(1) PURPOSE OF THE LAW AND SYSTEM
The objective of this law is to develop comprehensive measures in order to prevent occurrence and spread of disaster in the vicinity of special disaster prevention areas such as petroleum refinery complex, etc. , thereby protecting human life, body and their property from disaster.

(2) OUTLINE OF THE LAW AND SYSTEM
The Law designates specified areas of operation (hereinafter referred to as "specified areas of operation") as areas, among those located in the special disaster prevention areas such as petroleum refinery complexes, etc., disposing a large quantity of petroleum or high-pressure gas, and those areas which store, handle or dispose of dangerous goods in quantities exceeding a fixed level. Each specified area of operation shall have an independent disaster prevention organization(Article 16).
The specified operation undertaker (i.e. an operation undertaker who established area of operation ) shall equip the independent disaster prevention organization with disaster prevention materials such as chemical fire engines, etc. necessary for the said independent disaster prevention organization to perform its function, and recruit disaster prevention personnel for operating such equipment by the organization (Article 16).

(3) CABINET ORDER AND MINISTERIAL ORDINANCES
Enforcement Order of the Petroleum Refinery Complex, etc. Disaster Prevention Law
Ministerial Ordinance Regarding Specified Disaster Prevention Organization

(4) OUTLINE OF THE CONTROL
1) Items Covered
Disaster prevention materials, etc.

2) Outline of the Control
i.Content of the Control
If any tank-type outdoor storage installation belonging to this specified area of operation falls under standards set by Cabinet Orders (standards regarding the type, the sort of petroleum to be stored, etc.), the specified operation undertaker must equip disaster prevention materials such as large-scale chemical fire engines (Article 8-13 of the Enforcement Order).

ii.Notification
The specified operation undertaker shall notify the mayor of the municipality and/or prefectural governor faced with the current circumstances regarding the independent disaster prevention organization and the disaster prevention materials, etc (Paragraph 5 of Article 16, Paragraph 4 of Article 19.2).

iii.Certification System
Neither the Petroleum Refinery Complex, etc. Disaster Prevention Law nor the related cabinet orders, etc. specifically establish a certification system for disaster prevention materials, etc.
With reference to disaster prevention materials, fire engines fall under the definition of machines and instruments required to be voluntarily marked regarding their functions, prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 21.16 of the Fire Service Law.

(5) HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RECENT AMENDMENT
The amendment of the Law in June 2004 reinforced and enhanced prevention system of disaster in (enforced in December 2004). Furthermore, to prompt to strengthen functions of machinery and materials, etc. for prevention of disaster, independent disaster prevention organization for prevention of disaster are required to equip large-scale foam cannons. (enforced in December 2005).

(6) REFERENCE INFORMATION
(Liaison Office for Further Information)
Specified Disaster Section, Fire Defense Agency
Ministry of Internal Affaires and Communications
Tel: 03-5253-7528 http://www.fdma.go.jp