Designated Quantities of Class 4 Hazardous Materials

Statute

Under the Fire Service Act in Japan, strict regulations are established for the handling and storage of hazardous materials. Class 4 hazardous materials are primarily flammable liquids, posing a high risk of fire and explosion, requiring special attention in their handling. The Class 4 Hazardous Materials Handler Certification Exam (乙種第4類危険物取扱者試験) includes questions about the designated quantities of these materials, so it is crucial to thoroughly understand this topic.

About Designated Quantities

For the handling and storage of Class 4 hazardous materials, there are designated quantities stipulated by law. These quantities vary depending on the type and nature of the hazardous material, and handling amounts exceeding these limits require special equipment and notifications.

Important Points

  • Except in special cases, storing or handling hazardous materials exceeding the designated quantities outside of designated facilities is prohibited. This is to prevent the increased risk of fire or explosion associated with large quantities in general areas.
  • The designated quantities for gasoline, alcohols, and kerosene are particularly important and should be memorized. These substances are frequently asked about in the Class 4 Hazardous Materials Handler Certification Exam.
  • Even for the same substance, the designated quantity for water-soluble liquids is twice that of non-water-soluble liquids. For example, for Class 1 petroleum products, the designated quantity for gasoline (non-water-soluble) is 200 liters, while for acetone (water-soluble) it is 400 liters. Understanding this difference and managing it appropriately is required.

Designated Quantities for Class 4 Hazardous Materials

There are designated quantities stipulated by law for the handling and storage of Class 4 hazardous materials. These quantities vary depending on the type and nature of the hazardous material. Below is a table summarizing the item names, properties, examples, and designated quantities.

Item NamePropertiesExamplesDesignated Quantities
Special Inflammable SubstancesCarbon Disulfide50L
Class 1 PetroleumNon-water-soluble LiquidGasoline200L
Water-soluble LiquidAcetone400L
AlcoholsEthanol400L
Class 2 PetroleumNon-water-soluble LiquidKerosene1,000L
Water-soluble Liquid1-Butanol2,000L
Class 3 PetroleumNon-water-soluble LiquidHeavy Oil2,000L
Water-soluble LiquidGlycerin4,000L
Class 4 PetroleumGear Oil6,000L
Animal and Vegetable OilsSoybean Oil10,000L

When Below Designated Quantities

  • Regulations under the Fire Service Act are relaxed, but basic safety management and fire prevention measures based on local government fire prevention ordinances apply.
  • Specific situations, such as transporting containerized hazardous materials by car, may still be subject to regulations under the Fire Service Act.

This ensures that appropriate safety measures and regulatory compliance are maintained, minimizing the risk of fires and accidents.

Sample Exam Question 1

Sample Question 1

第4類危険物の指定数量の説明で、誤っているものはどれか?
(1) 第1石油類、第2石油類、第3石油類は水溶性、非水溶性によって指定数量が違う。
(2) 第2石油類の水溶性物質と第3石油類の非水溶性物質とでは指定数量は同じである。
(3) 水溶性の第1石油類とアルコール類の指定数量は同じである。
(4) 特殊引火物と第一石油類とアルコール類の指定数量は異なる。
(5) 第4石油類と動植物油類の指定数量は同じである。
In explaining the designated quantities of Class 4 hazardous materials, which of the following is incorrect?
(1) The designated quantities for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 petroleum differ based on whether they are water-soluble or non-water-soluble.
(2) The designated quantity for water-soluble substances in Class 2 petroleum is the same as that for non-water-soluble substances in Class 3 petroleum.
(3) The designated quantity for water-soluble Class 1 petroleum is the same as that for alcohols.
(4) The designated quantities for special inflammable substances, Class 1 petroleum, and alcohols differ.
(5) The designated quantities for Class 4 petroleum and animal and vegetable oils are the same.

Explanation
(1) Correct. The designated quantities for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 petroleum differ based on whether they are water-soluble or non-water-soluble.
(2) Correct. The designated quantity for water-soluble substances in Class 2 petroleum is 2000L, and for non-water-soluble substances in Class 3 petroleum, it is also 2000L.
(3) Correct. The designated quantity for water-soluble Class 1 petroleum is 400L, the same as for alcohols.
(4) Correct. The designated quantity for special inflammable substances is 50L, for Class 1 petroleum is 200L, and for alcohols is 400L; all are different.
(5) Incorrect. The designated quantity for Class 4 petroleum is 6000L, while for animal and vegetable oils, it is 10,000L; they are different.

Answer: (5)

Sample Exam Question 2

Sample Question 2

品名、物品名および指定数量の3つの組み合わせのうち誤っているのはどれか?
Which of the following combinations of item name, specific example, and designated quantity is incorrect?

Item NameSpecific ExampleDesignated Quantity
(1)Special Inflammable SubstancesCarbon Disulfide50L
(2)Class 1 PetroleumBenzene200L
(3)AlcoholsEthanol400L
(4)Class 2 PetroleumKerosene2000L
(5)Class 3 PetroleumHeavy Oil2000L

(1) Correct. The designated quantity for special inflammable substances, such as carbon disulfide, is 50L.
(2) Correct. The designated quantity for non-water-soluble Class 1 petroleum, such as benzene, is 200L.
(3) Correct. The designated quantity for alcohols, such as ethanol, is 400L.
(4) Incorrect. The designated quantity for non-water-soluble Class 2 petroleum, such as kerosene, is 1000L.
(5) Correct. The designated quantity for non-water-soluble Class 3 petroleum, such as heavy oil, is 2000L.

Answer: (4)

Conclusion

This article has provided a detailed explanation of the designated quantities for Class 4 hazardous materials.

  • Class 4 hazardous materials are primarily flammable liquids, posing a high risk of fire and explosion, requiring special attention in their handling.
  • The Class 4 Hazardous Materials Handler Certification Exam (乙種第4類危険物取扱者試験) frequently includes questions about the designated quantities of these materials, so it is crucial to thoroughly understand this topic.
  • The designated quantities for gasoline, alcohols, and kerosene are particularly important and should be memorized, as they are frequently asked about in the exam.
  • Even for the same substance, the designated quantity for water-soluble liquids is twice that of non-water-soluble liquids. Understanding this difference and managing it appropriately is required.

Understanding appropriate regulations and safety measures is crucial to minimizing the risk of fires and accidents. Use this article to deepen your knowledge of Class 4 hazardous materials and aid your exam preparation.

In this way, it is important to understand appropriate regulations and safety measures to minimize the risk of fires and accidents. Use this article to deepen your knowledge of Class 4 hazardous materials and aid in your exam preparation.

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