Article 1The purpose of this Act is to regulate the production, storage, sale, transportation and other matters related to the handling of high pressure gases, their consumption as well as the manufacture and handling of their containers and to encourage voluntary activities by private businesses and the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan for the safety of high pressure gases with the aim of securing public safety by preventing accidents and disasters caused by high pressure gases.

Article 2The term "high pressure gas" as used in this Act means any gas that falls under any of the following items:

Article 3(1)The provisions of this Act shall not apply to high pressure gases listed in any of the following items:

(2)The provisions of Articles 40 to 56-2-2 inclusive and Articles 60 to 63 inclusive shall not apply to containers with an internal volume or less 1 deciliter and to containers to be used without tight sealing.

Article 4The provisions of this Act, except those of Article 73 and Chapter VI, shall apply to the National Government.In this case, the term "permission" or "authorization" wherever appearing herein shall be deemed to be replaced with "approval".

Article 5(1)Any person who falls under any of the following items shall obtain the permission of the prefectural governor for each place of business:

(2)Any person falling under any of the following items shall submit a notification report to the prefectural governor by means of a written statement describing the type of high pressure gas to be produced, the location, construction and equipment of the facilities for production and the method of production for each place of business no later than 20 days prior to the day specified in each of the items:

(3)The refrigerating capacity referred to in item (ii) of paragraph (1) and item (ii) of the preceding paragraph shall be calculated in accordance with the standards specified by an Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (hereinafter referred to as "Ordinance of METI").

Article 6Deletion

Article 7Any person falling under any of the following items shall be disqualified for permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5:

Article 8When there is an application for permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5, the prefectural governor shall examine the application and shall give permission if he/she finds that the application is in conformity with the requirements of all the following items.

Article 9If a person who obtained permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 (hereinafter referred to as "Class 1 Producer") has, without justifiable grounds, failed to commence production or sale within one year or has suspended production for an uninterrupted period of not less than one year, the prefectural governor may revoke the permission therefor.

Article 10(1)In the event there is an inheritance, merger or division with respect to a Class 1 Producer (limited to the succession of the place of business of such Class 1 Producer for which such Class 1 Producer has obtained permission), the heir(s) (in case there are two or more heir(s), if all of them have selected by agreement an heir to succeed such business, then such specific heir), the surviving after the merger or newly organized by the merger, or the juridical person succeeding to such place of business by division, shall succeed to the status of a Class 1 Producer.

(2)A person(s) who has (have) succeeded to the status of a Class 1 Producer pursuant to the provision of the preceding paragraph shall submit a notification report of the succession to the prefectural governor without delay with a document certifying such fact.

Article 10-2(1)A person who is listed in any of the items of paragraph (2) of Article 5 (hereinafter referred to as "Class 2 Producer") transfers all of his/her business or in the event of the inheritance, merger or divided succession of a Class 2 Producer (limited to transfer of all the business(es) of such Class 2 Producer), a person who has succeeded to all of his/her business(es) or the heir(s) and/or the heiress(es) (in case there are two or more heir(s) and/or heiress(es), if all of them have unanimously selected an heir(ess) to succeed such business(es), then such specific heir(ess)) or the corporate body surviving after the merger or newly organized by the merger or inheriting all of his/her business(es) by divided succession, shall succeed to the status of a Class 2 Producer pursuant to the provision of this Act.

(2)A person(s) who has (have) succeeded to the status of a Class 2 Producer pursuant to the provision of the preceding paragraph shall submit a notification report of the succession to the prefectural governor without delay with a document certifying such fact.

Article 11(1)A Class 1 Producer shall maintain the facilities for production so as to keep the location, construction and equipment of the facilities in conformity with the technical standards under item (i) of Article 8.

(2)A Class 1 Producer shall produce high pressure gas in accordance with the technical standards under item (ii) of Article 8.

(3)When a prefectural governor finds that the facilities for production or the method of production of a Class 1 Producer are not in conformity with the technical standards under item (i) or (ii) of Article 8, he/she may order the Class 1 Producer to repair, alter or remove the facilities for production so as to conform with such technical standards or to produce high pressure gas in accordance with such technical standards.

Article 12(1)A Class 2 Producer shall maintain the facilities for production so as to keep the location, construction and equipment of the facilities in conformity with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(2)A Class 2 Producer shall produce high pressure gas in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(3)When a prefectural governor finds that the facilities for production or the method of production of a Class 2 Producer are not in conformity with the technical standards under the preceding two paragraphs, he/she may order the Class 2 Producer to repair, alter or remove the facilities for production so as to conform with such technical standards, or to produce the high pressure gas in accordance with such technical standards.

Article 13In addition to the provisions of the preceding two Articles, the production of high pressure gas shall be conducted in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

Article 14(1)A Class 1 Producer who intends to implement any change in the location, construction or equipment of the facilities for production or who intends to change the type of high pressure gas to be produced or the method of production therefor shall obtain the permission of the prefectural governor; provided, however, that this shall not apply to minor changes specified by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the location, construction or equipment of the facilities for production.

(2)When implementing such minor changes as specified in the proviso of the preceding paragraph, the Class 1 Producer shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor without delay after the completion thereof.

(3)The provision of Article 8 shall apply mutatis mutandis to permission under paragraph (1).

(4)A Class 2 Producer who intends to implement any changes in the location, construction or equipment of the facilities for production, or who intends to change the type of high pressure gas to be produced or the method of production therefor, shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor in advance; provided, however, that this shall not apply to minor changes specified by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the location, construction or equipment of the facilities for production.

Article 15(1)The storage of high pressure gas shall be conducted in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI; provided, however, that this shall not apply to the high pressure gas stored by a Class 1 Producer in accordance with the terms of permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 of this Act; LPG referred to in paragraph (1) of Article 2 of the LPG Act stored by a LPG Dealer specified in Article 6 of the LPG Act at a supply facility specified in paragraph (4) of Article 2, of the LPG Act or a storage facility specified in item (iii) of paragraph (2) of Article 3 of the LPG Act; or high pressure gas of not more than the volume specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(2)When a prefectural governor finds that the storage of high pressure gas by the owner or possessor of the storage place as provided in paragraph (1) of the following Article or paragraph (1) of Article 17-2 is not in conformity with the technical standards under the preceding paragraph, he/she may order such owner or possessor to store the high pressure gas in accordance with such technical standards.

Article 16(1)High pressure gas of not less than 300 cubic meters (if such gas is one of those types of gas specified by a Cabinet Order, the figure in excess of 300 cubic meters that is specified by such Cabinet Order for each type of gas to be specified by such Cabinet Order) in volume shall be stored in a storage place to be set up with the prior permission of the prefectural governor (hereinafter referred to as "Class 1 Storage Place"); provided, however, that this shall not apply to the storage of high pressure gas by a Class 1 Producer in accordance with the terms of permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or to the storage of the LPG referred to in paragraph (1) of Article 2 of the LPG Act at a supply facility specified in paragraph (4) of Article 2 of the LPG Act or a storage facility specified in item (iii) of paragraph (2) of Article 3 of the LPG Act by a LPG Dealer specified in Article 6 of the LPG Act.

(2)When there is an application for permission set forth in the preceding paragraph, the prefectural governor shall give permission if he/she finds that the location, construction and equipment of the Class 1 Storage Place are in conformity with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(3)In the case referred to in paragraph (1), if the high pressure gas to be stored is liquefied gas, or liquefied gas and compressed gas, 10 kilograms of the liquefied gas shall be deemed to be 1 cubic meter in volume for the purpose of application of said paragraph.

Article 17(1)The transfer or delivery of a Class 1 Storage Place shall cause the transferee or deliveree to succeed to the status of the person who was given permission to set up such Class 1 Storage Place.

(2)The successor to the status of a person who was given permission to set up a Class 1 Storage Place under the provision of the preceding paragraph shall submit a notification report of the succession to the prefectural governor without delay.

Article 17-2(1)High pressure gas of not less than 300 cubic meters in volume shall be stored (except the case provided in the main text of paragraph (1) of Article 16) at a storage place of which the installation shall be notified to the prefectural governor in advance (hereinafter referred to as "Class 2 Storage Place"); provided, however, that this shall not apply to the storage of high pressure gas by a Class 1 Producer in accordance with the terms of permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or to the storage of the LPG referred to in paragraph (1) of Article 2 of the LPG Act at a supply facility provided in paragraph (4) of Article 2 of the LPG Act or a storage facility provided in item (iii) of paragraph (2) of Article 3 of the LPG Act by a LPG Dealer provided in Article 6 of the LPG Act.

(2)The provision of paragraph (3) of Article 16 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the preceding paragraph.

Article 18(1)The owner or possessor of a Class 1 Storage Place shall maintain the Class 1 Storage Place so as to keep its location, construction and equipment in conformity with the technical standards under paragraph (2) of Article 16.

(2)The owner or possessor of a Class 2 Storage Place shall maintain the Class 2 Storage Place so as to keep its location, construction and equipment in conformity with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(3)When the prefectural governor finds that the location, construction or equipment of a Class 1 Storage Place or Class 2 Storage Place is not in conformity with the technical standards under paragraph (2) of Article 16 or those specified in the preceding paragraphs, the prefectural governor may order the owner or possessor thereof to repair, alter or remove such Class 1 Storage Place or Class 2 Storage Place so as to conform with said technical standards.

Article 19(1)The owner or possessor of a Class 1 Storage Place who intends to implement any change in the location, construction or equipment therefor shall obtain the permission of the prefectural governor; provided, however, that this shall not apply to minor changes specified by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the location, construction or equipment of the Class 1 Storage Place.

(2)When implementing such minor changes referred to in the proviso of the preceding paragraph, the owner or possessor of a Class 1 Storage Place shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor without delay after the completion thereof.

(3)The provision of paragraph (2) of Article 16 shall apply mutatis mutandis to permission under paragraph (1).

(4)The owner or possessor of a Class 2 Storage Place who intends to implement any change to the location, construction or equipment thereof shall notify the prefectural governor of the intended change in advance; provided, however, that this shall not apply to minor changes specified by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the location, construction or equipment of the Class 2 Storage Place.

Article 20(1)Upon completion of the setting up of facilities for the production of high pressure gas or of the setting up of a Class 1 Storage Place, the person who was given permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or paragraph (1) of Article 16 shall subject such production facilities or Class 1 Storage Place to a completion inspection by the prefectural governor and shall not use them until they are found to be in conformity with the technical standards under item (i) of Article 8 or paragraph (2) of Article 16; provided, however, that this shall not apply to the case where said person has subjected the facilities for the production of high pressure gas or the Class 1 Storage Place to a completion inspection by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan (hereinafter referred to as "the Institute") or an agency designated by the Minister (hereinafter referred to as "Designated Completion Conformity Inspection Body") as specified by an Ordinance of METI, has received approval that said facilities or Class 1 Storage Place are in conformity with the technical standards under item (i) of Article 8 or paragraph (2) of Article 16 and has notified such approval to the prefectural governor.

(2)A person who has had the whole or a part of the facilities for production transferred from a Class 1 Producer and has obtained permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 shall be entitled to use said facilities if said Class 1 Producer had said facilities verified as being in conformity with the technical standards under item (i) of Article 8 following completion inspection or notified the records of inspection in accordance with the provision of item (ii) of the following paragraph.

(3)Upon completion of the work to alter the location, construction or equipment of facilities for the production of high pressure gas or a Class 1 Storage Place (except the type of work specified by an Ordinance of METI; hereinafter referred to as "Designated Alteration Work"), a person who has obtained permission under paragraph (1) of Article 14 or paragraph (1) of the preceding Article shall subject such production facilities or Class 1 Storage Place to completion inspection by the prefectural governor and shall not use them until they have been verified as being in conformity with the technical standards under item (i) of Article 8 or paragraph (2) of Article 16; provided, however, that this shall not apply in either of the following cases:

(4)Upon completion of the completion inspection as provided for in the proviso of paragraph (1) or item (i) of the preceding paragraph, the Institute or an Accredited Completion Conformity Inspection Body shall report the inspection results to the prefectural governor without delay.

(5)The method of completion inspection to be conducted by the prefectural governor, the Institute or an Authorized Completion Conformity Inspection Body, as referred to in paragraph (1) and paragraph (3) hereof, shall be specified by an Ordinance of METI.

Article 20-2A person who was given permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or paragraph (1) of Article 14 shall not be required to subject the following equipment to completion inspection under paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of the preceding Article, if he/she has subjected the facilities for production involving such equipment to completion inspection by the prefectural governor, the Institute or an Authorized Completion Conformity Inspection Body as referred to in paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of said Article within the period specified by an Ordinance of METI:

Article 20-3A person who was given permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or paragraph (1) of Article 14 shall not be required to subject to the completion inspection under paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of Article 20, the facilities for production involving equipment that has been accredited under paragraph (2) of Article 56-7 and of which such accreditation may be verified by a Specified Equipment Accreditation Certificate under paragraph (1) of Article 56-8 if such person subjects such facilities for production to the completion inspection under paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of Article 20 to be conducted by the prefectural governor, the Institute or an Authorized Completion Conformity Inspection Body.

Article 20-4A person who intends to engage in the business of selling high pressure gas (except the business of selling LPG as provided for in paragraph (3) of Article 2 of the LPG Act) shall notify the prefectural governor of his/her intention, with a document describing the type of high pressure gas for sale and other documents specified by an Ordinance of METI at least 20 days prior to the planned day of business commencement for each place of sales,provided, however, that this shall not apply in either of the following cases:

Article 20-4-2(1)A person who has made notification pursuant to the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as "Dealer") has transferred all of his/her selling business so notified or in the event of the inheritance, merger or divided succession of a Dealer (limited to transfer of all of his/her selling business so notified), a person who has succeeded to all of his/her business or the heir(s) and/or heiress(es) (in case there are two or more heir(s) and/or heiress(es), if all of them have unanimously selected an heir(ess) to succeed to such business, then such specific heir(ess)) or the corporate body existent after the merger or newly organized by the merger or inheriting all of his/her business by divided succession shall succeed to the status of a Dealer.

(2)A person(s) who has (have) succeeded to the status of a Dealer in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph shall submit a notification report of the succession to the prefectural governor without delay with a document certifying such fact.

Article 20-5(1)A Dealer or a person who is engaged in the business of selling pursuant to the provision of item (i) of Article 20-4 (hereinafter referred to as "Dealer, etc.") shall inform a buyer of the high pressure gas which he/she intends to sell and which is specified as high pressure gas in an Ordinance of METI of those items specified by an Ordinance of METI which are deemed necessary to prevent the occurrence of accidents caused by said high pressure gas; provided, however, that this shall not apply if the person buying said high pressure gas is a Class I Producer, a Dealer, a Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer referred to in paragraph (2) of Article 24-2 or any other person specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(2)In the event a Dealer, etc. fails to inform buyers as prescribed in the preceding paragraph or the method of informing is found to be inappropriate, the prefectural governor may issue a recommendation to said Dealer, etc. to properly inform buyers in accordance with the provision of said paragraph or to improve the method of informing buyers.

(3)In the event a Dealer, etc. does not follow the recommendation pursuant to the provision set forth in the preceding paragraph, the prefectural governor may publicly make public the failure on the part of the Dealer, etc. to follow said recommendation.

Article 20-6(1)A Dealer, etc. shall sell high pressure gas in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(2)In the event the sales method employed by a Dealer, etc. is found to be inconsistent with the technical standards referred to set forth in the preceding paragraph, the prefectural governor may issue an order to the Dealer, etc. to sell high pressure gas in accordance with said technical standards.

Article 20-7A Dealer shall notify any change of the type of high pressure gas he/she sells to the prefectural governor without delay.

Article 21(1)Upon commencement or discontinuation of the production of high pressure gas, a Class 1 Producer shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor without delay.

(2)Upon the discontinuation of the business of producing high pressure gas, a Class 2 Producer listed in item (i) of paragraph (2) of Article 5 shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor without delay.

(3)Upon the discontinuation of the production of high pressure gas, a Class 2 Producer listed in item (ii) of paragraph (2) of Article 5 shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor without delay.

(4)Upon the discontinuation of the use of a Class 1 Storage Place or Class 2 Storage Place, the owner or possessor thereof shall submit a notification report of the discontinuation of the use of such facility to the prefectural governor without delay.

(5)Upon the discontinuation of the business of selling high pressure gas, a Dealer shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor without delay.

Article 22(1)Any person who has imported high pressure gas shall have the imported high pressure gas and the container therefor undergo import inspection by the prefectural governor and may not remove them until they have been verified as being in conformity with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI (hereinafter referred to as "technical standards for import inspection" in this Article); provided, however, that this shall not apply in the following cases:

(2)When the Institute or a Designated Import Conformity Inspection Body has conducted import inspection set forth in the preceding paragraph, it shall report the results to the prefectural governor without delay.

(3)When the prefectural governor finds that the high pressure gas imported or the containers therefor do not conform with technical standards for import inspection, the prefectural governor may order such importer of the high pressure gas to dispose of the high pressure gas and the containers therefor or to take other necessary measures.

(4)The method of import inspection to be conducted by the prefectural governor, the Institute or a Designated Import Conformity Inspection Body in paragraph (1) shall be specified by an Ordinance of METI.

Article 23(1)In transporting high pressure gas, the necessary safety measures as specified by an Ordinance of METI shall be taken with respect to the containers therefor.

(2)In transporting high pressure gas in a vehicle (meaning a road transportation vehicle provided in paragraph (1) of Article 2 of the Road Vehicles Act (Act No. 185 of 1951)), the technical standards provided by an Ordinance of METI shall be complied with as to the methods of loading and transportation.

(3)As for the pipeline transportation of high pressure gas, such pipeline shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI; provided, however, that this shall not apply to the pipeline transportation of high pressure gas as performed by a Class 1 Producer in accordance with the terms of permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5.

Article 24The work of setting up or changing the equipment for providing general consumers with compressed natural gas for their daily use (limited to such gas as filled in a container with an internal volume of less than 120 liters and not less than 20 liters) shall be undertaken in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

Article 24-2(1)In the event that any person consumes compressed monosilane, compressed diborane, liquefied arsine or other high pressure gases specifically specified in a Cabinet Order as requiring special care for the prevention of accidents in their consumption, or liquid oxygen and other types of high pressure gases specifically specified in a Cabinet Order as requiring special care for the maintenance of public safety or for the prevention of accidents with respect to the storage and consumption of a certain quantity of such gas(es) (all gases herein referred to are hereinafter collectively referred to as "Specific High Pressure Gases"), the consumer (limited to anyone whose storage facilities of Specific High Pressure Gases for consumption have a storage capacity of not or less the quantity specified by a Cabinet Order for each type of Specific High Pressure Gas or anyone who is supplied with such Specific High Pressure Gas for consumption through a pipeline from a place of business other than those involved in the consumption of Specific High Pressure Gas; the same shall apply hereinafter) shall report to the prefectural governor for each place of business no later than 20 days prior to commencement of consumption, together with documents showing the type of Specific High Pressure Gas to be consumed, the location, construction and equipment of the facilities for consumption (including storage for consumption and pipeline transportation; the same shall apply hereinafter in this paragraph) and the method of consumption.

(2)The provision of Article 10-2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to a consumer of Specific High Pressure Gases (hereinafter referred to as "Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer").

Article 24-3(1)A Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer shall maintain the facilities for consumption (including storage for consumption and pipeline transportation; the same shall apply hereinafter) so as to keep the location, construction and equipment therefor in conformity with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(2)A Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer shall consume Specific High Pressure Gases in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(3)When the prefectural governor finds that the facilities for consumption or the method of consumption of a Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer are not in conformity with the technical standards under the preceding two paragraphs, he may order the Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer to repair, alter or remove the facilities for consumption so as to conform with such technical standards or to consume the Specific High Pressure Gases in accordance with such technical standards.

Article 24-4(1)Any Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer who intends to implement any changes in the location, construction or equipment of the facilities for consumption or who intends to change the type of Specific High Pressure Gases to be consumed or the method of consumption thereof shall submit a report of such changes to the prefectural governor in advance; provided, however, that this shall not apply to minor changes specified by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the location, construction or equipment of the facilities for consumption.

(2)Upon the discontinuation of the consumption of Specific High Pressure Gases, a Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer shall submit a report thereof to the prefectural governor without delay.

Article 24-5In addition to what is provided for in the preceding three Articles, the consumption of high pressure gases specified by an Ordinance of METI shall be conducted in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the method of consumption including the place of consumption and quantity.

Article 25The disposal of high pressure gases specified by an Ordinance of METI shall be conducted in accordance with the technical standards specified by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the method of disposal including the place of disposal and quantity.

Article 25-2In addition to what is provided for in this Chapter, the procedure to be taken to obtain permission for production of high pressure gases, the procedure to be taken for completion inspection and other necessary procedural matters for carrying out the provisions of this Chapter shall be prescribed by an Ordinance of METI.

Article 26(1)A Class 1 Producer shall draw up a Hazard Prevention Rule describing the items specified by an Ordinance of METI and shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor pursuant to the provision of the Ordinance of METI.The above notification shall be required likewise for any alteration being made to such Hazard Prevention Rule.

(2)The prefectural governor may issue an order to improve the Hazard Prevention Rule when he/she finds such improvement necessary for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters.

(3)A Class 1 Producer and his/her employees shall observe the Hazard Prevention Rule.

(4)In the event a Class 1 Producer or his/her employees do not observe the Hazard Prevention Rule, the prefectural governor may order or recommend the Class 1 Producer to observe the Hazard Prevention Rule or to take necessary measures to make his/her employees observe the Hazard Prevention Rule when the prefectural governor finds such measures necessary for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters.

Article 27(1)A Class 1 Producer shall prepare a Safety Training Program for his/her employees.

(2)The prefectural governor may issue an order to improve the Safety Training Program set forth in the preceding paragraph when he/she finds the Program inappropriate for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters.

(3)A Class 1 Producer shall conscientiously implement the Safety Training Program.

(4)Any Class 2 Producer, owner or possessor of a Class 1 Storage Place or Class 2 Storage Place, Dealer or Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer (referred to as "Class 2 Producer, etc." in the following paragraph) shall provide their employees with safety training.

(5)When the prefectural governor finds that a Class 1 Producer is not conscientiously implementing the Safety Training Program, and finds it necessary for the maintenance of public safety or for the prevention of disasters to do so, or when he/she finds that the safety training provided by a Class 2 Producer, etc. for employees is not sufficient for the maintenance of public safety or for the prevention of disasters, he/she may recommend said Class 1 Producer or Class 2 Producer, etc. to properly implement the Safety Training Program or to provide safety training to employees or improve the contents or method of such safety training, respectively.

(6)To help prevent accidents and disasters due to high pressure gas, the Institute shall draw up guidelines for the preparation of the Safety Training Program under paragraph (1) or for the provision of the safety training under paragraph (4) for each type of high pressure gas and shall make them public.

Article 27-2(1)The following persons shall appoint a high pressure gas production safety controller (hereinafter referred to as "Safety Controller") for each place of business in accordance with an Ordinance of METI and shall assign him/her to such duties as provided by paragraph (1) of Article 32.

(2)The Safety Controller so appointed shall be one who generally manages businesses at such place of business.

(3)A person referred to in item (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) shall, for each place of business and in accordance with an Ordinance of METI, appoint a high pressure gas production safety technical manager (hereinafter referred to as "Safety Technical Manager") from among the holders of a high pressure gas production safety management certificate (hereinafter referred to as "Production Safety Management Certificate") who has experience of producing the high pressure gas(es) specified by an Ordinance of METI and assign him/her to such duties as prescribed by paragraph (2) of Article 32; provided, however, that this shall not apply when the Safety Controller of said place of business is a holder of a Production Safety Management Certificate as specified by an Ordinance of METI and has experience of producing the high pressure gas(es) specified by an Ordinance of METI in accordance with the place of business classification made by an Ordinance of METI or when otherwise provided for by an Ordinance of METI.

(4)A person referred to in item (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) shall, for each division of the facilities for production as divided by an Ordinance of METI and in accordance with an Ordinance of METI, appoint high pressure gas production supervisory safety workers (hereinafter referred to as "Supervisory Safety Workers") from among the holders of a Production Safety Management Certificate who have experience of producing the high pressure gas(es) provided by an Ordinance of METI and assign them to such duties as provided by paragraph (3) of Article 32.

(5)Upon the appointment of a Safety Controller in accordance with the provision of paragraph (1), a person referred to in item (i) or (ii) of said paragraph shall submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor without delay.The above provision shall be applicable likewise when dismissing the Safety Controller from his/her duties.

(6)A person referred to in item (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) shall submit to the prefectural governor a notification report of the appointment or dismissal of a Safety Technical Manager or Supervisory Safety Workers in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (3) or (4) as specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(7)A person referred to in item (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) shall, in accordance with an Ordinance of METI, make his/her Supervisory Safety Workers take training courses given by the Institute or an Authorized Training Agency under paragraph (3) of Article 31 on the prevention of high pressure gas accidents.

Article 27-3(1)Those Class 1 Producers referred to in item (i) of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article whose daily production of high pressure gas is not less than the volume provided by an Ordinance of METI for each type of gas provided by an Ordinance of METI shall, for each division of the facilities for production as divided by an Ordinance of METI and in accordance with an Ordinance of METI, appoint a high pressure gas production safety chief (hereinafter referred to as "Safety Chief") from among the holders of a Production Safety Management Certificate who have experience of producing high pressure gas(es) provided by an Ordinance of METI and assign him/her to such duties as provided by paragraph (4) of Article 32.

(2)A Class 1 Producer as provided for in the preceding paragraph shall, for each place of business, appoint a high pressure gas production safety planning promoter (hereinafter referred to as "Safety Planning Promoter") from among those with such knowledge and experience of the safety of the production of high pressure gas as specified by an Ordinance of METI and assign him/her to such duties as prescribed by paragraph (5) of Article 32.

(3)The provision of paragraph (6) of the preceding Article shall apply mutatis mutandis to the appointment or dismissal of a Safety Chief or a Safety Planning Promoter and the provision of paragraph (7) of said Article likewise to the training of such persons.

Article 27-4(1)The following persons shall, for each place of business and in accordance with an Ordinance of METI, appoint a Refrigeration Safety Manager from among the holders of a Production Safety Management Certificate who have experience of producing high pressure gas(es) provided by an Ordinance of METI and assign him/her to such duties as provided by paragraph (6) of Article 32.

(2)The provision of paragraph (5) of Article 27-2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the appointment or dismissal of a Refrigeration Safety Manager.

Article 28(1)A Dealer (limited to a person selling high pressure gases provided by an Ordinance of METI; the same shall apply in Article 34) shall, for each sales location and in accordance with an Ordinance of METI, appoint a high pressure gas sales safety chief (hereinafter referred to as "Sales Safety Chief") from among the holders of a Production Safety Manager Certificate or a high pressure gas sales safety chief certificate (hereinafter referred to as "Sales Safety Chief Certificate") who have experience of selling high pressure gas(es) provided by an Ordinance of METI and assign him/her to such duties as provided by paragraph (7) of Article 32.

(2)Any Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer shall, for each place of business and in accordance with an Ordinance of METI, appoint a Specific High Pressure Gas operation safety chief (hereinafter referred to as "Operation Safety Chief") and assign him/her to such duties as provided by paragraph (8) of Article 32.

(3)The provision of paragraph (5) of Article 27-2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the appointment or dismissal of a Sales Safety Chief or an Operation Safety Chief.

Article 29(1)Production Safety Management Certificates shall be classified into Class A Chemical Safety Management Certificates, Class B Chemical Safety Management Certificates, Class C Chemical Safety Management Certificates, Class A Mechanical Safety Management Certificates, Class B Mechanical Safety Management Certificates, Class 1 Refrigeration Safety Manager Certificates, Class 2 Refrigeration Safety Manager Certificates and Class 3 Refrigeration Safety Manager Certificates, while Sales Safety Chief Certificates shall be classified into Class 1 Sales Safety Chief Certificates and Class 2 Sales Safety Chief Certificates.

(2)The scope of duties that may be performed by a holder of a Production Safety Management Certificate or a Sales Safety Chief Certificate for the safety of production or sale of high pressure gas shall be provided for in an Ordinance of METI for each classification of Production Safety Management Certificates or Sales Safety Chief Certificates given in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A Production Safety Management Certificate or a Sales Safety Chief Certificate shall only be issued to a person who has passed the high pressure gas production safety management examination (hereinafter referred to as "Production Safety Management Examination") or the high pressure gas sales safety chief examination (hereinafter referred to as "Sales Safety Chief Examination").

(4)The Minister of METI or the prefectural governor may not issue a Production Safety Management Certificate or a Sales Safety Chief Certificate to a person falling under either of the following items:

(5)Procedural matters concerning the issuance of a Production Safety Management Certificate or Sales Safety Chief Certificate shall be specified by an Ordinance of METI.

Article 29-2(1)The Minister of METI and a prefectural governor may, pursuant to a Cabinet Order, entrust the whole or a part of the business regarding the issuance of Production Safety Management Certificates and Sales Safety Chief Certificates provided in Chapter III (except the business regarding the return of Production Safety Management Certificates and Sales Safety Chief Certificates and other businesses provided by a Cabinet Order; these businesses are hereinafter referred to as "the Business to Issue Certificates") to a juridical person provided by an Ordinance of METI.

(2)Current or past officials or staff members of a juridical person entrusted with the Business to Issue Certificates under the provision of the preceding paragraph shall not leak any secrecy which comes to their knowledge regarding the Business to Issue Certificates in connection with said entrustment.

Article 30In the event that a holder of a Production Safety Management Certificate or a Sales Safety Chief Certificate has violated this Act, the LPG Act or an order pursuant to either Act, the Minister of METI or the prefectural governor may order him/her to return his/her Production Safety Management Certificate or Sales Safety Chief Certificate.

Article 31(1)The Production Safety Management Examination or the Sales Safety Chief Examination shall be conducted with respect to such knowledge and skills as are necessary for the production or sale of high pressure gas and the prevention of accidents due to high pressure gas.

(2)The Production Safety Management Examination or the Sales Safety Chief Examination shall be conducted by the Minister of METI or prefectural governors at least once a year for each classification of the Production Safety Management Certificates or the Sales Safety Chief Certificates as provided in paragraph (1) of Article 29.

(3)Persons who have finished the training courses conducted under an Ordinance of METI by the Institute or by a training agency designated by the Minister of METI (hereinafter referred to as "Designated Training Agency") shall be exempt from the whole or a part of the Production Safety Management Examination or the Sales Safety Chief Examination in accordance with an Ordinance of METI.

(4)In addition to what is provided for in the preceding three paragraphs, test subjects, application procedures and other particulars for such examinations as well as details for designation in the preceding paragraph shall be specified by an Ordinance of METI.

Article 31-2(1)The Minister of METI (or prefectural governors in the case where the duties which fall under the authority of the Minister of METI pursuant to the provision of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article are performed by prefectural governors as specified by a Cabinet Order pursuant to the provision of Article 78-4; the same shall apply in the following paragraph) or prefectural governors may consign the clerical work relating to the implementation of the Production Safety Management Examination or the Sales Safety Chief Examination (hereinafter referred to as "examination service"), either wholly or partially, to the Institute or an Examining Body designated by the Minister of METI (hereinafter referred to as "Designated Examining Body" except in the case of items (vi)-3 of Article 59-9) in accordance with an Ordinance of METI.

(2)The Minister or prefectural governors shall not conduct the examination service, either wholly or partially, once such service has, either wholly or partially, been consigned to the Institute or a Designated Examining Body in accordance with the preceding paragraph.

(3)Once a prefectural governor (including a prefectural governor who performs the duties which fall under the authority of the Minister of METI pursuant to the provision of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article as specified by a Cabinet Order pursuant to the provision of Article 78-4; the same shall apply in the following paragraph, paragraph (2) of Article 58-6, paragraph (2) of Article 59-30-2 and paragraph (2) of Article 74-2) has decided to consign the examination service in accordance with paragraph (1) to the Institute or a Designated Examining Body or dismiss them from such examination service he/she has once decided to entrust to them, the prefectural governor shall report such decision to the Minister of METI.

(4)In the event that a prefectural governor decides to dismiss the Institute or a Designated Examining Body from the examination service which he/she once consigned in accordance with paragraph (1), the prefectural governor shall notify the Institute or the Designated Examining Body to that effect at least 6 months prior thereto.

Article 32(1)A Safety Controller shall generally manage all work in relation to the safety of production of high pressure gas.

(2)A Safety Technical Manager shall assist the Safety Controller and manage technical matters in relation to the safety of production of high pressure gas.

(3)A Supervisory Safety Worker shall manage the maintenance of the facilities for production, monitoring of the method of production or such other technical matters in relation to the safety of production of high pressure gas specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(4)A Safety Chief shall assist a Safety Technical Manager (in the case of place of business where no Safety Technical Manager is appointed, shall assist a Safety Controller with respect to technical matters in the safety of production of high pressure gas) and shall lead Supervisory Safety Workers.

(5)A Safety Planning Promoter shall assist a Safety Controller in planning and maintaining the Hazard Prevention Rule, planning and promoting the Safety Training Program and such other work in relation to the safety of production of high pressure gas as specified by an Ordinance of METI.

(6)A Refrigeration Safety Manager shall manage the work in relation to the safety of production of high pressure gas.

(7)A Sales Safety Chief shall manage the work in relation to the safety of sale of high pressure gas.

(8)An Operation Safety Chief shall manage the work in relation to the safety of consumption of Specific High Pressure Gases.

(9)A Safety Controller, Safety Technical Manager, Supervisory Safety Worker, Safety Chief, Safety Planning Promoter, Refrigeration Safety Manager, Sales Safety Chief and Operation Safety Chief shall conscientiously perform their duties.

(10)Persons engaged in the production or sale of high pressure gas or the consumption of Specific High Pressure Gases shall observe instructions given by a Safety Controller, Safety Technical Manager, Supervisory Safety Worker, Safety Chief, Refrigeration Safety Manager, Sales Safety Chief or Operation Safety Chief to ensure the enforcement of this Act or orders pursuant thereto or the Hazard Prevention Rule.

Article 33(1)A person listed in item (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 27-2 or item (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 27-4 shall, in accordance with an Ordinance of METI, appoint in advance deputies for the Safety Controller, Safety Technical Manager, Supervisory Safety Worker, Safety Chief, Safety Planning Promoter or Refrigeration Safety Manager (hereinafter referred to collectively as "Safety Controller, etc.") to act on behalf of the Safety Controller, etc. when they are prevented from performing their duties on account of a trip, sickness or any other incident.In this case, deputies for the Safety Technical Manager, Supervisory Safety Worker, Safety Chief or Refrigeration Safety Manager shall be appointed, pursuant to an Ordinance of METI, from among the holders of a Production Safety Management Certificate who have experience of producing high pressure gas(es) specified by an Ordinance of METI and a deputy for the Safety Planning Promoter shall be appointed from among those with such knowledge and experience in the safety of production of high pressure gas specified by the Ordinance of METI under paragraph (2) of Article 27-3.

(2)Deputies set forth in the preceding paragraph shall, when performing the duties of the Safety Controller, etc., be regarded as the Safety Controller, etc. with regard to the application of the provisions of this Act.

(3)The provision of paragraph (5) of Article 27-2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the appointment or dismissal of deputies under paragraph (1).

Article 34When a prefectural governor finds that a Safety Controller, etc. or any deputy thereof, a Sales Safety Chief or an Operation Safety Chief has violated any provision of this Act or any order pursuant thereto, or he/she finds a risk of their performance of duty interfering with the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters, the prefectural governor may order a person listed in item (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 27-2 or item (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 27-4, Dealer or Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer to dismiss such Safety Controller, etc., deputy thereof, Sales Safety Chief or Operation Safety Chief.

Article 35(1)With respect to facilities for production which may have the possibility of explosion or other disasters due to high pressure gas (limited to those facilities designated by an Ordinance of METI; hereinafter referred to as "Designated Facilities"), a Class 1 Producer shall subject his/her Designated Facilities, periodically and in accordance with the provisions of an Ordinance of METI, to a safety inspection conducted by the prefectural governor; provided, however, that this shall not apply to either of the following cases:

(2)The safety inspection set forth in the preceding paragraph shall be conducted to determine whether or not the Designated Facilities conform with the technical standards under item (i) of Article 8.

(3)The Institute or the Designated Safety Conformity Inspection Body which conducted the safety inspection as provided for in item (i) of paragraph (1) shall report its result to the prefectural governor without delay.

(4)The method of safety inspection to be conducted by the prefectural governor, the Institute or a Designated Safety Conformity Inspection Body under paragraph (1) shall be specified in an Ordinance of METI.

Article 35-2With respect to facilities for production or consumption specified by an Ordinance of METI, Class 1 Producers, Class 2 Producers using equipment accredited under paragraph (2) of Article 56-7, Class 2 Producers whose daily production volume of high pressure gas exceeds the value specified by an Ordinance of METI for each type of gas specified by an Ordinance of METI (or the value of daily refrigerating capacity specified by an Ordinance of METI for persons provided for in item (ii) of paragraph (2) of Article 5) or Specific High Pressure Gas Consumers shall, in accordance with the provisions of an Ordinance of METI, conduct self inspections periodically for safety and shall manufacture and keep inspection records thereof.

Article 36(1)Whenever any facilities for the production of high pressure gas, storage place of high pressure gas, facilities for the sale of high pressure gas, facilities for the consumption of Specific High Pressure Gas or any container filled with high pressure gas fall into a dangerous state, the owner or possessor of such facilities, storage place or container shall promptly take immediate measures specified by an Ordinance of METI to prevent disasters.

(2)Any person finding the situation described set forth in the preceding paragraph shall immediately report it to the prefectural governor, a police official or a fire officer, a member of a fire-fighting team or a maritime safety officer.

Article 37(1)No person in place of business under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 5, a Class 1 or Class 2 Storage Place, a sales location under Article 20-4 (except a sales location under item (ii) of said Article), place of business under paragraph (1) of Article 24-2 or sales location under item (ii) of paragraph (2) of Article 3 of the LPG Act shall use fire in places designated by a Class 1 or 2 Producer, an owner or possessor of a Class 1 or Class 2 Storage Place, a Dealer, a Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer, or a LPG Dealer under Article 6 of the LPG Act.

(2)No person with any flammable material shall enter places prescribed in the preceding paragraph without the consent of a Class 1 or 2 Producer, owner or possessor of a Class 1 or Class 2 Storage Place, Dealer, Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer, or LPG Dealer under Article 6 of the LPG Act.

Article 38(1)When any Class 1 Producer or owner or possessor of a Class 1 Storage Place falls under any of the following items, the prefectural governor may revoke permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or paragraph (1) of Article 16 or order him/her to suspend production or storage for a specified period; provided, however, that item (vi) below shall not apply to any owner or possessor of a Class 1 Storage Place:

(2)When a Class 2 Producer, an owner or possessor of a Class 2 Storage Place, Dealer or Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer comes under either of the following items, the prefectural governor may order him/her to suspend production, storage, sale or consumption for a specified period:

Article 39The Minister of METI or the prefectural governor may take the following measures when he/she finds it urgently necessary for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters:

Article 39-2(1)The accreditation provided for in item (ii) of paragraph (3) of Article 20 shall be made following an application filed by a Class 1 Producer or an owner or possessor of a Class 1 Storage Place who intends to conduct completion inspection regarding the Designated Alteration Work (limited to the types of work specified by an Ordinance of METI; the same shall apply throughout this Chapter) by himself for each of the place of business under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or Class 1 Storage Places pursuant to the provisions of an Ordinance of METI.

(2)The application referred to set forth in the preceding paragraph shall be made with a clear description of the Designated Alteration Work for which completion inspection by himself is intended.

Article 39-3(1)The Minister of METI shall not confer the accreditation unless he/she finds that the application made under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article falls under any of the following items:

(2)A person who has made an application provided for in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article shall undergo inspection by the Minister of METI regarding the organization for completion inspection and the method of completion inspection of the Designated Alteration Work; provided, however, that this shall not apply when the application under said paragraph is accompanied by the document referred to in paragraph (2) of Article 39-7.

Article 39-4(1)The accreditation provided for in item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 35 shall be made following an application filed by a Class 1 Producer who intends to conduct a safety inspection regarding the Designated Facilities (limited to those specified by an Ordinance of METI; the same shall apply throughout this Chapter) by himself for each of the place of business under paragraph (1) of Article 5 pursuant to the provision of an Ordinance of METI.

(2)The application referred to set forth in the preceding paragraph shall be made with a clear description of the Designated Facilities for which the safety inspection by himself/herself is intended.

Article 39-5(1)The Minister shall not confer the accreditation unless he/she finds the application made under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article falls under any of the following items.

(2)A person who has made an application provided for in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article shall undergo inspection by the Minister of METI regarding the organization for safety inspection and the method of safety inspection of the Designated Facilities; provided, however, that this shall not apply when the application under said paragraph is accompanied by the document referred to in paragraph (4) of Article 39-7.

Article 39-6(1)Any person falling under any of the following items shall be disqualified from receiving accreditation under item (ii) of paragraph (3) of Article 20 and item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 35:

(2)The provision of item (i) of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to a person who has received the delivery of the whole or a part of the facilities for production from a Class 1 Producer and who has been conferred the permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5, if two years have passed since the date of notification of the commencement of production of high pressure gas by said Class 1 Producer at said facilities pursuant to the provision of paragraph (1) of Article 21.

Article 39-7(1)A Class 1 Producer or the owner or possessor of a Class 1 Storage Place may request the Institute or a person designated by the Minister of METI to conduct an investigation on the organization and method of completion inspection at the place of business under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or at a Class 1 Storage Place in relation to the application for accreditation referred to in item (ii) of paragraph (3) of Article 20.

(2)When the Institute or a person designated by the Minister of METI in the preceding paragraph finds that the organization for completion inspection and method of completion inspection at the place of business under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or a Class 1 Storage Place for which it has conducted the investigation referred to in said paragraph conform the criteria specified by the Ordinance of METI referred to in item (i) of paragraph (1) of Article 39-3 and the method of inspection specified by the Ordinance of METI referred to in paragraph (5) of Article 20, it shall issue a document to that effect.

(3)A Class 1 Producer may request the Institute or a person designated by the Minister of METI to conduct an investigation on the organization for safety inspection and the method of safety inspection at the place of business under paragraph (1) of Article 5 in relation to the application for accreditation referred to in item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 35.

(4)When the Institute or a person designated as referred to in the preceding paragraph finds that the organization for safety inspection and method of safety inspection at the place of business under paragraph (1) of Article 5 for which it has conducted the investigation referred to in said paragraph conform the criteria specified by the Ordinance of METI referred to in item (i) of paragraph (1) of Article 39-5 and the method of inspection specified by the Ordinance of METI referred to in paragraph (4) of Article 35, it shall issue a document to that effect.

Article 39-8(1)The accreditation referred to in item (ii) of paragraph (3) of Article 20 or item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 35 shall cease to be effective with the lapse of a period of not less than five years but not more than ten years to be specified by a Cabinet Order unless it is renewed by the end of every such period.

(2)The provisions of Article 39-2, Article 39-3 and paragraphs (1) and (2) of the preceding Article shall apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal of accreditation provided for in item (ii) of paragraph (3) of Article 20.

(3)The provisions of Article 39-4, Article 39-5 and paragraphs (3) and (4) of the preceding Article shall apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal of accreditation provided for in item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 35.

Article 39-9(1)An Accredited Completion Inspection Executor shall inform any change which has taken place to the organization for completion inspection or method of completion inspection to the Minister of METI without delay.

(2)An Accredited Safety Inspection Executor shall report any change which has taken place to the organization for safety inspection or the method of safety inspection to the Minister of METI without delay.

Article 39-10(1)When an Accredited Completion Inspection Executor executes an accredited completion inspection regarding the Designated Alteration Work, he/she shall follow the Completion Inspection Codes and shall assign the work of completion inspection to a person with the knowledge and experience to conform the conditions specified by the Ordinance of METI under item (iii) of paragraph (1) of Article 39-3.

(2)An Accredited Completion Inspection Executor shall prepare inspection records describing those items specified by an Ordinance of METI, shall store them and shall promptly submit them to the Minister of METI when so requested by the Minister.

(3)The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs shall apply mutatis mutandis to an Accredited Safety Inspection Executor.In this case, the phrase "an accredited completion inspection regarding the Designated Alteration Work" in paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be replaced with "safety inspection regarding Designated Facilities", the phrase "Completion Inspection Codes" in paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be replaced with "Safety Inspection Codes" and the phrase "item (iii) of paragraph (1) of Article 39-3" in paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be replaced with "item (iii) of paragraph (1) of Article 39-5".

Article 39-11(1)When an Accredited Completion Inspection Executor has conducted a completion inspection regarding an accredited Designated Alteration Work in accordance with the method specified by the Ordinance of METI referred to in paragraph (5) of Article 20 and has confirmed that the facilities for production or a Class 1 Storage Place conform the technical standards under item (i) of Article 8 or paragraph (2) of Article 16, he/she shall submit a notification report of the inspection records describing those matters specified by an Ordinance of METI to the prefectural governor.

(2)When an Accredited Safety Inspection Executor has conducted safety inspection regarding accredited Designated Facilities in accordance with the method specified by the Ordinance of METI referred to in paragraph (4) of Article 35 and has confirmed that the facilities for production conform the technical standards under item (i) of Article 8, he/she shall submit a notification report of the inspection records describing those matters specified by an Ordinance of METI to the prefectural governor.

Article 39-12(1)In the event that either an Accredited Completion Inspection Executor or Accredited Safety Inspection Executor falls under one of the following items, the Minister of METI may revoke the accreditation under item (ii) of paragraph (3) of Article 20 or item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 35:

(2)When the permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or paragraph (1) of Article 16 is revoked pursuant to the provision of paragraph (1) of Article 38, the accreditation under item (ii) of paragraph (3) of Article 20 and item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 35 regarding the place of business under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or a Class 1 Storage Place, for which the permission is revoked, shall cease to be effective.

Article 60(1)Any Class 1 Producer, owner or possessor of a Class 1 or Class 2 Storage Place, Dealer, container manufacturer or person with a registered container reinspection station shall arrange and keep books in accordance with an Ordinance of METI to record matters as prescribed by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the production, sale, incoming and outgoing of high pressure gas or containers or container reinspection or accessory reinspection.

(2)Any Designated Examining Body, Designated Completion Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Import Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Safety Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Container Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Conformity Inspection Body for Designated Equipment or Designated Accreditation Agency for Specified Equipment and Conformity Inspection Body for Inspection Organization, etc. shall arrange and keep books in accordance with an Ordinance of METI to record matters as prescribed by an Ordinance of METI with respect to the completion inspection, import inspection, examination services, safety inspection, investigation of inspection organizations, etc. container inspection, etc., Designated Equipment Inspection or accreditation of Specified Equipment.

Article 61(1)When the Minister of METI or the prefectural governor finds it necessary for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters, he/she may demand a report on the business from any Class 1 Producer, Class 2 Producer, owner or possessor of a Class 1 or Class 2 Storage Place, Dealer, importer of high pressure gas, Specific High Pressure Gas Consumer, LPG Dealer under Article 6 of the LPG Act, container manufacturer, importer of containers, person with a registered container reinspection station or apparatus manufacturer.

(2)When the Minister of METI finds it necessary for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters, he/she may demand a report on the business or accounting from any Designated Completion Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Import Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Safety Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Container Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Conformity Inspection Body for Designated Equipment or Designated Accreditation Agency for Specified Equipment or Investigation Agency for Inspection Organization, etc.

(3)When the Minister of METI finds it necessary to secure the proper implementation of the training service under paragraph (3) of Article 31 or the examination service, the Minister of METI may demand a report on the business or accounting from any Designated Training Agency or Designated Examining Body.

(4)When the consigning prefectural governor finds it necessary to secure the proper implementation of the consigned examination service, he/she may demand a report on the state of the consigned examination service from the relevant Designated Examining Body.

Article 62(1)When the Minister of METI or the prefectural governor finds it necessary for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters, he/she may send his/her staff to enter any office, business office, plant, workplace, storage place of high pressure gas or containers or container reinspection station of any high pressure gas producer, owner or possessor of a Class 1 or Class 2 Storage Place, Dealer, person storing or consuming high pressure gas, importer of high pressure gas, LPG Dealer under Article 6 of the LPG Act, person manufacturing containers, importer of containers or person with a registered container reinspection station, and cause such staff to inspect the books, records and other necessary articles, question the persons concerned or sample the high pressure gas to the minimum volume required for examination.

(2)When the Minister of METI finds it necessary for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters, he may send his/her staff to enter any office or place of business of any Designated Completion Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Import Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Safety Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Container Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Conformity Inspection Body for Designated Equipment, Designated Accreditation Agency for Specified Equipment or Investigation Agency for Inspection Organization, etc., and cause such staff to inspect the state of business, books, records and other necessary articles or question the persons concerned.

(3)When the Minister of METI finds it necessary to secure the proper implementation of the training service under paragraph (3) of Article 31 or the examination service, he/she may send his/her staff to enter any office of any Designated Training Agency or Designated Examining Body and cause such staff to inspect the state of business, books, records and other necessary articles or question the persons concerned.

(4)When the consigning prefectural governor finds it necessary to secure the proper implementation of the consigned examination service, he/she may send his staff to enter any office of the relevant Designated Examining Body and cause such staff to inspect the state of business, books, records and other necessary articles or question the persons concerned.

(5)When a police official finds it particularly necessary to prevent damage to human life, body or property, he/she may enter the place of production, sale or consumption of high pressure gas or a Class 1 or Class Storage Place or any storage place of high pressure gas and question the persons concerned.

(6)The staff or police officer referred to in each of the preceding paragraphs shall carry proper identification and show it to the persons concerned.

(7)Those authorities for entrance inspection, questioning or sampling under paragraphs (1) to (5) inclusive shall not be construed as approved for criminal investigation.

Article 63(1)Any Class 1 Producer, Class 2 Producer, Dealer, LPG Dealer under Article 6 of the LPG Act, person storing or consuming high pressure gas, container manufacturer, importer of containers or any other person who otherwise handles high pressure gas or containers shall, in the following cases, submit a notification report thereof to the prefectural governor or police official without delay:

(2)In the event of item (i) of the preceding paragraph, the Minister of METI or the prefectural governor may order the owner or possessor of the high pressure gas to report the date and time, the place, and the cause of the accident, the type and quantity of the high pressure gas, the extent of loss or damage and any other necessary matters.

Article 64When an accident due to high pressure gas has taken place, no person shall change the existing conditions without instructions by the Minister of METI, the prefectural governor or a police official except for the security of traffic or other inevitable reasons for public interest; provided however, that this shall not apply when measures are taken under the provisions of paragraph (1) of Article 36 of this Act or item (iv) of paragraph (1) of Article 27 of the LPG Act.

Article 65(1)Condition of permission may be set with regard to permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5, paragraph (1) of Article 14, paragraph (1) of Article 16 or paragraph (1) of Article 19 or with regard to approval under paragraph (1) of Article 49-21 or paragraph (1) of Article 49-33.

(2)The condition set forth in the preceding paragraph shall be restricted to the necessary minimum for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters and shall not impose undue obligations upon the applicant for permission or approval.

Article 66Deletion

Article 67Deletion

Article 68Deletion

Article 69Deletion

Article 70Deletion

Article 71Deletion

Article 72Deletion

Article 73(1)Any person listed below (limited to those who intend to consider formalities with the Minister of METI or the Director General of Industrial Safety and Inspection Department or the Institute or a Designated Examining Body to which the Minister of METI or the Director General of Industrial Safety and Inspection Department have consigned their examination procedure) shall pay the corresponding fees in the amount specified by a Cabinet Order with consideration to the actual cost; provided, however, that this shall not apply if such person is a prefecture.

(2)The fees referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be considered as incomes of The National Treasury for fees payable by those applying for accreditation under item (ii) of paragraph (3) of Article 20 or item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 35 or its renewal, those applying for the Production Safety Management Examination conducted by the Minister of METI or the General Manager of Industrial Safety Management Division, those applying for the issue or reissuance of a Production Safety Management Certificate by the Minister of METI or the General Manager of Industrial Safety Management Division, those applying for container inspection, container reinspection, accessory inspection, accessory reinspection, Designated Equipment Inspection, accreditation of Specified Equipment, registration of a container reinspection station or registration under paragraph (1) of Article 49-5, paragraph (1) of Article 49-31, paragraph (1) of Article 56-6-2 or paragraph (1) of Article 56-6-22 or its renewal, those applying for the reissuance of a registration certificate under Article 49-15 (including the cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of Article 49-31) or Article 56-6-12 (including the cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of Article 56-6-22), those applying for the issuance of an authenticated copy of or to peruse the Registry of Manufacturers of Containers, etc. or other registries to the Minister of METI or the General Manager of Industrial Safety Management Division or those applying for approval under paragraph (1) of Article 49-21 or paragraph (1) of Article 49-33, those applying for the reissuance of a Designated Equipment Inspection Certificate or a Specified Equipment Accreditation Certificate or those applying for the issue or reissuance of a Designated Equipment Standards Conformity Certificate and those applying for the stamping or marking plate to be conducted by the Minister of METI or the General Manager of Industrial Safety Management Division under the provision of paragraph (2) of Article 54; The Institute for fees payable by those applying for the Production Safety Management Examination of which the examination service is wholly conducted by the Institute; A Designated Examining Body for fees payable by those applying for the Production Safety Management Examination of which the examination service is wholly conducted by such Designated Examining Body.

Article 73-2When collecting fees payable for Production Safety Management Examination or Sales Safety Chief Examination in accordance with the provision of Article 227 of the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947), prefectures may make applicants for Production Safety Management Examination or Sales Safety Chief Examination to be conducted by the Institute or a Designated Examining Body pursuant to the provision of paragraph (1) of Article 31-2 pay such fees to the Institute or such Designated Examining Body as prescribed by a Prefectural Ordinance and the Institute or such Agency may receive such fees paid as their incomes.

Article 74(1)Upon granting permission under paragraph (1) of Article 5 or paragraph (1) of Article 16, receiving a notification report under paragraph (2) of Article 5, paragraph (1) of Article 17-2, Article 20-4, Article 21, paragraph (1) of Article 24-2 or paragraph (2) of Article 24-4 or revoking permission under the provision of paragraph (1) of Article 38, the prefectural governor shall, in accordance with the provisions of a Cabinet Order, notify the prefectural Public Safety Commission, the municipal fire defense director (or the municipal head person in the case where no fire defense headquarters is provided therein) or the director of the District Maritime Safety Headquarters of such event.

(2)Upon receiving a notification report under paragraph (2) of Article 36 or paragraph (1) of Article 63, the police official shall promptly notify the relevant prefectural governor of such notification report.

(3)Upon receiving a notification report under paragraph (2) of Article 36, the fire officer or the member of the firefighting team or the maritime safety officer shall promptly notify the relevant prefectural governor of such notification report.

(4)Upon receiving a notification report under the provisions of paragraph (2) of Article 36 or paragraph (1) of Article 63 or upon receiving notification under the preceding two paragraphs, the prefectural governor shall report receipt of such report or notification to the Minister of METI as specified by an Ordinance of METI.

Article 74-2(1)The Minister of METI shall publish in the official gazette in any of the following cases:

(2)The prefectural governor shall notify the public in any of the following cases:

Article 75The Minister of METI shall refer to the Institute for its opinions when instituting, or abolishing any METI Ordinance referred to in item (i) or (ii) of Article 8, paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 12, Article 13, paragraph (1) of Article 15, paragraph (2) of Article 16, paragraph (1) of Article 22 (except item (iii) or (iv)), Article 23, Article 24, paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 24-3, Article 24-5, Article 25, paragraph (1) of Article 41, paragraph (4) of Article 44, item (iv) of paragraph (1) of Article 48, paragraph (2) of Article 49, paragraph (4) of Article 49-2, paragraph (2) of Article 49-4, paragraph (3) of Article 50, paragraph (5) of Article 56, paragraph (4) of Article 56-3, paragraph (2) of Article 56-7 or Article 57.

Article 76(1)When intending to issue an order under the provisions of Article 38, Article 53 or Article 58-30 (including the cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of Article 58-30-2, paragraph (2) of Article 58-30-3, paragraph (2) of Article 58-31, paragraph (2) of Article 58-32, paragraph (2) of Article 58-33 and Article 59), an administrative agency shall hold a hearing regardless of the category of procedure for the declaration of opinions provided for in the provision of paragraph (1) of Article 13 of the Administrative Procedure Act (Act No. 88 of 1993).

(2)For a disposition taken under Article 9, Article 30, Article 34, Article 38, paragraph (4) of Article 52, Article 53, Article 58-11 (including the cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (4) of Article 58-12), paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 58-15, Article 58-27 (including the cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of Article 58-30-2, paragraph (2) of Article 58-30-3, paragraph (2) of Article 58-31, paragraph (2) of Article 58-32, paragraph (2) of Article 58-33 and Article 59) or Article 58-30 (including the cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of Article 58-30-2, paragraph (2) of Article 58-30-3, paragraph (2) of Article 58-31, paragraph (2) of Article 58-32, paragraph (2) of Article 58-33, and Article 59), the inquiry made on the date of the hearing shall be open to the public.

(3)When persons concerned with respect to such disposition wish to participate in the procedure of a hearing under the provision of paragraph (1) of Article 17 of the Administrative Procedure Act, the person in charge of the preceding paragraph shall permit them to participate.

Article 77Those who may have a complaint about dispositions (except dispositions concerning the result of the examinations) or omission taken or made under this Act or any order pursuant thereto by the Institute, a Designated Examining Body, Designated Container Conformity Inspection Body, person with a registered container reinspection station, Designated Conformity Inspection Body for Designated Equipment or Designated Accreditation Agency for Specified Equipment may request a review to the Minister of METI in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Appeal Act (Act No. 160 of 1962).

Article 78(1)The determination or decision in response to a request for review or opposition in respect to any disposition taken under this Act or any order pursuant thereto (except dispositions taken concerning the result of container inspection or reinspection, accessory inspection or reinspection, Designated Equipment Inspection or accreditation of Specified Equipment) shall be given to the person subject to such disposition after an open hearing to be held upon prior notice allowing such person a reasonable period of time.

(2)In the prior notice set forth in the preceding paragraph, the date, venue and contents of the hearing shall be announced.

(3)At the hearing under paragraph (1), the persons subject to such disposition and the parties concerned shall be given an opportunity to show evidence and state their opinion.

Article 78-2No appeals under the Administrative Appeal Act may be made for any dispositions taken under Article 39.

Article 78-3The order instituting, amending or abolishing any order under this Act may prescribe therein transitional measures as required (including transitional measures for penal provisions) to the extent deemed reasonably necessary for such institution, amendment or abolishment.

Article 78-4A part of the duties which fall under the authority of the Minister of METI under this Act may be delegated to prefectural governors pursuant to the provisions of a Cabinet Order.

Article 79The authority vested in the Minister of METI under this Act or any order pursuant thereto may be delegated to the General Manager of Industrial Safety Management Division or other administrative organs pursuant to the provision of a Cabinet Order.

Article 79-2The Minister of METI may give necessary instructions to prefectural governors in relation to the duties they are to perform under this Act or pursuant to the provision of a Cabinet Order as prescribed by Article 78-4 hereof, in the event he/she finds it urgently necessary for the maintenance of public safety or the prevention of disasters to do so.

Article 80Any person who falls under any of the following items shall be punished by imprisonment with work of not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than 1,000,000 yen, or both:

Article 80-2In the event of a violation by a Designated Completion Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Import Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Safety Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Container Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Conformity Inspection Body for Designated Equipment or Designated Accreditation Agency for Specified Equipment or Investigation Agency of Inspection Organization, etc. of an order to suspend business under Article 58-30 (including the cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of Article 58-30-2, paragraph (2) of Article 58-30-3, paragraph (2) of Article 58-31, paragraph (2) of Article 58-32, paragraph (2) of Article 58-33, and Article 59), the officer(s) and/or personnel who have committed such violation shall be punished by imprisonment with work of not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than 1,000,000 yen, or both.

Article 80-3Any person who falls under any of the following items shall be punished by imprisonment with work of not more than one year and/or a fine of not more than 1,000,000 yen:

Article 80-4In the event of a violation by a Designated Examining Body of an order to suspend the examination service under paragraph (2) of Article 58-15, the officer(s) and/or personnel who have committed such violation shall be punished by imprisonment with work of not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than 1,000,000 yen.

Article 80-5Any person who, in violation of the provision of Article 59-26, has disclosed or misappropriated any confidential information he/she acquired in relation to his/her duties shall be punished by imprisonment with work of not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than 1,000,000 yen.

Article 81Any person who falls under any of the following items shall be punished by imprisonment with work of not more than 6 months or a fine of not more than 500,000 yen, or both:

Article 82Any person who falls under any of the following items shall be punished by a fine of not more than 500,000 yen:

Article 83Any person who falls under any of the following items shall be punished by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

Article 83-2In the event of violations as listed in any of the following items, the officer(s) and/or personnel of a Designated Training Agency, Designated Examining Body, Designated Completion Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Import Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Safety Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Container Conformity Inspection Body, Designated Conformity Inspection Body for Designated Equipment or Designated Accreditation Agency for Specified Equipment or Investigation Agency of Inspection Organization, etc., who have committed such violation shall be punished by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

Article 83-3The officer(s) and/or personnel of the Institute who have failed to report as required under paragraph (1) of Article 59-35 or made a fraudulent report thereunder or have refused, obstructed or evaded the inspection as required under the same paragraph shall be punished by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen.

Article 84In the event of any violation under Articles 80, 81, 82 or 83 by a representative of a juridical person or by an agent, employee or other worker of a juridical person or individual in relation to the business of such juridical person or individual, such juridical person or individual shall be punished by a fine under this Article as well as the performer (actual offender) being punished by a punishment thereunder.

Article 85In the event of any of the following violations, the officer(s) and/or personnel of the Institute who have committed such violation shall be punished by a non-penal fine of not more than 200,000 yen:

Article 86Any person who falls under any of the following items shall be punished by a non-penal fine of not more than 100,000 yen: