Guide to Building a Hazardous Materials Warehouse｜Everything from laws and regulations to requirements, how to proceed, and means to reduce costs

In recent years, the need for hazardous materials warehouses to properly store and manage hazardous materials has increased. However, many businesses are hesitant to construct such facilities because of the strict legal compliance and conditions required. When proceeding with construction, it is essential to select an experienced and reliable contractor. Choosing a company that is familiar with laws and regulations and has a wealth of experience will help ensure smooth construction and safe operation. This article provides a wide range of explanations, from the basics of hazardous materials warehouses to the construction process, tips on how to keep costs down, and how to choose a contractor.

What is a hazardous materials warehouse?

A hazardous materials warehouse is a facility dedicated to storing substances that pose a high risk of starting or spreading fires, as defined by the Fire Service Law. They are designed for the safe storage of flammable or combustible substances and substances that accelerate combustion. Specifically, oxidizable solids, flammable solids, spontaneously combustible substances, flammable liquids, self-reactive substances, and oxidizing liquids are considered hazardous materials. Familiar examples include gasoline and kerosene in cars and alcohol disinfectants.
They are to be distinguished from storage areas for poisonous or deleterious substances. They are characterized only by the fact that they are intended for substances with a high fire risk. These facilities are managed and operated in accordance with strict safety standards. Proper storage and management greatly contribute to the prevention of fire accidents and the spread of damage. Business operators are required to comply with laws and regulations and to set up and operate hazardous material warehouses appropriately.

Types of Hazardous Materials Facilities

Hazardous material warehouses are facilities dedicated to the storage and management of hazardous materials as stipulated by the Fire Service Law, and are classified into “manufacturing,” “storage,” and “handling,” depending on their use. Three types of warehouses are classified according to their use: manufacturing, storage, and handling. Hazardous material warehouses are dedicated facilities for the storage and management of hazardous materials as defined by the Fire Service Law.
First, a “manufacturing facility” is a facility that manufactures hazardous materials, such as a factory. Building structures, equipment, piping, etc. are strictly regulated by the Fire Service Law, and facilities for removing flammable gases and dust are also subject to regulations. Next, “storage facilities” are facilities for the safe storage of hazardous materials. There are various types of storage facilities, including indoor and outdoor tank storage, mobile tank storage, underground tank storage, and simple tank storage, but generally speaking, “hazardous materials warehouses” are indoor storage facilities. Finally, a “handling facility” is a facility that handles hazardous materials without being involved in their manufacture, such as a gas station or boiler room. Here, operations such as consumption and refilling of hazardous materials are carried out.

Criteria and conditions required for construction of hazardous materials warehouses

The construction of a hazardous materials warehouse requires strict standards and conditions. All must be met before proceeding. Let’s check each of them in detail.

Distance Criteria

When constructing a hazardous materials warehouse, it is required by law to maintain a “security distance” to ensure that fire or explosion accidents do not affect the surrounding area. For example, a residence would be 10m or more for residences, and 30m or more for schools, and 50m for important cultural assets. 50m or more for schools, and 50m or more for important cultural properties. Warehouses are also required to have a “holding space” around them. Its width depends on the structure of the warehouse and the amount of hazardous materials stored.

When walls, columns, and floors are fireproof

Classification	Width of vacant lot
Multiple of specified quantity 5 Less than or equal to	0m
Multiple of specified quantity 5 5 or more 10 or less 10 or less than 10	1m More than 1m
Multiple of specified quantity 10 or more 10 or more 20 or less Less than or equal to	2m More than 2 m.
Multiple of specified quantity 20 More than 150 or less 150 or less	3m More than 3 m.
Multiple of specified quantity 50 More than 200 or less Less than or equal to	5m More than 5 meters (meters)
Multiple of specified quantity 200 or more More than 200	10m More than 10m

Walls, columns, and floors other than fireproof construction

Classification	Width of vacant lot
Multiple of specified quantity 5 Less than or equal to	0.5m 0.5m or more
Multiple of specified quantity 5 or more than 5 10 or less 10 or less than 10	1.5m More than 1.5m
Multiple of specified quantity 10 or more More than 1,000 20 or less Less than or equal to	3m More than 3 m.
Multiple of specified quantity 20 More than 150 or less 150 or less	5m More than 5 meters (meters)
Multiple of specified quantity 50 More than 200 or less Less than or equal to	10m More than 10m
Multiple of specified quantity 200 or more More Than 200	15m More than

These distance standards are designed to protect lives and property from disasters that could result from hazardous materials warehouses. Compliance with these laws and regulations is essential in planning the construction of a warehouse. Adequate security distances and holding airspace play an important role in minimizing damage in the event of an accident. Operators are expected to consider these standards from the warehouse design stage and aim to create a highly safe facility.

Scale Criteria

Clear standards for the size of hazardous materials warehouses are established by law. As a general rule, the eave height must be 6m and the floor area must be less than 1,000 square meters. 1,000 The floor area is limited to 1,000 square meters or less. However, the floor area is limited to 1,000 square meters or less. Category 2 and Class 2 and Class 4 hazardous materials, under certain conditions, the height of the eaves may be reduced to 20m The total floor area may be increased to less than 20 m under certain conditions. Even in such cases, the total floor area must not exceed 1,000 square meters or less, and vacant land must be secured.

Structural Criteria

The construction of hazardous materials warehouses is subject to strict standards to minimize the risk of fire and explosion. First, the walls, pillars, and floors must be fireproof, and the roof must be made of noncombustible materials. To prevent the spread of fire, there are also regulations such as no openings in exterior walls except for entrances and exits, and the use of screened glass for windows and entrances. In addition, when handling water-prohibited items or liquid hazardous materials, the floor must be constructed to prevent water from entering or permeating, and storage facilities must be provided as necessary. In addition, it is essential to provide facilities for lighting, lighting, and ventilation. These facilities play an important role in ensuring the safety of the working environment. These structural standards are stipulated in the Fire Defense Law and other laws and regulations, and some municipalities have more detailed ordinances. Therefore, when constructing a hazardous materials warehouse, it is essential to check not only national laws and regulations but also local ordinances and comply with them.

About explosion-dissipation structure

Among the structural standards for hazardous materials warehouses, the “explosion-dissipation structure” deserves special mention. This is a design concept based on the Fire Service Law that allows air blasts to escape from the roof in the event of an explosion. The explosion release structure can be likened to a balloon popping and the air escaping in all directions. The purpose is to effectively disperse the impact of the explosion and minimize damage. When adopting this structure, close consultation with the competent fire department is essential. Meet the necessary requirements for the construction of a safe warehouse.

Land Requirements

Construction of hazardous materials warehouses is subject to the availability of construction and storage restrictions based on the zoning of the land. The table below summarizes the permissibility of construction in each zoning district.

Zoning	Zoning	Construction Permitted or Not
City planning area, within the urbanization area	Type 1 exclusive district for low-rise residential buildings	Storage not allowed
	Second class low-rise exclusive district
	Type 1 exclusive district for medium and high-rise residential buildings
	Category 2 exclusive district for medium and high-rise residential buildings	Specified quantity Less than 5 Less than 5 times the designated quantity
	Type 1 residential area
	Second class residential district
	semi-residential district
	neighborhood commercial district	Specified quantity Less than 10 Less than 10 times the designated quantity
	commercial district
	semi-industrial zone	Specified quantity 50 Less than 50 times the designated quantity
	Industrial Area	No storage restrictions
	exclusive industrial zone
Other	Non-delineated areas within the city planning area
	Harbor District Commercial port district, industrial port district, special goods port district, marina port district, security port district, and landscape welfare port district, etc.
	Outside of city planning area

These regulations are intended to ensure the safe storage of hazardous materials and minimize their impact on the surrounding environment. Prior to construction, it is essential to closely review zoning and storage volume restrictions to ensure compliance with standards.

Fire Extinguishing System Requirements

Fire extinguishing systems required for hazardous materials warehouses are as follows Class 1 Class 1 to Class 5 Class 1 to Class 5 The fire extinguishing systems required for hazardous materials warehouses are classified from Type 1 to Type 5, with specific equipment assigned to each. Class 1 Type 1 Type 1 fire extinguishing systems include indoor and outdoor fire hydrants, while Type 2 fire extinguishing systems include indoor and outdoor fire hydrants. Type 2 fire extinguishing systems include indoor and outdoor fire hydrants. Type 1 fire extinguishing systems include indoor and outdoor fire hydrants, and Type 2 includes sprinkler systems. In order to respond to a variety of fire risks, Type Type 3 Type 3 fire extinguishing systems include water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, halide, powder, and steam fire extinguishing systems.

In addition, the 4th Type 4 and Type 4 and Type 5 fire extinguishing systems use large and small extinguishers, respectively. Class 4 and Class 5 fire extinguishing systems use large and small fire extinguishers, respectively, and are equipped to handle a wide range of fire risks in the warehouse. The final fire extinguishing equipment requirements will vary depending on the condition of the hazardous materials warehouse. The conditions are complex, so for details, please refer to the quick guide published by the Japan Fire Extinguishing Equipment Manufacturers Association (JFIA). If it is difficult for your company to make a decision on its own, take appropriate measures while seeking advice from experts. (Link) Hazardous Materials Facility (Law No. Article 10 of the Act Quick guide to fire extinguishing systems in hazardous material facilities (related to Article 10 of the Act) (1)

Flow of constructing a hazardous materials warehouse

Construction of a hazardous materials warehouse requires different procedures than a typical warehouse. Because “hazardous materials,” which are highly flammable and explosive, are to be stored, consultation with the fire department is essential. Procedures are required to meet safety standards. Let’s take a closer look at the process of constructing a hazardous materials warehouse.

1. Prior consultation with the fire department

First, a preliminary consultation with the Prevention Division of the local fire department is required. During this consultation, you should discuss the details of the facility’s design and firefighting equipment and understand safety regulations and guidelines. Keep minutes of the discussions and keep them on file. It is important to clearly record any guidance or advice needed to move forward with the plan. Preliminary discussions are the first step in putting appropriate safety measures in place. Being well prepared, with expert input, will lead to smooth construction.

2. Application for building permit to the municipality

Construction of a hazardous materials warehouse requires an installation permit from the municipality. The permit application requires the submission of construction plans, blueprints of the facility, the types and quantities of hazardous materials to be handled, and detailed information on safety measures. Close cooperation with local government agencies and strict procedures based on relevant laws and regulations are essential. Information obtained from prior discussions with the fire department will be helpful in preparing the application documents. Demonstrating appropriate safety measures and clearly communicating your commitment to compliance with laws and regulations will help you obtain a permit. Close cooperation with government agencies and careful preparation of the necessary documents are key to smooth construction.

3. Start of construction

Once the installation permit has been successfully issued, it is time to start construction of the hazardous materials warehouse. Let’s proceed with the construction in accordance with the blueprints and safety regulations, taking all possible measures.

4. Conduct interim inspection

In the construction of a hazardous materials warehouse, an interim inspection is conducted after the foundation work is completed. This is an important step in confirming the safety of the building’s foundation. During the interim inspection, the fire department and other related agencies confirm compliance with safety standards, and if the standards are met, an “Interim Inspection Pass Certificate” is issued. After the certificate is issued, construction work proceeds in earnest. The interim inspection is an essential process in assuring the safety of a hazardous materials warehouse. Operators are required to prepare meticulously for the inspection and ensure compliance with the standards.

5. Application for completion inspection

Once construction of the hazardous materials warehouse is complete, the builder will 4 days after the completion of the construction of the dangerous objects warehouse. This application requires a completed drawing of the warehouse and detailed documentation of safety measures, so it is important to prepare these in advance. Please note that an application for inspection cannot be submitted with unbuilt portions, and that renovations, extensions, and changes of use cannot be accepted. It is important to apply only after all processes have been completed. The completion inspection is the final step in confirming that the hazardous materials warehouse complies with safety standards. Business operators should prepare the necessary documents for application and aim for smooth implementation of the inspection.

6. Commencement of warehouse operations

Upon passing the completion inspection, an inspection certificate is issued and the hazardous materials warehouse is put into operation. This certificate indicates that the warehouse meets safety standards and has been legally authorized for operation. After obtaining this certificate, the operator can finally begin operating the hazardous materials warehouse.

Cooperation with the fire department is essential.

Construction of a hazardous materials warehouse must meet various architectural standards, including floor area restrictions, which are mainly reviewed by the fire department. In some cases, the standards and judgments differ depending on the area and the person in charge, so careful confirmation is required. In recent years, changes in logistics conditions have led to an increase in the construction of hazardous material warehouses not only in traditional port areas, but also in inland areas. Construction in inland areas may require time-consuming discussions with fire departments that have little experience in this area. In these situations, a proactive approach and close cooperation with the fire department is the key to successful construction, with the operator citing examples from other areas and offering solutions. In some cases, even if a permit is obtained during the process of construction, the final review may result in disapproval. To avoid such risks, it is essential to maintain close cooperation with the fire department at every stage of construction. From preliminary discussions to the start of construction, interim inspections, and completion inspections, continue to share information frequently.

What is a tent warehouse?

Tent warehouses are membrane structures with a metal framework covered with a membrane material. It is highly durable and can be used as a hazardous materials warehouse. Rest assured that the use as a hazardous materials warehouse is permitted by law. The use of lightweight steel frames and the systemization of parts allow construction costs to be kept down and the construction period to be shortened. Galvalume steel sheets with excellent security properties are used for the exterior walls, and the service life is 10 ～ 20 The exterior walls are made of galvalume steel plate, which has excellent security features. The exterior walls are made of galvalume steel plate, which has a long service life of 10 to 20 years and is easy to maintain. The pillar-less structure allows for an efficient large space and high lighting efficiency. On sunny days, without lighting brightness of more than 3000 LX or more brightness without lighting. Also, specifications for regions with heavy snowfall are available to meet the strict standards of snowy regions. Furthermore, its flexible structure makes it resistant to earthquakes and eliminates the risk of the roof falling. The use of membrane materials also prevents rust from forming. Tent warehouses are attracting attention as a safe and economical option for hazardous materials warehousing. In addition to reduced construction costs, they are an attractive option for businesses because of their many advantages, including efficient space utilization and superiority in terms of disaster prevention.

Choosing the right contractor is important when building a hazardous materials warehouse.

The construction of a hazardous materials warehouse is a special type of building with many requirements and laws and regulations. It is very important to select an experienced and reliable contractor for construction. A contractor’s know-how and track record are directly related to the quality of construction, so carefully examine past construction records and consult with contractors who have expertise in the field.

The key to requesting a quote is to clarify the specifications for the type of hazardous materials to be stored, including the cost of firefighting equipment. Do not be misled by superficially low prices, but proceed with an overall cost estimate. Careful planning and specification study are essential, as poor preliminary estimates may result in the need for expensive renovations later.

An experienced contractor will have knowledge of legal compliance and safety issues. They will be able to use that knowledge to make the best proposals for your construction needs. On the other hand, if you hire a contractor with a poor track record, you run the risk of rework and safety issues.

Building a hazardous materials warehouse is a difficult task that requires a balance between safety and economy. Businesses can achieve success by selecting a reliable contractor and careful planning.

summary

Construction of a hazardous materials warehouse requires strict location standards and a wide range of notifications and procedures. The location, size, and structure are determined by legal standards based on the type of hazardous materials and the surrounding environment. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations will result in failure to obtain a permit. Therefore, cooperation with a construction company with expertise and construction experience is essential. Taiyo Kogyo has a wealth of construction experience and can provide reliable construction for hazardous materials warehouses. Furthermore, Taiyo Kogyo has a wealth of experience in the construction of low-cost, quick-construction tent warehouses. Taiyo Kogyo has been in business for 100th anniversary of the company’s founding. Taiyo Kogyo is celebrating its 100th anniversary and has the No. 1 share of the tent warehouse construction market in Japan. No. 1 Taiyo Kogyo has been in business for 100 years and boasts the largest share of the tent warehouse construction market in Japan. If you are considering the construction of a warehouse for hazardous materials, please contact Taiyo Kogyo. We will make use of our wealth of experience and knowledge to make the best proposal to meet your needs.