Seiko Epson Corp. recently completed introduction of its intranet-based E-Chem chemical data management system throughout all 34 of its manufacturing sites worldwide.
Epson originally constructed this system to prepare for the introduction of Japan's Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Law in April 2001, and began using the system in some plants in January 2000.
The comprehensive chemical data management system collates information on all chemical substances used in production processes, including usage and emission volumes, applicable laws and regulations, and material safety data sheets. Completing the introduction of the system in all manufacturing sites creates a mechanism for integrated management of data on all chemical substances used in production processes throughout the Epson Group and for minimizing chemical hazard risks in all group activities.
As global environmental problems worsen, regulations governing chemical substances become stricter year by year. To properly comply with those regulations and actively disclose accurate information on chemical substances, Epson believes it is now essential to have an accurate grasp of all data on chemicals used in production processes.
Using the Epson intranet, staff responsible for managing chemical substances can easily access the system to find out what chemicals are used where and how. This makes it easy to identify problems with chemical management practices and to propose improvements in production processes.
In addition to enabling integrated management of all chemical substances used in any Epson plant in the world, the introduction of this system will:
Through the active use of this system and associated initiatives worldwide, Epson will continue to extend and reinforce its risk-reduction activities relating to chemicals.
