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Limited industrial hazards
The main risk factors arising from Michelin’s operations are as follows:
Strategy • Fundamentals • Businesses • Résultats Earnings
Industrial Operations Main risks Action taken
Risk Management
• Synthetic rubber production: inflammability of hydrocarbons Regular review of safety and site
2 plants – Bassens in France used in synthetic rubber protection measures; significant
and Louisville in Kentucky.
Both Classified High “ Seveso “ or equivalent
investment programmes since 2001
• Metal cord production: Accidental spillage from Chemical reaction control procedures
13 workshops supplying electrolytic cord processing plant to prevent hazardous effluents
80 factories worldwide and facilitate effluent processing
in waste water treatment plants
• Wheel production: VOC emissions from solvents widely VOC elimination program through use
2 sites (in France and Germany) used in paint and equipment-cleaning of new products or emission
processing products.
• Production of rubber mixes: Fire risk in the event of emergencies. Completion by 2006 of a plan to equip
32 facilities worldwide serving 80 plants all facilities with sprinkler devices.
• Textile reinforcement production: Release of vapors and gas from Installation of filters at oven
5 facilities adhesive substances and high-temperature gas exhausts
processing of adhesive-coated plies
Fire is the Group’s main industrial hazard. This is due to a number
of factors inherent in tire manufacturing: use and production
of inflammable components with a high calorific value,
tire “ hollow pot “ geometry, not conducive to quick dispersion
of extinction products. Possible consequences of such hazards
could also affect third parties and their belongings.
Ten fire starts deemed significant in terms of feedback information
were recorded in 2003, and 6 in 2004. All were investigated
in detail. None had serious consequences and 3 operators alone
were concerned, sustaining light injury. None of these incidents
entailed nuisance for the neighbourhood of the sites concerned.
Based on the ensuing review, Group experts were able
to identify a recurring source of fire starts; the relevant process
was amended accordingly.
Finally, note that no other significant accident entailing casualties,
Group industrial plant or third-party damage was recorded in the
2003 - 2004 period.
With respect to asbestos, this ingredient is neither used in tire
composition nor in manufacturing processes.
Michelin took steps to eliminate free sources several years ago
and monitors removal of all materials containing confined
asbestos.
Global assessment and management
of industrial hazard prevention
underpinned by use of dedicated tools
A proven industrial hazard control tool
HPRM (High Protected Risk Michelin) rules set forth Michelin’s
own major industrial hazard and emergency control. Upstream
safety is key to the Group’s stringent standards that are based
on High Protected Risk international standards and complement
the same with two sets of measures: prevention-related (an array
of hazard prevention measures) and early action-related (an array
of highly efficient devices to reduce damage).
The Group-level team of experts is supported by a network
of site-based operational counterparts who ensure effective
compliance with Group standards in all facilities.
This approach was launched in 2003. For the year 2004, the
focus was on higher risk facilities. The condition and policy of
sites were assessed based on HPRM standards. Accordingly,
progress targets and priorities were set in the framework of
progress plans. At end 2004, all industrial sites and warehouses
implemented such plans. By 2006, priority measures will be
mandatory with full implementation in all workshops scheduled
for 2008/2009.
Since 2003, new projects (construction, rehabilitation, extension,
switch to new manufacturing processes, and so on…) have been
subject to approval by Environment and Prevention network
experts. In 2003 and 2004, 90% of all new Group projects, of
which there were more than 70, were deemed HPRM standardcompliant.
Michelin industrial hazard mapping
In the course of 2004, Michelin defined a specific mapping
method for fire and major Group hazards, with tests carried out
at a dozen or so sites. By end 2005, all of our sites will have
drawn up a preliminary mapping of our hazards.
A new database of events
To optimize both the database and the sharing of experience,
Michelin developed in 2004 a data collection and industrial
hazard data processing software called “ Securistat “.
By end 2004, 32 sites were using this software which will be deployed
across Group industrial sites and warehouses worldwide from
January 1, 2005.
The database records 19,500 events dating back to 1996.
The software supports expert monitoring, feedback and
recommendations for all new entries.
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