Construction Restrictions for Hazardous Materials Warehouses and Hazardous Materials Classification
To safely store hazardous materials such as alcohols, oils/fats, paints, and chemicals, hazardous materials warehouses (such as "indoor storage facilities" under the Fire Service Act) are constructed and managed based on strict technical standards under the Fire Service Act, differentiating them from general logistics warehouses.
Main Differences from General Warehouses and Construction Restrictions
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Single-story (1-story) structure is the principle:
To prevent the risk of fire spreading to upper floors in the event of an outbreak, a single-story structure with an eaves height of less than 6m is the basic rule. -
Securing Retained Open Space:
To prevent a fire from spreading to the surroundings in the unlikely event of ignition or explosion, it is necessary to secure a designated open space around the building according to the storage volume (multiple of the designated quantity). -
Robust Fireproof Structure and Explosion Countermeasures:
Walls, columns, and floors must be of a fireproof structure, and the roof is finished with "non-combustible and lightweight steel plates, etc." to release pressure upward in the unlikely event of an explosion.
Main Equipment Required for Hazardous Materials Warehouses
| Category | Main Equipment and Requirements |
|---|---|
| Fire Extinguishing Equipment | Equipment corresponding to the classification of the hazardous materials handled (foam extinguishing equipment, inert gas extinguishing equipment, dry chemical extinguishing equipment, etc. Water-based extinguishing is not possible for water-reactive hazardous materials). |
| Ventilation / Exhaust Equipment | To prevent flammable vapors like gasoline from accumulating in low areas, forced exhaust fans or vents are installed near the floor. |
| Spill Prevention Countermeasures | Floor slopes, catch basins (spill catchers), oil retaining walls, thresholds, etc., are installed so that liquid hazardous materials do not leak outside. |
| Lighting / Electrical Equipment | Explosion-proof lighting fixtures and switches are used to prevent ignition of flammable gases. |
The necessary fire equipment and separation distances vary greatly depending on the types of hazardous materials stored (Classes 1 to 6) and their quantities.
Classification of Hazardous Materials (Classes 1 to 6)
"Hazardous materials" under the Fire Service Act are classified into six categories, Class 1 to Class 6, according to their risk of causing or spreading a fire and their physical properties.
They are divided by physical state (solid/liquid) and chemical hazards (oxidizing, flammable, self-reactive, etc.).
Key Points of Classification
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Whether "Solid" or "Liquid":
Classes 1 and 2 are exclusively "solids." Classes 4 and 6 are exclusively "liquids." Classes 3 and 5 include "both solids and liquids." -
Non-combustible (Does not burn itself but is dangerous) Classes:
Class 1 (Oxidizing solids) and Class 6 (Oxidizing liquids) are non-combustible themselves but are designated as hazardous materials because they supply oxygen and dramatically aid the combustion of other substances. -
Class 4, which is most familiar and receives the most requests for countermeasures:
Because items like gasoline and alcohol are directly linked to daily life and logistics, this classification receives the most consultations regarding the construction of hazardous materials warehouses and fire department responses.