Chemical Management
The electronics industry has made significant improvements in tracking, reducing, and ultimately eliminating many potentially harmful chemicals from its products. With considerable success addressing product-related issues associated with chemical management, the industry has expanded its attention to process chemicals in the supply chain. Key concerns for facilities in the supply chain include protecting workers and the environment through proper care in shipping, use, storage and disposal of chemicals.
EICC Code of Conduct
Protecting workers and communities from exposure to hazardous chemicals has been a core component of the EICC Code of Conduct and Validated Audit Process since its inception. The EICC Code of Conduct requires:
“Worker exposure to chemical, biological and physical agents is to be identified, evaluated, and controlled. Engineering or administrative controls must be used to control overexposures. When hazards cannot be adequately controlled by such means, worker health is to be protected by appropriate personal protective equipment programs.” (Section B.4.)
“Chemicals and other materials posing a hazard if released to the environment are to be identified and managed to ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or reuse and disposal.” (Section C.3.)
Chemical Management Task Force
To further address the ongoing challenge of reducing risks and protecting workers in the electronics supply chain, the EICC has made chemical management a priority issue. In 2015, the EICC created a Chemical Management Task Force where members work to better identify and properly manage chemical risks in their supply chains. The Chemical Management Task Force has helped the EICC to:
Increase member awareness and involvement in the safe use of chemicals
Develop training and capability-building activities to reduce worker exposure
In-person training courses on Employee Health & Safety (EHS) and Industrial Hygiene
Online training courses on effective chemical management
Fact sheets for workers and managers on product and workstation cleaning, plating and etching, bonding and gluing, painting, chemical transportation, storage, labeling, and personal protective equipment
Explore how to phase out hazardous chemicals and pursue safer alternatives, where feasible