Flood prevention measures during the rainy season Part 2 [Environmental Measures VOL.6]

We will outline a path for companies to become resilient to flooding and provide specific methods to minimize risks.

The rainy season has fully set in, but are you adequately prepared for flood damage? In "Flood Damage Countermeasures During the Rainy Season Part 2," we outline the path for companies to become resilient against floods and provide specific methods to minimize risks. In Part 1, we explained the recent occurrences of flooding, the use of hazard maps for flood prediction, and securing evacuation routes. In Part 2, we will focus on the types and quantities of supplies needed during a disaster, how to develop a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), and advanced initiatives. We hope that by sharing know-how for immediate and appropriate responses during disasters, we can contribute to the safety of your company.

• Refrigerated showcase

I will answer the question, "How should companies prepare for flood damage prevention?" Now, before the rainy season begins, let's prepare for typhoons and heavy rains.

Flood damage poses a significant risk to businesses. In recent years, the damage caused by floods and heavy rains has increased, greatly impacting corporate performance and sustainability. For example, the damage from the heavy rains in western Japan in July 2018 and Typhoon No. 19 in October 2019 is still fresh in our memories, and it is important to learn from these cases. Every time we see news about corporate facilities such as offices, warehouses, factories, and stores suffering from flooding, many stakeholders may worry, "Is our company going to be okay?" Measures against flooding have become extremely important for business continuity. To address the question of "How should companies implement flood prevention measures?", we will introduce the basics of flood prevention in two parts. Now, before the rainy season begins, let’s prepare for typhoons and heavy rains.

• Safety and consumables
• Disaster prevention supplies
• Refrigerated showcase

We will introduce the causes and measures of water pollution that have a significant impact on life and the environment.

During Japan's period of rapid economic growth, pollution-related diseases caused by environmental pollution continue to cast a dark shadow over victims, residents of affected areas, and the environment. Among pollution-related diseases, the four major pollution diseases are Minamata disease, Second Minamata disease, Yokkaichi asthma, and Itai-itai disease, with the latter three being caused by water pollution, excluding Yokkaichi asthma. **Minamata Disease** This pollution-related disease occurred in Minamata Bay, Kumamoto Prefecture. It resulted in serious health damage due to the consumption of fish contaminated by organic mercury discharged from factories. It is also referred to as the origin of pollution. **Second Minamata Disease** This pollution-related disease occurred in the Agano River basin in Niigata Prefecture. It resulted in serious health damage due to the consumption of fish contaminated by organic mercury discharged from factories. **Itai-itai Disease** This pollution-related disease occurred in the Jintsu River basin in Toyama Prefecture. It resulted in serious health damage due to the consumption of rice grown in water contaminated by cadmium discharged from mines. This time, I would like to address water pollution, which has a significant impact on life and the environment.

• Reinforcement and repair materials
• Disaster prevention supplies
• Temporary Construction Materials

We will introduce the basics of risk assessment and safety protective equipment to ensure the safety of workers.

Since 1988, the number of casualties from workplace accidents has been decreasing, but since 2000, the decline has plateaued. In White Paper Vol. 2 [Winter Season Sees a Surge, Preventing Falls], we addressed the causes and preventive measures for falls, which are the most common workplace accidents. But why do workplace accidents occur in the first place? This time, we would like to focus on protecting the safety of workers and discuss the mechanisms behind workplace accidents and their prevention.

• Safety and consumables
• Disaster prevention supplies
• Safety Supplies

The number of fall accidents during the winter period (from December to February) is about twice the annual average. This explains the causes and countermeasures.

Labor accidents (work-related injuries) refer to situations where workers are injured, become ill, or die due to work or commuting. Specifically, the following situations are included: 1. Occupational accidents: When workers are injured, become ill, or die due to their work. 2. Commuting accidents: When workers are injured, become ill, or die due to commuting. To reduce labor accidents, there is a medium-term plan established by the government, businesses, and workers that focuses on specific issues, and this information is useful for the prevention and countermeasures of labor accidents. Additionally, businesses are required to continue their efforts to ensure a safe workplace environment. This time, we will focus on the most common type of labor accident, falls, and introduce measures for their prevention.

• Showcases (for general store use, freezing, refrigeration, heat retention, etc.)
• Safety and consumables
• Rain protection items

Introducing case studies on ISO 14001 measures. This is a white paper that can assist with updates and training. Please feel free to check it out.

ISO 14001 is a standard aimed at establishing a framework that allows organizations to achieve sound environmental performance by managing the "impact of their business activities and the products/services resulting from them on the environment" in alignment with their own "environmental policies and objectives." There are four main areas of focus: "understanding environmental impacts," "risk management and planning," "operating the PDCA cycle," and "creating an environmental manual." Through these efforts, organizations can enhance their image and create business opportunities by contributing to environmental conservation. This white paper aims to introduce environmental changes, disaster cases, and their countermeasures, serving as a resource to assist you in preparing for ISO 14001 acquisition and renewal, with monthly updates planned. This time, based on the environmental changes and disaster cases that occurred in 2023, I hope to provide insights that will help you in acquiring and improving your ISO 14001 in 2024.

• Safety and consumables
• Disaster prevention supplies
• Sandbags

Measures against flooding damage caused by typhoons and heavy rain! Uses superabsorbent polymer *Video explanation available.

● It is a water-absorbing, inflatable, bag-shaped temporary dam. ● Recommended for flood prevention measures against heavy rain, typhoons, and other water-related disasters. ● Before absorbing water, it is lightweight and easy to handle, and can be stored compactly. It won't be a nuisance even when kept on hand. ● When in use, fill the container with about 20 liters of water for each Pig Water Bag, and knead it by hand while allowing it to absorb water. It will expand in about 5 minutes. ● The Pig Water Bags can be stacked up to three layers. ● If unopened, the shelf life is approximately 5 years. *Currently, we are offering a document summarizing recent trends in flood damage.

• Disaster prevention supplies

A clean, reusable, aesthetically pleasing water-specific sock-like absorbent material. It can be used to prevent water leaks and condensation from refrigerators, freezers, and cold cases.

- Made of polypropylene, it has the effect of suppressing mold growth, allowing for safe use over a long period. - By squeezing out the absorbed water and allowing it to air dry, it can be reused. Please avoid sun drying or using a dryer. Reuse is recommended up to three times. - Even after reuse, it maintains its shape well and is less prone to bacterial growth, which helps control odors. - It is flexible and fits well around the refrigerator and in corners. - The polypropylene cover is resistant to tearing and durable.

• Showcases (for general store use, freezing, refrigeration, heat retention, etc.)
• Other store equipment and supplies
• Refrigerated showcase

Japan is one of the top 10 countries in the world with frequent earthquakes. The 2020 White Paper on Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has also reported an increase in the probability of major earthquakes occurring. Regarding the Nankai Trough earthquake, the probability of an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 to 9 occurring within the next 30 years is estimated to be 70 to 80%. At Hotron, we recommend the introduction of seismic devices for earthquake countermeasures in buildings and equipment. The seismic device 'HK-2' is a product that automatically performs various controls that have been pre-set when it detects strong shaking equivalent to a seismic intensity of 5 lower or higher. For example, it can automatically execute actions such as: "Open automatic doors and gates to secure evacuation routes and access for emergency vehicles" "Transmit signals to the control room and stop facility equipment" "Unlock the keys to locked lockers" "Automatically play voice guidance" For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

The "HA-T Series" is an energy-saving automatic door sensor that opens only for those who want to enter, whether on a busy street or in a narrow passageway. The automatic door opens simply by bringing your hand close, addressing hygiene concerns even in facilities used by a large number of people. Depending on the application and installation location, you can choose between "Non-vision Mount Type/HA-T401" and "Non-vision Built-in Type/HA-T520." 【Recommended for such places!】 ☑ Entrance facing a busy passageway ☑ Presence of counters or signs near the door ☑ Buildings facing narrow passageways ☑ Buildings that prioritize aesthetics ☑ Hospitals and facilities that consider hygiene ☑ Large facilities with many doors 【Features】 ● Adaptable to various door types with four detection spot settings ● Reduces unnecessary opening and closing to minimize power consumption, contributing to energy-saving effects ● Equipped with a light touch function, allowing the door to open and close simply by waving your hand, ensuring hygiene ● Can also be used as a wide detection range non-vision infrared sensor ◎ For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Seven Corporation has begun research and development related to rust prevention, aiming to expand the functionality of the natural multifunctional aqueous solution "SEA'S 7." This research is being promoted as a collaborative study with the Industrial Technology Research Institute. In recent years, the manufacturing industry has been seeking technologies that balance environmental impact reduction and improved work safety, making rust prevention measures after cleaning a critical issue. This research includes corrosion evaluation using metal test pieces, measurement of weight changes, and durability tests in a circulating water environment, advancing the understanding of rust prevention mechanisms and performance evaluation. In the future, we aim to develop a next-generation SEA'S 7 that incorporates rust prevention functionality in addition to cleaning, disinfection, and deodorization, contributing to the efficiency of manufacturing processes and the reduction of environmental impact.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the "Vertical Aluminum Step Type F." The "Vertical Aluminum Step Type F" is a new type of aluminum ladder specifically designed for excavation sites, based on the existing "Vertical Aluminum Step." The vertical aluminum step is lightweight due to its aluminum construction, making it easy to transport and set up. Additionally, its modular design allows for flexible height combinations (with connecting parts of 0.7m, 1.0m, and 2.0m). The newly launched Type F retains the features of the previous model while providing even greater convenience. <Features of Type F> ■ The hook adjustment range of the fixed part has been expanded. It can be attached to structures ranging from 20mm to 200mm. ■ The length of the stand pipe can be adjusted. The stand pipe can be stored, making transportation and storage easier. <Release Date> January 5, 2026 <Specifications> - Standard set for Type F: 2.4m *Individual sales of the hanging fixed part and connecting parts are available. *Sales of the previous model (stand pipe fixed type) will also continue.

This time, we will explain the differences in roles between the "accounting system" and the "document management system," which are surprisingly not well known, as well as points that are often overlooked in legal compliance. ■ The difference between accounting systems and document management systems is their "scope of coverage." - Accounting System = Management of "money (numbers)" - Document Management System = Management of "evidence (documents)" ■ Documents that are often overlooked in accounting systems The accounting system primarily focuses on "accounting processes." - "Estimates" where no money movement occurs - "Delivery notes" and "purchase orders," which are intermediate points in transactions ⇒ There are cases where these are not saved or managed in the accounting system. This could be considered a deficiency under the Electronic Bookkeeping Act. ■ Supplementing the missing parts with an "independent system" While there are high-function ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems that can manage everything from estimates to invoicing seamlessly, the reality is that the cost can be a significant barrier to implementation. Therefore, there is also the option of managing documents with an independent document management system like paperlogic. Paperlogic is currently offering a free trial. Please feel free to contact us.