What is fire prevention and fighting in ensuring safety at construction sites in Vietnam?

What is fire prevention and fighting in ensuring safety at construction sites in Vietnam?

In Section 2.1.8 Subsection 2.1 Section 2 promulgated together with the National technical regulation on safety in construction QCVN 18:2021/BXD promulgated together with Circular 16/2021/TT-BXD stipulating fire prevention and fighting in ensuring safety at construction sites as follows:

2.1.8.1 Organizations and individuals participating in construction activities on construction sites must comply with the provisions of this regulation and other relevant provisions of law on fire prevention and fighting.

2.1.8.2 Employers and employees must take the necessary measures to:

a) Preventing the risk of fire;

b) Quickly and effectively control the fire;

c) Ensure quick and safe escape.

2.1.8.3 Flammable supplies, materials, components, substances and chemicals must be stored separately in appropriate warehouses and take measures to prevent unauthorized people from entering.

2.1.8.4 No smoking is permitted in the construction site except in designated areas to allow smoking. The "No Smoking" sign must be placed in a conspicuous place, near and in areas containing flammable substances or combustible materials.

2.1.8.5 In confined spaces or areas where combustible gases, vapors and dust can be dangerous:

a) Only electrical equipment (including other electrical conductors and power supplies) and portable fire extinguishers are allowed to be used;

b) It is not allowed to use open fire, heat generating equipment or other sources of ignition;

c) There must be a sign saying “No smoking”;

d) To regularly and promptly remove combustible substances and wastes such as wood, paperboard, sawdust, rags, waste and grease from this area;

d) An appropriate ventilation system must be arranged.

2.1.8.6 At the workplace:

a) Flammable and combustible materials and substances must be stored in sealed boxes and containers made of metal or other fireproof materials;

b) Must regularly clean up waste (flammable and combustible substances) and move it away.

2.1.8.7 Must regularly check areas with high risk of fire and explosion at the construction site such as: Areas near heat generating equipment, electrical conductors and electrical systems; place to store combustible or combustible materials; where welding, cutting and other heat-generating operations are involved.

2.1.8.8 Welding, heat cutting and other heat-generating operations shall be carried out only when:

a) The welding and cutting equipment has been inspected, tested and verified for safety according to regulations;

b) The necessary appropriate precautions have been taken to minimize the risk of fire ;

c) There is supervision of a person who is trained and has a practicing certificate in fire prevention and fighting.

NOTE: The safety requirements in the use of heat generating equipment must comply with the provisions of QCVN 03:2011/BLDTBXH, QCVN 17:2013/BLDTBXH and other relevant QCVN.

2.1.8.9 In areas with fire risk, suitable fire extinguishing equipment must be provided in a visible and easily accessible place; arrange and maintain an adequate supply of fire fighting water, ensuring the necessary pressure. Fire fighting equipment must be periodically maintained, checked and tested for safety in accordance with regulations on fire prevention and fighting. The access road to the place where the fire fighting equipment is located such as hydrants, fire hydrants, portable fire extinguishers, valves, connectors to the fire water supply pipeline must be kept clear at all times.

2.1.8.10 Appropriate means and equipment for fire warning must be arranged in places with fire risk and other necessary places. These means and equipment must be able to hear clearly and be able to transmit signals, warning information about fire, signs of fire or fire risk to all positions and areas in the construction site with people on work.

2.1.8.11 Instruction signs for fire warning and fire-fighting means and equipment must be arranged in a conspicuous place and clearly state:

a) The position of the button (or switch) of the fire alarm device or the nearest location of the fire alarm device;

b) Telephone number and (or) other means of communication, specific address of the rescue and rescue department at the construction site, the nearest fire and rescue police unit.

2.1.8.12 Emergency exits must be checked regularly and maintained open at all times, especially for elevated areas and restricted access areas such as underground floors, underground works, tunnel, limited space; must install signs indicating the direction of escape in case of fire at suitable and conspicuous positions.

2.1.8.13 Employers must:

a) Organize and train employees to use fire fighting equipment, escape skills for workers (including procedures, things to be done in case of fire, measures or skills to escape);

b) Arrange at least 02 (two) people who have been trained in fire prevention and fighting skills as prescribed to serve fire fighting when necessary at the workplace at the construction site.

2.1.8.14 In working shifts, the number of employees including name, method or means of communication must be recorded in detail by the employer and relevant personnel management and employment units to manage and serve for fire safety.

2.1.8.15 Employers must have a specific and effective escape plan so that everyone can escape quickly, without panic. In addition, in the escape plan, the machine, equipment and construction work must be stopped or stopped when there is a fire. The employer must organize periodic escape drills for all workers on the construction site.

What is lightning protection in ensuring safety at construction sites in Vietnam? 

In Section 2.1.10, Sub-section 2.1, Section 2 promulgated together with the National technical regulation on safety in construction QCVN 18:2021/BXD promulgated together with Circular 16/2021/TT-BXD stipulates lightning protection in ensuring safety at construction sites as follows: 

2.1.10.1 At the construction site, before carrying out construction work, the construction contractor is responsible for surveying the current status and implementing necessary measures and technical solutions to ensure lightning protection according to regulations on TCVN 9385:2012 and other relevant regulations.

Best Regards!