Local governments' response to accidents in chemical factories in Japan: Focus on petroleum industrial complexes special accident prevention areas

Abstract

This study analyzes the current situation and issues associated with the response of local governments to accidents in chemical factories, with a focus on chemical petroleum complexes in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 134 local governments of special accident prevention areas based on the Act on the Prevention of Accidents in Japan, and 67.2% responded. A quarter of the respondents stated that they experienced more than 20 accidents in the last 5 years. However, the number of local governments that have formulated accident response manuals and prepared evacuation plans was almost half. About 12% described the range of information provided to the residents in advance. The results of the analysis revealed that preparedness of local governments in responding to accidents varies substantially and that local governments that have many factories tend to formulate response manuals and evacuation plans. The study suggests that municipalities should formulate evacuation plans and response manuals, while prefectures should take the initiative to streamline responses for accidents and provide information to residents based on the analysis results.