact, so registration with the government, etc., is necessary to handle them. Examples: narcotics, stimulants, etc. |
Yes | Yes | As required by law |
| 3 | Some chemical substances are highly toxic, so any loss must be reported. Examples: poisons, deleterious substances, etc. |
Yes | Yes | Twice annually |
| 2 | Some chemical substances are inflammable, corrosive, or poisonous with prolonged exposure. Examples: organic solvents, acids, alkalis, etc. |
Yes | Yes | Twice annually |
| 1 | Some chemical substances are not very harmful, but since a large amount is used, control is necessary. Examples: solder paste, PFAS, etc. |
– | Yes | Twice annually |
| 0 | Some chemical substances are not very harmful and do not warrant special control. Examples: some adhesives, grease, lubricants, paint, lead-free solder, wire solder, bar solder, sprays (spray oil, cooling spray), etc. |
– | – | – |
In line with this management approach, proper after-use treatment will be followed, such as making a request to a waste treatment company.
Efforts to Eliminate PFAS Coolant in New Products
Advantest has set the "development of products that are free from polluting substances" as one of the goals of the ESG Action Plan. We upheld the total abolition of PFAS coolant by fiscal 2030 as our KPI, and instead adopt water as the coolant to be used in next-generation testers. In fiscal 2022, we confirmed the cooling performance and durability of the indirect cooling technology using water. New products incorporating this technology are scheduled to be shipped from fiscal 2024.
The Challenges of Supplying PFAS Cooling Fluid
While we aim to eliminate PFAS cooling fluid, we are tasked to address the challenges of supplying PFAS cooling fluid for our current models.
To this end, the following measures continue to be taken by working cross-sectionally throughout the organization.
- Evaluation of alternatives to PFAS cooling fluid currently in use
- Procurement risk measures by the Production Group for PFAS cooling fluid
* PFAS is not a name of a specific chemical substance, but an acronym for "Per- and PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances".
Efforts to Reduce VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Emissions
VOC substances are considered as substances that produce photochemical oxidants and suspended particulates. Facilities using a large amount of VOC are obligated by Article 17-13 of the Air Pollution Control Act to monitor VOC emissions into the atmosphere that are attributable to their business activities and take the measures that are necessary to reduce the emissions.
VOC is not used much in the electrical and electronic industry. However, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has requested companies to take voluntary measures to reduce VOC emissions, as we also cooperated in the survey from 2005 to 2020 representing the four electrical and electronic industry groups (JEMA, CIAJ, JEITA, and JBMIA).
These surveys cover 20 substances that are often used in the electrical and electronic industry. Advantest does not use them in large quantities, but has been conducting surveys on the consumption of these substances and report it as required.
VOC data
Data range for tabulation: Advantest Group (Japan) data
* Substances tabulated here are VOCs subject to surveys by Japan 4EE.
PRTR Report
According to the Law Concerning Pollutant Release and Transfer Register, Advantest has been submitting reports to the government under the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) system.
PRTR data
Data range for tabulation: Advantest Group (Japan) data
* The table includes PRTR controlled substances whose annual amount of use was below the amount required to be reported.
Implementation of General and Specialist Chemical Substance e-learning Education
Used inappropriately, even familiar chemical substances may cause unexpected accidents and environmental pollution. We provide the general chemical substance education program to all our domestic employees in order to help them understand how to reduce such risks.
The specialist chemical substance education program is provided to employees who use chemical substances in their daily work. The purpose of this annual e-learning program is to raise awareness of the dangers and harmfulness of chemical substances as well as to promote the safe handling thereof through practical learning content.
In this program we explain things simply, using examples of accidents, regarding chemical substances regulated under the main laws such as poisons, deleterious substances, organic solvents, specific chemical substances, hazardous materials covered by the Fire Services Law, etc.
In fiscal 2022 we conducted general education for all new employees in Japan and specialist training for 684 employees who handle chemical substances.
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- The danger of chemical substances (effects on the human body)
- The importance of safety training for chemical handlers
- The importance of wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, masks, etc.)
- Points to be observed according to the requirements of the law
Special medical diagnosis, selection of a work leader, environmental measurement, inspection of ventilation equipment, notification of designated hazardous materials specified under the Fire Services Law, etc.