Fire protection and firefighting (PCCC) in factory design is a mandatory legal requirement as well as a capital-preserving investment decision. A design dossier that complies with QCVN 06 on fire safety for buildings and structures, along with relevant TCVNs on fire alarm, fire suppression, emergency lighting, and evacuation, enables the investor to obtain approval and acceptance on schedule and reduces the risk of operational suspension. More importantly, these standards form a multi-layered defense system that includes safe distances between structures, fire compartments, fire resistance ratings of structural elements, fire truck access roads, sprinkler systems and indoor fire hydrants, exit signs, and evacuation plans for each production area.
From an operational efficiency perspective, adhering to fire protection requirements right from the design stage helps minimize production interruptions, reduce property insurance premiums, and shorten recovery time in case of incidents. Even small adjustments on drawings, such as adding exit doors to match occupant load, increasing water tank capacity and pump power, or replacing cladding materials with fire-retardant alternatives can significantly improve actual safety levels. As a design partner and general contractor, BIC optimizes three key aspects simultaneously: legal compliance, cost efficiency, and construction feasibility, ensuring that every fire protection element is seamlessly integrated into the site plan, structure, and MEP systems. The goal is to deliver factories that operate safely, receive rapid approval, and remain sustainable throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Factories must maintain fire safety distances from surrounding buildings and between structures within the same premises to prevent fire spread. Regulations specify minimum distances depending on the fire and explosion hazard class and the fire resistance level of the factory. For example, factories with high fire risk must be located farther from adjacent buildings than those with lower risk. Site selection must ensure compliance with these distances before project approval. If space is insufficient, firewalls or other technical solutions must be implemented.
National Standard TCVN 4514:2012 defines minimum distances between industrial structures based on building materials and fire characteristics of warehouses and workshops. QCVN 06 also provides safety distance tables according to fire resistance ratings. Compliance with these figures is mandatory during site planning. Investors should coordinate with architects to ensure their site layout does not violate minimum fire safety distances.
Proper spacing helps limit fire spread; if one building catches fire, nearby structures are less affected. This protects the company’s overall assets and allows firefighters to contain fires more effectively. Safe distances are one of the most fundamental yet critical criteria in the initial design phase.
- Internal road system: The factory infrastructure must include internal roads and parking areas that allow fire trucks to access all parts of the site. Typically, fire lanes require a minimum width (e.g., 4–6 m), must be free of obstructions, and have adequate turning radii. Large-scale factories should provide perimeter access roads or approach routes from at least two sides to enable effective firefighting. Roads and parking areas must meet regulatory size and load-bearing requirements to support fire truck weight.
- Gates and entrances: Site gates must be wide and tall enough for fire trucks to enter quickly. Turning areas and temporary parking near water sources or water inlets should be provided. Internal roads should be continuous without dead ends; if dead ends exist, turning space must be available. Pavement materials must support heavy loads without subsiding under firefighting operations.
- Signage and wayfinding: Fire protection signs (e.g., fire truck routes, hydrant locations) should be installed along internal roads to guide emergency responders. Landscaping and other vehicle parking should not obstruct fire truck access.
- Functional zoning: The site plan should divide areas based on fire and explosion risk. Production areas, raw material storage, finished goods storage, and offices should be separated or divided by firewalls if they have different hazard levels. For example, chemical storage with flammable substances should be isolated from the main production zone or placed in a separate fire-compartmented area. This reduces the risk of fire spreading from one functional area to another.
- Fire compartmentation: Factory design must define fire compartments appropriately. Large buildings should be divided into smaller compartments using fire-rated walls and floors, with each compartment not exceeding permitted size limits (depending on stored goods and structure). Firewalls or safety gaps between the factory and neighboring structures should also be provided to prevent fire spread.
- Evacuation routes and safe zones: Layout design must include adequate escape routes from every functional area (detailed in Section 3.6). High-risk areas (e.g., paint rooms, drying ovens) should have dedicated exits and specialized extinguishing equipment. Office spaces or areas with high occupancy should be located close to exits and away from smoke and fire hazards.
- Space for firefighting equipment: Layout planning must also allocate space for fire protection systems such as pump rooms, water tanks, fire alarm control panels, and fire extinguisher cabinets. These should be located in accessible and safe areas (e.g., pump rooms on the ground floor, separated from production zones, with separate firefighter access).
- Fire resistance level: Factories must be designed with appropriate fire resistance ratings based on size and function. Ratings (I, II, III, IV, V) specify how long structural elements can withstand fire. Large factories usually require Class I or II, meaning columns, beams, and floors must resist fire for at least 150 minutes. Primary structural components (columns, beams, load-bearing walls) must be calculated or protected to meet the fire resistance limits specified in QCVN 06. Steel frames must be treated with fire-resistant coatings or protective cladding to extend fire endurance and prevent early collapse.
- Building materials: Non-combustible or fire-retardant materials are preferred. Walls and partitions should be made of concrete, brick, or fire-resistant panels instead of flammable materials. Roofs and ceilings (often metal sheets or panels) must be designed to prevent fire spread, e.g., using fire-resistant sheets and installing smoke vents. Doors and windows in critical areas (e.g., machine rooms, hazardous storage) should be fire-rated (60–90 minutes). Finishes (paints, insulation) should be fire-retardant and produce minimal toxic smoke.
- Fire spread prevention: In addition to fire resistance, structural design must effectively prevent fire spread. For instance, firewalls between compartments must extend to the roof without gaps, and fire stops must be installed at roof junctions. Openings through floors and walls (e.g., pipes, cables) must be sealed with fireproof materials. The goal is to confine fire and smoke within the compartment of origin.
- Additional technical details: Mechanical systems (ventilation ducts, process piping) passing through compartments must use suitable materials that do not create fire paths. Glass in high-risk areas should be heat-resistant safety glass. Floors and enclosures in chemical storage areas must be fire-resistant and resistant to corrosion from firefighting chemicals.
- Automatic fire alarm system: Factories must install automatic fire alarm systems to detect incidents early and issue timely alerts. These include smoke/heat detectors suited to the environment (e.g., heat detectors in dusty areas), fire alarm control panels, and alarm bells/lights. The system must comply with TCVN 5738:2021 and provide complete coverage. The goal is immediate notification to occupants and possibly automatic signaling to the internal firefighting team or local fire department. Large factories should be divided into multiple alarm zones for quicker incident location.
- Manual firefighting equipment: Adequate portable fire extinguishers (powder, CO₂, foam) must be placed in key locations, with proper types for specific hazards (e.g., CO₂ for electrical areas, foam for oil storage). According to TCVN 3890, the maximum distance from any point to a fire extinguisher is about 20–30 m, with at least two extinguishers per 150 m². Additionally, wall-mounted fire hose cabinets connected to water hydrants must be installed, with spacing not exceeding 30 m. These allow personnel to extinguish fires at an early stage.
- Automatic fire suppression systems: Depending on scale and risk level, factories should be equipped with automatic fire suppression systems such as sprinklers or gas systems. Typically, factories larger than 5,000 m² or with a volume over 3,000 m³ must install sprinklers under QCVN 06. Sprinklers designed under TCVN 7336:2021 are installed throughout the ceiling and activate automatically when temperatures exceed a set threshold, controlling fires from the outset. For special hazards (e.g., electronics, chemical storage), gas (CO₂, FM-200) or foam systems may be used.
- Pump station and water supply: Firefighting systems require a pump station with main and backup (diesel) pumps to ensure consistent water supply. Firefighting water tanks (typically 100–300 m³, depending on scale) must always be full. Pump and water systems must meet pressure and flow requirements (e.g., sustaining two hydrants simultaneously for two hours). Hydrants, valves, and pumps must undergo regular testing to ensure functionality.
- Integration and control: Fire alarm and suppression systems should be interconnected and linked with other technical systems. For example, fire alarm activation can trigger power shutdown in affected areas, activate smoke exhaust fans, and start fire pumps. Control panels should be located in security or technical rooms with system schematics for easy monitoring.
- Compliance with quantity and technical standards: All fire detection and suppression devices must be installed in sufficient numbers, at proper locations, and meet technical specifications suited to the factory’s operations. Investors should consult standards and specialists to design fire protection systems scientifically and effectively.
- Number and arrangement of exits: Factories must have enough emergency exits to ensure rapid evacuation. The general rule: at least two independent exits per floor or high-occupancy area so that if one is blocked, another is available. Large single-story factories require multiple exit doors on different sides. The number and spacing of exits depend on occupant load and maximum travel distances (per QCVN 06, ~30–50 m from the farthest point to an exit, depending on hazard level).
- Door size and opening direction: Emergency exit doors must open outward in the direction of egress and be wide enough to prevent bottlenecks. The minimum clear width is typically 0.8–1.2 m, depending on occupant load. Escape routes must be dry, unobstructed, and free from storage. In multi-story factories, staircases must be non-combustible, have landings and sturdy handrails, and lead directly outdoors or to a safe zone.
- Exit signage: All exits and escape routes must have illuminated exit signs according to standards. Exit signs should be placed above doors or in corridors to guide direction and remain visible during power outages (with backup power for at least 2 hours). Emergency lighting must be installed along escape routes to allow movement in smoke or darkness.
- Ventilation and smoke control: Evacuation design must incorporate smoke ventilation to prevent escape routes from being blocked by hot smoke. This can include roof smoke vents or automatic exhaust fans in large spaces or corridors. Regulations require large factories to have smoke control systems to support safe evacuation. For example, smoke exhaust fans may activate automatically when the fire alarm is triggered.
- Rescue equipment: In specialized factories (multi-story or with elevated work areas, such as high-bay warehouses), rescue tools like escape ladders, chutes, and personal smoke masks should be prepared. Workers should be trained to use these tools. However, the primary focus must always be on architectural design that ensures sufficient, safe exits for rapid self-evacuation.
Effective evacuation solutions require a combination of factors: sufficient exits, logical placement, proper signage and lighting, unobstructed paths, and supportive systems (ventilation, rescue tools). All aim to ensure workers can leave the fire area quickly and safely in an emergency.
- External water supply system: Every factory should have an external fire water supply system, including hydrants installed around the building. Typically, hydrants are placed 5–10 m from the walls, spaced about 50–100 m apart, and positioned for fire truck hose connection. The water supply can come from the municipal network (if pressure is sufficient) or a dedicated firefighting tank. Pipe diameter, valves, and hydrant outlets must meet standards (TCVN 6379:1998 – Fire hydrants). Underground piping and hydrants must be laid out for easy access without obstruction by vehicles or goods.
- Internal water supply system: As mentioned earlier, large factories must have an internal fire hydrant network (wall hydrants). This usually consists of steel pipes running along building areas with fire hose cabinets (including valve, hose, and nozzle). In case of fire, the internal firefighting team can immediately open valves and use water. Pressure and flow must be calculated to support 2–3 nozzles simultaneously, according to standards. Regular inspections must ensure water tanks are full and pumps start automatically when pressure drops.
- Water tanks and pumps: Factories typically install firefighting water tanks (underground or above-ground) with minimum capacity sufficient for at least 3 hours of firefighting. Fire pump stations must include at least two pumps (one main, one standby) and one jockey pump. Pump rooms must be located in fire-rated enclosures, separate from production zones, with dedicated exits. A backup mobile pump (e.g., gasoline-powered) should be available to draw water from nearby ponds or lakes if the main system fails. QCVN 02:2020/BCA provides detailed regulations on fire pump stations, which must be followed.
- Alternative water sources: In some cases, on-site ponds or reservoirs can serve as firefighting water reserves. These must have adequate depth and volume, and suction points must be installed for fire trucks. Fire water systems should also have fire department connections to allow external fire trucks to pump water into the system if needed.
- Integration with surrounding infrastructure: If the factory is located in an industrial park, the fire water supply may connect to the park’s network (if available), enhancing water supply capacity in case of multiple fires. Control valves and clear agreements with the park operator are necessary.
- Determine approval requirements: Before construction, investors must determine whether their factory requires fire protection design approval. Under current regulations, factories with a volume of 3,000 m³ or more must submit fire protection design dossiers before construction. Facilities with special fire and explosion hazards may also require approval even if smaller than 3,000 m³. Small factories not subject to approval must still comply with fire safety regulations but may not need an official approval certificate.
- Prepare the fire protection design dossier:
+ Factory design drawings showing all fire protection solutions (layout, evacuation routes, hydrants, extinguishers, fire alarm system, sprinklers, etc.)
+ Fire protection design explanation detailing solutions and referencing relevant codes and standards
+ Legal documents: investor’s application, project approval or construction permit, land use right certificate or site approval letter
+ Fire protection competency certificate: the design unit must hold a valid license from the Ministry of Public Security
+ Firefighting and rescue plans (if required by law)
The dossier is usually prepared in 2–3 sets, signed and sealed.
- Submission and review: The investor submits the dossier to the Fire Prevention & Rescue Police Department (under the provincial/municipal police) for review. The department reviews drawings, explanations, and compliance with regulations. Typically, within 10–20 working days, they will issue a response. If the design meets requirements, a Fire Protection Design Approval Certificate or a compliance report is issued. If not, they will provide written feedback requesting revisions.
- Design revisions (if needed): If revisions are requested, the design team must adjust drawings and explanations (e.g., add exits, increase extinguisher quantity, change materials). The investor must coordinate closely with the design unit and fire authority to make timely, accurate changes. The dossier is then resubmitted for re-approval, and this process repeats until compliance is achieved.
- Receive approval: Once approved, the investor receives an official Fire Protection Design Approval Certificate or equivalent document, often with approved drawings stamped by the fire authority. This serves as a legal basis for construction and later acceptance. Note: if design changes during construction affect fire safety, supplemental approval is required.
- Construction according to approved design: The investor must ensure construction follows the approved fire protection design. All installations equipment, piping, exits, etc. must match the approved drawings and standards. Changes in type or location without fire authority consent are prohibited.
- Fire safety acceptance: After construction, the investor must apply for fire safety acceptance. Required documents include as-built records, test reports of fire protection systems, and a request for on-site inspection. During acceptance, fire officers will check alarm systems, pumps, hydrants, exits, etc. If everything complies and functions properly, a Fire Safety Acceptance Certificate will be issued. This certificate is necessary for legal operation.
- Legal compliance: By law, facilities subject to fire protection design approval that operate without approval or acceptance will not be permitted to operate. Investors may face severe penalties and suspension if they operate without fire safety acceptance. Therefore, the fire protection approval and acceptance process must be carried out thoroughly and on schedule
- High Risk of Fire and Explosion: Failure to comply with fire protection regulations significantly increases the risk of fire and explosion. For example, the absence of an automatic fire alarm system may result in a fire going undetected until it has already grown out of control; a lack of firefighting equipment may prevent timely suppression. The consequences can be devastating, leading to major fires that cause severe damage to property and human life. In fact, many serious factory fires have occurred at facilities violating fire safety laws (operating without acceptance), such as the two incidents in Binh Duong in July 2024, where companies that had been suspended for fire safety violations suffered fires that destroyed thousands of square meters of factory space. These incidents highlight that disregarding fire safety inevitably leads to catastrophic outcomes.
- Loss of Life and Property: Fires and explosions in factories can cause casualties among workers and staff if there are no safe exits or rescue equipment. Machinery, goods, and infrastructure may be completely destroyed. A single major fire can wipe out decades of investment within hours. Furthermore, environmental consequences (toxic smoke, chemically contaminated firefighting water) can affect surrounding communities. Such damages often far exceed the cost of implementing proper fire protection in the first place.
- Administrative Penalties and Suspension of Operations: Fire safety laws impose severe penalties for violations. If an investor fails to obtain fire protection design approval or puts a factory into operation without fire safety acceptance, they may face administrative fines of tens of millions of dong and even suspension of operations until violations are rectified. Specifically, under current regulations (Decree No. 144/2021/ND-CP on penalties for fire safety violations), putting a facility into operation without fire safety acceptance may result in fines of VND 30–50 million and suspension for 3–6 months. In cases of repeated or serious violations, authorities may revoke the business license.
- Criminal Liability: In cases where fires or explosions cause serious consequences (multiple deaths or extensive property damage), the person in charge may face criminal prosecution for violating fire safety regulations. The Vietnamese Penal Code includes provisions on the crime of “Violating fire protection regulations causing serious consequences,” with imprisonment possible if negligence or deliberate violation by the facility owner is proven. Thus, non-compliance with fire safety laws is not just an administrative matter, it can also jeopardize the personal freedom of the business owner.
- Loss of Business Opportunities: A factory that is shut down or suffers a fire incident will face significant disruption to production and business operations. Customers may cancel contracts due to delivery delays, and market share may be lost to competitors. The company’s reputation will also suffer after a fire. Additionally, the business may face difficulties obtaining insurance in the future (fire insurance premiums may increase, or coverage may be denied due to a history of violations). Overall, fire safety violations erode business credibility, cause financial losses, and jeopardize future growth opportunities.
- Engage Fire Safety Experts Early: Investors should hire a factory design consultancy with fire protection expertise or a valid fire safety certificate from the early project planning stage. Specialists will identify applicable legal and technical requirements, avoiding costly redesigns later. Experience shows that early consultation allows fire safety solutions to be seamlessly integrated into architectural and structural designs without conflicts or overlaps. It’s also advisable to contact the local fire police for initial guidance especially for large or specialized projects to fully understand the requirements in advance.
- Invest Adequately in Fire Safety: Do not make the mistake of cutting costs on fire protection. Investors must allocate sufficient budget for fire alarm, firefighting, and evacuation systems. Attempts to save money (e.g., installing too few detectors or buying low-quality extinguishers) may result in inadequate safety and failed inspections. Experience shows that fire safety systems typically account for 5–15% of total factory construction costs, depending on the facility type. Consider this an insurance investment for your people and property. Choose certified, high-quality fire protection equipment and hire reputable contractors to install the systems for long-term reliability.
- Strictly Follow Codes and Standards: During factory design, always verify solutions against QCVN 06 and relevant TCVNs. If the company has a project management team, assign a dedicated officer to oversee fire safety. Successful investors often create a fire safety standards checklist and review each design item to ensure nothing is missed. For example, check whether there are enough exits, if escape distances meet requirements, and whether firefighting equipment is properly distributed. If anything is non-compliant, require the design and construction team to correct it immediately.
- Train and Build an Internal Firefighting Team: As the factory nears operation, the investor must establish an internal firefighting team and train personnel. A well-designed factory is most effective when operated by people who know what to do. Training should cover how to use fire extinguishers, operate fire pumps, trigger alarms, and evacuate safely. A firefighting and rescue plan tailored to the factory layout should also be developed, and regular drills conducted. This is both a legal requirement and practical preparation to ensure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.
- Conduct Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Investors must establish a routine inspection and maintenance schedule for all fire protection equipment after construction. For example: weekly no-load fire pump tests, monthly fire alarm tests, extinguisher maintenance every six months, and annual lightning protection checks. Regular maintenance ensures systems remain operational. Experience shows that unmaintained systems may fail during a fire (e.g., broken pumps or leaking valves), leading to unsuccessful firefighting efforts. Therefore, assign personnel or hire professional services to perform maintenance on schedule.
- Stay Updated on New Regulations: Fire protection laws and standards can change, so investors should keep track of the latest updates. For instance, recent years have seen frequent updates (e.g., TCVN 3890:2023 replacing 2009, revisions to QCVN 06:2023). Staying updated helps businesses adopt modern fire protection technologies and meet inspection requirements proactively. Attending fire safety seminars or training courses is also a valuable way to learn from experts and other businesses.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Maintain a good relationship and comply with guidance from the local fire police. During routine inspections, proactively invite them to provide safety improvement suggestions. If difficulties arise during design or construction (e.g., water supply shortages requiring special solutions), discuss them with the fire department to find acceptable solutions. This transparent, cooperative approach helps investors avoid legal risks and demonstrates a serious commitment to safety.
Fire safety in factory design and construction is a mandatory and urgent responsibility for every investor. From the initial project stage to operation, businesses must prioritize fire safety compliance: following the law, applying technical standards, ensuring safety distances and exits, installing alarm and suppression systems, and obtaining full design approval and acceptance. The guidelines above outline specific requirements and practical experience to help investors understand and effectively implement fire safety in practice.
Fire safety is the foundation for sustainable business growth. Investors should always place fire protection at the forefront of every design and construction decision. Do not treat it as a mere formality do it proactively and thoroughly for the safety of your people, property, and operations. Every investment you make in fire protection today could prevent irreparable losses in the future. If you are planning to build or renovate a factory, contact BIC for expert consultation on applicable fire safety regulations and professional industrial factory design services.
