In factory design, fire protection (PCCC) plays a decisive role in ensuring safety, operational efficiency, and legal compliance. Especially as fire protection regulations are continuously updated, applying the correct standards from the beginning is crucial to help businesses save costs and ensure stable operations. In this article, BIC will guide you through the latest fire protection regulations and how to properly implement them in factory design.
Factories inherently pose a high risk of fire and explosion due to the presence of flammable elements such as:
- Flammable materials (fabric, wood, chemicals, industrial solvents)
- High-capacity, continuously operating electrical systemsa
- Production processes generating significant heat
According to statistics from the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department, in 2024, over 30% of major fires in Vietnam occurred in industrial parks and factories. These incidents not only caused damage worth billions of VND but also resulted in tragic loss of life.
This reality shows that even minor negligence in design or management can trigger fire and explosion risks at any time.
A fire in a factory can cause:
- Major loss of assets, materials, and machinery
- Prolonged production downtime, affecting business contracts
- Severe reputational damage
- Recovery costs five to ten times higher than initial prevention costs
More critically, factories that do not meet fire protection standards will not be eligible for insurance compensation, leaving many businesses struggling after fire incidents.
In Vietnam, fire protection design approval is a mandatory part of the factory construction permit process. Without it, businesses may:
- Be denied construction permits
- Be denied production operation permits
- Face administrative penalties and forced shutdowns
Therefore, incorporating fire protection standards from the initial design phase is not only about safety but also a legal requirement to protect long-term business stability.
As of 2025, factory design must comply with a series of strict fire protection regulations, including:
- Amended Fire Protection Law (2024): Adds stricter requirements for automatic fire detection and suppression systems in industrial facilities.
- Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP: Details the procedures for fire protection design approval, inspection, and acceptance before use.
- National Technical Regulation QCVN 06:2022/BXD: Applies to both civil and industrial buildings, including factories and warehouses, with specific fire safety requirements.
- Vietnam Standard TCVN 2622:1995: Establishes fire prevention principles for buildings and structures.
Additionally, for export-oriented or internationally partnered businesses, adhering to international standards like NFPA (USA) and ISO 45001 is crucial for compatibility and meeting global partner expectations.
According to the latest regulations, some mandatory requirements include:
- Fire Hazard Classification: Factories must classify fire hazard levels in each production area to determine appropriate fire protection solutions.
- Escape Routes: Each factory must have at least two separate escape routes, each at least 1.2 meters wide, with fire-resistant doors capable of withstanding at least 60 minutes of fire.
- Automatic Fire Suppression Systems: Factories over 500 m² must install automatic systems like sprinklers or fixed water spray systems.
- Safety Distances: Minimum distances between adjacent factories must be at least 6 meters, depending on their fire hazard classification.
- Electrical and Ventilation Systems: These must be separately designed with fire barriers rated to withstand at least 2 hours of fire.
- Note: All these items must be clearly and precisely shown in technical drawings to support fire protection design approval and later inspection processes.
The first step involves a detailed survey of the factory’s current condition, focusing on:
- Production processes
- Types of materials and raw materials used
- Factory environmental conditions
Thorough surveying helps accurately identify fire hazard areas and propose the most effective fire protection solutions.
Based on the survey results, the design team must prepare an overall fire protection system plan, ensuring:
- Automatic fire detection systems for each area
- Suitable fire suppression systems (hydrants, sprinklers, foam, CO₂)
- Clear and rapid evacuation plans
- Device installations that are easily accessible in emergencies
Proper device placement ensures prompt response to incidents.
Technical drawings must detail:
- Escape routes and fire-rated doors
- Location of fire detectors and fire hoses
- Pipe sizes and water flow rates for firefighting
Clear, detailed drawings facilitate smooth design approval and construction processes while minimizing potential errors.
Before construction, the investor must submit the fire protection design for approval, including:
- Detailed fire protection plans
- Fire protection system drawings
- Compliance commitment documents
The Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department will review and issue a certificate of construction eligibility if all requirements are met.
After construction, the investor must invite the relevant authorities to inspect and accept the system, ensuring it operates stably and meets technical standards. After successful acceptance, the contractor will hand over the full fire protection management and maintenance documents to the factory owner.
Businesses often encounter these mistakes in fire protection design:
- Insufficient or undersized escape routes
- Lack of automatic fire detection in hazardous areas
- Firefighting water pipes with inadequate pressure
- Flammable materials placed near heat sources
These issues increase fire risks and complicate fire protection design approvals.
Factories targeting exports or international partnerships must also:
- Comply with NFPA standards (USA)
- Follow ISO 45001 standards for occupational health and safety
International standard compliance enhances business credibility and facilitates global business cooperation.
It is crucial to ensure tight collaboration among all relevant parties right from the concept design stage, including:
- Architectural design units
- Professional fire protection consultants
- Representatives from the local Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department
Early, effective coordination minimizes costly redesigns, saves time and costs, and speeds up project completion.
Designing fire protection systems in factories is not just a legal requirement — it is a commitment to protecting human lives, assets, and business reputation. Strict compliance with the latest regulations ensures safe operations, long-term cost savings, and stronger trust with partners and customers.
Need expert advice on the latest fire protection factory construction design? Contact BIC now for free consultation by our experienced specialists!
