Hazardous Materials Warehouse
"FLEX HOUSE-FIX"

A. Place of manufacture

Facilities for the manufacture of hazardous materials

B. Stockpile

Facilities that handle hazardous materials in large specified multiples

C. Place of handling

Facilities that handle small specified multiples of hazardous materials, such as gas stations

There are three main types of facilities for storing hazardous materials, and hazardous materials warehouses fall under the category of “storage facilities.
Warehouses that handle hazardous materials must be equipped and staffed in accordance with the law.

Although most warehouses for storing hazardous materials are fireproof buildings, tent warehouses can be used for storage depending on the quantity and type of materials to be stored.

Cabinet Order on the Regulation of Hazardous Materials

The walls, pillars, and floors of a storage warehouse shall be of fireproof construction, and the beams shall be made of noncombustible materials. However, in the case of a storage warehouse for hazardous materials less than 10 times the designated quantity or a storage warehouse for only Class 2 or 4 hazardous materials (excluding flammable substances and Class 4 hazardous materials with flash points below 70°C), the exterior walls, pillars, and floor may be made of noncombustible materials to prevent the spread of fire.
(Source: Cabinet Order on the Regulation of Hazardous Substances (Cabinet Order No. 306 of September 26, 1959), Section 2 Standards for Location, Structure and Facilities of Storage Facilities, Article 10, 6)

• If the above criteria are met, exterior walls, columns, and floors can be made of noncombustible materials.
  The use of noncombustible membrane tent materials allows for tent warehouses to be built at a lower cost and in a shorter construction period than with conventional construction methods.
• In addition to the law, there may be detailed specifications by ordinances set by each municipality, which must be confirmed with the fire department.
  When construction is completed, the building must also apply for and receive a completion inspection, which must be cleared before it can be used as a hazardous materials warehouse.