Latest fire protection standards in design and construction

Fire protection standards in design and construction play an important role in ensuring the safety of life and property, minimizing the risk of fire and explosion right from the design stage. Complying with the latest standards helps the project meet legal requirements, optimize the escape system, limit fire risks and improve fire fighting efficiency. Refer to the article below to learn more about fire protection standards in design and construction.

The importance of fire protection in design and construction

Fire protection standards in design and construction are a key factor that determines the safety of the project. Integrating the fire protection system right from the design stage helps optimize fire prevention and fighting effectiveness. At the same time, the construction process needs to strictly comply with standards, ensuring consistency and operability of the system.

• Preventing fire risks: Proper fire protection design and construction minimizes the risk of fire and explosion, protecting life and property. Standards such as safe distance, fireproof materials, and automatic fire alarm systems need to be strictly implemented.
• Protecting life and property: An effective fire protection system ensures safe escape routes and minimizes damage in the event of an incident. Equipment such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire doors must be installed in the correct location and function properly.
• Compliance with the law: Compliance with fire protection standards is a mandatory requirement under Vietnamese law. Violations of regulations can lead to suspension of construction, administrative sanctions, and even criminal prosecution. Legal documents such as Circular 16/2021/TT-BXD and national standards (TCVN) on fire prevention and fighting are the legal bases that need to be followed.
• Minimize economic losses: Fires cause great damage to property, affecting production and business activities. A good fire protection system helps minimize damage and protect investment value.
• Enhance the reputation and value of the project: The project is designed and constructed according to fire protection standards, creating trust for users and enhancing commercial value. Fire protection certifications and inspections are important factors in assessing project quality.

Strict compliance with fire protection standards in design and construction is not only a legal responsibility, but also a commitment to protect the value of life and property, creating a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the project.

Current fire protection standards in design and construction

Current fire protection standards in design and construction are prescribed in Circular 16/2021/TT-BXD promulgating QCVN 18:2021/BXD national technical regulations on safety in construction.

Accordingly, Section 2.1.8 National Technical Regulations on safety in construction stipulates regulations on fire protection standards in design and construction as follows:

1. Organizations and individuals participating in construction activities on the construction site must comply with the provisions of this regulation and other relevant laws on fire prevention and fighting.
2. Employers and employees must take necessary measures to:

• Prevent the risk of fire;
• Quickly and effectively control fires;
• Ensure a quick and safe escape.

3. Flammable supplies, materials, components, substances, and chemicals must be stored separately in appropriate warehouses and have measures to prevent unauthorized people from entering.
4. Smoking is not allowed in the construction site except in areas specifically designated to allow smoking. The “No Smoking” sign must be placed in a conspicuous place, near and in areas containing flammable substances or combustible materials.
5. In confined spaces or areas where flammable gases, vapors, and dusts may be hazardous:

• It is only allowed to use electrical equipment (including electrical wires and other power sources) and portable fire extinguishers;
• No open flames, heat generating devices or other sources of ignition are allowed;
• There must be a “No Smoking” sign;
• Must regularly and promptly remove flammable substances and waste such as wood, cardboard, sawdust, rags, waste and grease from this area;
• A suitable ventilation system must be arranged.

6. At work:

• Flammable and flammable materials and substances must be kept in closed boxes and containers made of metal or other fireproof materials;
• Must regularly clean up waste (flammable and flammable substances) and move it away.

7. Must regularly check areas with high risk of fire and explosion at the construction site such as: Areas near heat-generating equipment, electrical wires and electrical systems; places to store flammable and flammable materials and substances; where welding, cutting and other heat generating operations occur.
8. Welding, thermal cutting and other heat-generating activities are only performed when:

• Welding and cutting equipment have been inspected, tested, and inspected for safety according to regulations;
• The necessary appropriate precautions have been taken to minimize the risk of fire;
• There is supervision by a person who is trained and has a practicing certificate in fire prevention and fighting.

NOTE: Safety regulations in using heat generating equipment must comply with the provisions of QCVN 03:2011/BLDTBXH, QCVN 17:2013/BLDTBXH and other relevant QCVN.

9. In areas at risk of fire, appropriate fire-fighting equipment must be placed in a visible and easily accessible place; Arrange and maintain adequate fire-fighting water supply, ensuring necessary pressure. Fire-fighting equipment must be maintained, inspected and periodically inspected for safety according to fire prevention and fighting regulations. Access roads to places where fire fighting equipment is located such as hoses, fire hydrants, portable fire extinguishers, valves, and connections to fire water supply pipes must be kept clear at all times.
10. Adequate means and appropriate fire warning equipment must be arranged in places with fire risk and other necessary places. These means and equipment must ensure clear hearing and be able to transmit signals, warning information about fire, signs of fire or fire risk to all locations and areas in the construction site where workers work.
11. Instructional signs for fire warning vehicles and equipment serving fire fighting must be placed in a visible place and clearly state:

• Location of the button (or switch) of the fire alarm device or the nearest location of the fire alarm device;
• Phone number and (or) other means of communication, specific address of the rescue department at the construction site, the nearest Fire and Rescue Police unit.

12. Escape routes must be checked regularly and maintained clear at all times, especially for elevated areas and areas with restricted access such as underground floors, underground works, tunnels, and confined spaces; Signs indicating escape directions when a fire occurs must be installed in suitable, easily visible locations.
13. Employers must:

• Organize and train workers to use fire-fighting equipment and escape skills for workers (including procedures, actions to be taken in case of fire, escape measures or skills);
• Arrange at least 02 (two) people who have been trained in fire prevention skills according to regulations to serve fire fighting work when necessary at the workplace at the construction site.

14. During work shifts, the number of employees including names, methods or means of communication must be recorded in detail by the employer and relevant management and human resources units for management and service of fire protection.
15. Employers must have a specific and effective escape plan so that everyone can escape quickly and avoid panic. In addition, the escape plan must consider whether machinery, equipment and construction work will stop or have to stop when there is a fire. Employers must organize periodic escape drills for all workers on the construction site.

In addition, you can refer to some national standards related to fire prevention such as:

• National technical regulation QCVN 06:2022/BXD on Fire safety for houses and structures issued together with Circular 06/2022/TT-BXD.
• Amendment 1:2023 QCVN 06:2022/BXD National technical regulations on fire safety for houses and structures issued together with Circular 09/2023/TT-BXD.
• QCVN 03:2023/BCA National technical regulations on Fire prevention and fighting equipment issued together with Circular 56/2023/TT-BCA.
• QCVN 01:2019/BCA National technical regulations for fire prevention and fighting systems for storage, export and import ports and gas distribution stations issued together with Circular 52/2019/TT-BCA.
• QCVN 02:2020/BCA National technical regulations for fire fighting water pumping stations issued together with Circular 52/2020/TT-BCA.
• QCVN 10:2017/BTC National technical regulations for fire-fighting water pumps (synchronous forest fire-fighting equipment) in national reserve issued together with Circular 09/2017/TT-BTC.
• QCVN 03:2017/BQP National technical regulations on destruction of gun bullets, bullet fuses and fire tools issued together with Circular 278/2017/TT-BQP.

Mastering and accurately applying current fire prevention and fighting regulations is the core foundation, ensuring all construction projects meet the highest safety standards, minimizing fire and explosion risks and protecting the community.

Frequently asked questions about fire protection standards in design and construction

Below are some frequently asked questions, please refer to:

Why is it necessary to comply with fire protection standards in construction?

Compliance helps prevent fire risks, protect lives and property, meet legal requirements, minimize economic losses and enhance project reputation.

What does the fire protection system include in the design?

The system includes automatic fire alarms, automatic fire sprinklers, emergency exits, fire doors, smoke ventilation systems and other equipment.

What standards do fireproof materials need to meet?

Fireproof materials need to have inspection certificates, clear origins, and meet national standards for fire resistance and fire spread resistance.

What steps does the fire protection inspection and acceptance process include?

The process includes checking fire alarms, fire fighting, escape systems, testing pipeline pressure, water flow, and issuing acceptance certificates.

How will violations of fire prevention regulations in construction be handled?

Violations may result in construction suspension, administrative sanctions, or criminal prosecution depending on the severity.

How to update the latest fire protection regulations?

Legal documents can be tracked on the website of the Ministry of Construction, the Fire Police Department and other official information sources.

Who is responsible for fire protection in construction projects?

Investors, construction contractors, design consultants, and organizations and individuals participating in construction activities all have related responsibilities.

What types of firefighting equipment should be equipped at construction sites?

The equipment needed is: Fire extinguisher, fire sprinkler system, fire hydrant.

What requirements must an escape route meet?

Escape routes need to ensure ventilation, have warning lights, signposts, and emergency exit doors that can always be opened.

How should the inspection and maintenance of the fire protection system take place?

Inspection and maintenance of the fire protection system should be carried out regularly and periodically to ensure that the system is always in good condition.

Conclude

Fire protection standards in design and construction help projects meet safety standards, minimize the risk of fire and explosion and protect life and property. Compliance with the latest regulations not only ensures operating licenses but also enhances the sustainability of the project. Contact the hotline 0906735386 for detailed advice.