Comparison of Chemical Substances Management and Leakage Prevention Measures in Business Establishments Based on the Scale Differences

Abstract

We compared the management of chemical substances and leak prevention measures in small-scale business establishments during disasters with those of large-scale establishments. Businesses were categorized into four groups based on their number of employees（with a threshold of 20 people）and the amount of chemical substances they handle（with a threshold of 1 ton）. We distributed questionnaires to 1,571 businesses across 21 cities and towns in Osaka Prefecture, all of which potentially handle chemical substances. The primary questions revolved around: 1）annual expenses related to chemical substance management, 2）leak prevention measures, 3）reasons if no measures were implemented, and 4）awareness of seminars and informational pamphlets on chemical substance management. The valid response rate was 20.2％. For establishments handling over a ton of chemical substances, both awareness of seminars/pamphlets and the execution rate of leak prevention measures were noticeably low in smaller businesses. It was also found that the presence of a dedicated department for chemical substance management tends to increase awareness regarding such substances.