Vietnam introduces new fire safety requirements for mixed-use buildings

by Featured NewsSafety

Additional fire safety measures for residential and commercial buildings

Vietnam has introduced new fire safety requirements for buildings used for both residential and commercial purposes, effective from 1 July 2024.

According to the 2024 Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue, these buildings must meet additional safety conditions beyond the general requirements for residential properties.

The law mandates the installation of sufficient fire warning and instruction signs.

It also requires solutions to prevent the spread of fire between residential and commercial spaces.

Fire safety obligations for high-risk commercial activities

For buildings involved in the production or sale of goods prone to fire and explosion, the law specifies further safety measures.

These buildings must install fire alarms, ventilation systems, and equipment to detect leaks of flammable gases.

Additionally, the law requires fireproofing of business and production areas to ensure they are separated from residential escape routes.

This measure aims to reduce the risk of fire spreading and improve the safety of occupants.

Electrical safety requirements for households and individuals

The law includes specific regulations for fire prevention related to electrical systems.

Individuals and households are required to install and use electrical systems that comply with technical and legal fire safety standards.

Regular inspections of electrical wires and equipment are also mandated.

Any faulty components must be repaired or replaced immediately to maintain fire safety compliance.

Support for fire prevention research and technology

The updated law introduces policies supporting organisations and individuals engaged in researching, applying, and transferring science and technology advancements related to fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations.

These measures are intended to encourage innovation and enhance fire safety across residential and commercial properties in Vietnam.

Vietnam introduces new fire safety requirements for mixed-use buildings: Summary

Vietnam has amended its fire safety regulations, introducing new requirements for buildings used for both residential and commercial purposes.

The 2024 Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue mandates the installation of fire warning signs and measures to prevent the spread of fire between different property uses.

Buildings handling flammable goods must install fire alarms, ventilation systems, and gas leak detection equipment.

Business and production areas must also be fireproofed from residential escape routes.

Households must ensure electrical systems meet fire safety standards, conduct regular inspections, and repair or replace faulty components.

The law also includes provisions to support research and technology development in fire prevention and firefighting.

These regulations take effect on 1 July 2024.

Geology and fire safety laws approved in Vietnam

by Featured NewsSafety

Vietnam enacts new geology and fire safety legislation

Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved the Geology and Mineral Law with 446 out of 448 deputies voting in favour, representing 93.11 per cent of members.

As reported by Vietnam News, the legislation comprises 12 chapters and 111 articles, addressing geological investigations, mineral resource protection, mining operations, resource recovery, and mineral extraction rights auctions.

State management responsibilities are outlined for Vietnam’s mainland, islands, internal waters, territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and continental shelves.

The law excludes petroleum resources, natural water aside from mineral or hot spring water, and unrelated mineral processing activities.

Amendments were proposed during discussions, including updates to mineral planning categories.

Article 12 introduces classifications as ‘Group I’ and ‘Group II Mineral Planning’ for legal clarity.

Mining permits under Article 56 now have a maximum validity of 30 years, extendable by 20 years.

Permits for projects with viable reserves may be reissued to ensure efficient resource use.

Fire prevention law targets urban safety

The National Assembly also passed the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Law with 448 out of 450 deputies voting in favour, representing 93.53 per cent of members.

The legislation comprises eight chapters and 55 articles, defining state agency, organisational, household, and individual responsibilities.

Administrative procedures for fire safety have been streamlined, reducing processes from 37 to 10, lowering compliance costs.

Urban housing requirements mandate fire safety equipment such as alarms and extinguishers in densely populated areas with inadequate infrastructure.

Initial enforcement will focus on Hà Nội, HCM City, Đà Nẵng, Cần Thơ, and Hải Phòng.

Other regions are encouraged to adopt these measures voluntarily.

Stricter regulations for repurposed buildings

The fire safety law includes provisions for residential buildings repurposed for businesses such as karaoke bars, nightclubs, and dance halls.

As outlined in Article 23, these conversions must adhere to construction and fire safety standards.

Article 14 prohibits unauthorised modifications that compromise fire safety.

The legislation also requires Vietnamese citizens aged 18 and above, in good health, to participate in local firefighting and rescue teams when needed.

Enhanced safety measures introduced in Vietnam

Vietnam’s new legislation aims to improve geological resource management and fire safety standards.

The Geology and Mineral Law sets updated guidelines for mining permits, resource recovery, and state responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Law introduces urban fire safety requirements, stricter rules for repurposed buildings, and reduced administrative processes, focusing on densely populated cities while encouraging broader adoption across the country.

Update: Fire at Vietnam karaoke bar kills 23

by Breaking News

UPDATE: The death toll from a fire at a karaoke bar in southern Vietnam on Wednesday had risen to 23, a police official said, warning that the number of victims could rise further as search efforts continued at the site of the blaze.

Initial reports put the death toll at 12 with 40 others injured in the fire at a karaoke bar in southern Vietnam, according to reports from state media.

According to Reuters, official reports said the fire broke out on Tuesday night at the bar in Binh Duong province, an industrial production hub near Ho Chi Minh City. Of the 40 who were injured, 11 were said to be in a serious condition.

A witness, who identified herself as Quynh, was quoted as saying in the report: “When the fire broke out, I was so panicked and ran for safety and can’t remember how it happened.”

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday ordered the Ministry of Public Security and provincial authorities to investigate the cause of the fire. Chinh also ordered cities and provinces across the Southeast Asian country to step safety standards at facilities prone to fire, including at karaoke bars.

The fire marks Vietnam’s worst incident since 2018 when 13 people died in a blaze in an apartment complex in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2016, a blaze in a karaoke bar in the capital Hanoi left 13 people dead, causing a country-wide assessment of fire prevention measures at bars and clubs. And last month, three firefighters died after trying to extinguish a fire at another karaoke bar in Hanoi.