Sumitomo Metals Conducts Disaster Training as Part of Business Continuity Planning (BCP)

2009.10.01

• Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.

Today, Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. (Sumitomo Metals) conducted training based on the premise that a major earthquake had hit the Tokyo metropolitan area. All directors and employees (about 600) who work at the Tokyo head office participated in the training exercise.

In addition to drills of various actions stipulated in the Emergency Countermeasure Manuals, under the direction of the Emergency Headquarters (about 70 staff led by President Hiroshi Tomono as its General Manager), Sumitomo Metals conducted a training exercise that entailed returning home and coming back to the office on foot via the "Kitaku Shien" roads (the government identified the roads where support services would be provided to people who have to return home on foot.) The company also conducted another training exercise that entailed transferring business operations (i.e., order receipt, manufacturing instruction, and shipment management ) to the Osaka head office, in cooperation with trading companies and transporters. In this way, the Company will ensure the safety of employees and stable supply of products and services to customers in the case of an emergency.

As this was the fifth training session of this kind at the Tokyo head office, no prior notice was given regarding the starting time or program this year so that all the participants could think and act by themselves based on their know-how and knowledge. It was also regarded as a comprehensive training exercise that covered almost all expected situations in the case of a major earthquake, with the aim of improving practical capabilities in the case of an emergency. The participants became familiarized with hardware and tools such as the Earthquake Early Warning System, an emergency messaging service, a satellite telephone, emergency power sources, and a portable wireless device. In addition to the same drilling programs as in the previous exercise, this occasion included the new addition of training usage of AED, "triage-method" rescue training, and an evacuation exercise in which everyone including visitors participated.

Sumitomo Metals will continue to promote, assess, and continuously improve its Business Continuity Planning (BCP). The Company will ensure a system to promptly restart and continue important businesses in the case of a major earthquake or other unexpected contingencies. This will lead to a sustainable improvement in corporate value.

 

1.Outline of this year's disaster training

　(1) Implementation date
  　October 1, 2009 (Thursday) 13:10 – 15:30.

　(2) Main activities
  　The following training programs were conducted without prior warning of the starting time or the program to all participating employees.

 

(i) Training broadcast of the Earthquake Early Warning System It is presumed that a major earthquake with a seismic intensity of just less than 6, whose epicenter is located in the Tokyo metropolitan area, occurred at 13:10 on October 1 (Thu). This year, Sumitomo Metals initiated the drill by conducting a training broadcast based on the Earthquake Early Warning System, which was introduced this March. (ii) Implementation of immediate post-disaster procedures at each office All Tokyo employees were trained in securing personal safety (ducking under the desk,) checking for fires, and determining the status of important documents. (iii) Ascertaining employee status The "Disaster Headquarters" practiced rapid gathering of information regarding employees' safety via an emergency messaging service (iv) Emergency rescue training Based on the premise that some people had suffered from cardiac or respiratory arrest, employees on-site conducted emergency rescue training by using an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) and a puppet which were provided on each floor for training. After the training, the rescue/first-aid chief at the Disaster Headquarters performed emergency aid procedures. (v) Training to rescue injured people Based on the premise that many people had been injured, the Company conducted the "triage-method" rescue training: rescue members of the Disaster Headquarters determined priorities of the injured on-site and transported them on stretchers to the rescue center. (vi) Evacuation drill of all employees Based on the premise that a fire had broken out inside the building and an evacuation order had been issued by the Disaster Control Center, all Tokyo employees, excluding those required to remain in the office, put on a helmet and sneakers and evacuated through an emergency staircase to the ground. Visitors who happened to be there were asked to participate in the drill, and they followed the guidance of our employees, and evacuated safely. (vii) Other trainings - To start up the Disaster Headquarters (Upon installation of communication and various other equipment, the headquarters began operation in about 15 minutes after the quake.) - To ensure a communication line via a satellite telephone with the Osaka Head Office and other manufacturing bases. - To collect, analyze, and convey information on conditions of transportation, roads, lifeline, communication infrastructure, etc. - To identify damage to the Tokyo head office building and make temporary repairs to physical damage. - To switch to emergency power sources after a power blackout - To check and report on the damage in the surrounding area of the nearest subway station (Kachidoki station on the Toei Ōedo Line) via a portable wireless device. - To respond to the injured who visited the Rescue Center. (After the slightly injured people had been treated and guided to their respective office, the Rescue Center recovered and maintained its original function.) - To respond to inquiries from outside regarding damage sustained by the Company and to put together a press release. - To hand over the operation to the Osaka head office (backup office.)

 

2.Future initiatives
Based on the results of the survey given to all the participants, the Company plans to identify areas for improvement, revise the Disaster Countermeasure Manuals, conduct training sessions, and double check matters at the next major training exercise.

 

Disaster head quarters

AED training, using a manikin

Evacuation drill of all employees