Final Inspection and On-site Inspection

Statute

This article explains the final inspection and on-site inspection related to the Hazardous Materials Handler Exam (Class 4).

What is Final Inspection?

The final inspection is conducted to confirm that a newly constructed or modified hazardous materials facility complies with the law after the construction or modification work is completed. It is carried out by the mayor or head of the local municipality.

Purpose of Final Inspection

The purpose of the final inspection is to ensure that the facility is constructed according to the design and complies with technical standards. This is a crucial procedure to ensure public safety and prevent disasters. Upon passing, a final inspection certificate is issued, and the facility can be used.

Contents of Final Inspection

  1. Application for Inspection: When installing (modifying) a hazardous materials facility, submit an application form and related drawings to the mayor or head of the municipality, obtain approval, and then start the construction.
  2. Implementation of Construction
  3. Pre-Final Inspection: When installing (modifying) a tank to store and handle liquid hazardous materials, a pre-final inspection is conducted by the mayor or head of the municipality before the final inspection.
  4. Final Inspection
  5. Notification of Inspection Results: Upon passing the inspection, a final inspection certificate is issued, and the facility is approved for use.

What is On-site Inspection?

The on-site inspection is conducted by the mayor or head of the municipality when deemed necessary to prevent fires associated with the storage or handling of hazardous materials. It can be performed on the owners, managers, or occupants of storage facilities.

Purpose of On-site Inspection

The purpose of the on-site inspection is to confirm that the facility complies with the law and is operated safely. This helps to prevent the occurrence of fires and accidents.

Contents of On-site Inspection

  1. Request for Submission or Report of Documents: The mayor or head of the municipality can order the owners, managers, or occupants of storage facilities to submit documents or report on the storage or handling of hazardous materials.
  2. Implementation of On-site Inspection: The mayor or head of the municipality can have fire department personnel enter the storage facilities to inspect the location, structure, equipment, and storage or handling of hazardous materials.
  3. Questioning of Relevant Parties: The mayor or head of the municipality can question relevant parties as needed to verify details regarding the storage or handling of hazardous materials.
  4. Removal of Hazardous Materials: The mayor or head of the municipality can remove hazardous materials or items suspected to be hazardous if deemed necessary. This helps to reduce fire risks and ensure public safety.

Example Exam Problems

Example Problem 1

According to the law, which of the following is the correct combination of words to fill in the blanks (A to C) in the following sentence?
In order to install a manufacturing plant (excluding transport handling facilities), in areas with a fire department and fire station, the approval of the ( A ) is required, while in other areas, the approval of the ( B ) is required. After the completion of the construction, it is necessary to undergo ( C ) to confirm that the installation is as per the approval.
(1) A: Fire Chief B: Mayor C: Functional Inspection
(2) A: Mayor B: Prefectural Governor C: Final Inspection
(3) A: Mayor B: Prefectural Governor C: Functional Inspection
(4) A: Fire Chief B: Mayor C: Final Inspection
(5) A: Fire Chief B: Prefectural Governor C: Functional Inspection

Explanation
The correct words for each option are as follows:

  • A: Mayor
    In areas with a fire department and fire station, the approval of the mayor is required to install a hazardous materials facility.
  • B: Prefectural Governor
    In areas without a fire department and fire station, the approval of the prefectural governor is required.
  • C: Final Inspection
    After the completion of the construction, it is necessary to undergo a final inspection to confirm that the facility is installed as per the approval.

Answer: (2)

Example Problem 2

Which of the following is incorrect regarding the on-site inspection of manufacturing plants by the mayor or head of the municipality?
(1) The person who can conduct the on-site inspection is a fire department personnel.
(2) The on-site inspection is conducted when it is deemed necessary for fire prevention due to hazardous materials.
(3) The order to submit documents is given to the owners, managers, or occupants of the manufacturing plants.
(4) Although inspections and questioning are allowed, the removal of hazardous materials is not possible.
(5) The target facilities for on-site inspection are all facilities that store or handle hazardous materials in quantities exceeding the specified amount.

Explanation
(1) Correct. The on-site inspection is conducted by personnel engaged in fire department duties.
(2) Correct. The on-site inspection is conducted when it is deemed necessary for fire prevention.
(3) Correct. The order to submit documents is given to the owners, managers, or occupants of the manufacturing plants.
(4) Incorrect. The mayor or head of the municipality can remove hazardous materials or items suspected to be hazardous if deemed necessary. Therefore, in addition to inspections and questioning, the removal of hazardous materials is also possible.
(5) Correct. The target facilities for on-site inspection are all facilities that store or handle hazardous materials in quantities exceeding the specified amount.

Answer: (4)

Summary

This article provided a detailed explanation of final inspection and on-site inspection. These procedures are essential for the safety management of hazardous materials facilities. As part of exam preparation, make sure to understand their purposes and processes thoroughly to aim for passing the exam.

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