Tiếng Việt
ភាសាខ្មែរIn just the final month of 2024, numerous fires—both large and small—occurred across the country, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, causing significant damage. On December 27 alone, Ho Chi Minh City reported three separate fires, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries.
Fires and explosions pose a constant threat to the lives and property of people living in residential areas, as well as in households, offices, and factories. To ensure community safety, it is essential to implement fire and explosion prevention measures in offices, enterprises, and other establishments to minimise potential losses.
This article will introduce fire and explosion prevention measures applicable to various settings, including offices, enterprises, residential areas, households, warehouses, and other locations. It will highlight the importance of fire and explosion prevention and provide effective protective measures to help prevent such incidents from occurring.
What is fire and explosion prevention?
Fire and explosion prevention is the application of a series of measures and technical solutions, supported by tools and equipment, with the aim of minimizing and preventing the occurrence of fire or explosion incidents as much as possible.
When a fire or explosion occurs, it is essential to have a certain level of knowledge about fire prevention and firefighting measures to facilitate effective rescue, protect property, control and prevent the fire from spreading, and reduce the damage caused by the fire.
Causes of fire and explosion
Many causes can lead to fire and explosion incidents in residential areas recently, including:
– Unsafe electrical systems: Electricity is one of the leading causes of fires and explosions. If the electrical system is not regularly inspected and maintained, it can cause short circuits and lead to fires.
– Improper use and storage of chemicals: Chemicals can cause fires and explosions if not used and stored properly. Incorrect use of chemicals or storing excessive amounts of chemicals in a confined space can be hazardous.
– Non-compliance with fire safety regulations: Failing to follow fire safety regulations can pose dangers to the community. For example, using unsafe heaters or drying clothes near heaters can cause fires.
If you need installation, design, and construction of indoor fire prevention and fighting systems for your home or apartment, please contact Bao Tin Steel for consultation.
- Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP on fire prevention and fighting regulations for apartment buildings
- Circular No. 03/2022/TT-BCA on regulations regarding fire prevention and fighting inspection work
10+ Fire and Explosion Prevention Measures for Families and Residential Areas
Here are some fire and explosion safety measures you can refer to to minimise damage caused by fires and explosions in residential areas, households, and enterprises:
Inspect and Maintain the Electrical System
To ensure safety, the electrical system in residential areas needs to be regularly inspected and maintained. This helps identify and fix electrical issues before they pose any danger.
Safe Storage and Use of Chemicals
Chemicals must be stored and used safely to prevent hazards. This means that chemicals should be neatly stored in secure containers and clearly labelled.
Additionally, the use of chemicals should be carried out carefully and in compliance with safety instructions.
Comply with Fire Safety Regulations
Compliance is crucial to ensure community safety. This means implementing fire prevention measures such as installing fire alarms, knowing how to safely use fire extinguishers, and following regulations on the use of heaters and other equipment.
Install Automatic Fire Alarm and Suppression Systems
Automatic fire alarm and suppression systems are among the most effective fire and explosion prevention measures. When a fire or explosion is detected, the system automatically sends out warning signals and activates the fire suppression system to extinguish the flames. This helps minimise damage and ensure human safety.
Do Not Keep Flammable Materials Near Fire Sources
Flammable materials such as gasoline, oil, and gas cylinders should be stored safely and properly. Do not place these flammable substances near open flames or high-temperature areas to avoid the risk of fire and explosion.
Turn Off the Electricity and Switch Off the Circuit Breakers Before Leaving the House
Before leaving the house, check and turn off electrical devices, especially those that may cause fire or explosion, such as gas stoves, microwaves, hair dryers, etc. Additionally, switch off the circuit breakers to ensure the safety of the electrical system.
Equip Portable Fire Extinguishers and Install Alarm Systems
In addition to automatic fire alarm and suppression systems, it is important to equip portable fire extinguishers for use in emergencies. At the same time, install alarm systems to detect fires and explosions early and respond promptly.
Important Note: Stay calm, avoid panic, and extinguish fires slowly and carefully.
Bao Tin Steel suggests some fire extinguishers that are always available at the company:
Install Circuit Breakers and Automatic Switches for the Electrical System
A circuit breaker or automatic switch is a device that interrupts the electrical circuit when the system is overloaded or experiences voltage drops. It helps prevent electrical accidents and fires. It is recommended to use automatic circuit breakers instead of traditional manual switches because they can automatically cut off the power in case of an incident.
Maintain Cleanliness in the Home
Keeping the house clean and tidy helps reduce the risk of fires caused by factors such as waste or grease.
Do not store large amounts of flammable items near cooking areas. Avoid storing gasoline, gas, flammable gases, and flammable liquids inside the home. If storage is necessary, keep only small quantities in a separate, designated area.
Reasonable Fire and Explosion Prevention in Worship Areas
Families should arrange the wall behind the altar and the ceiling above it with non-combustible materials. Lamps, incense sticks, and candles must be securely placed on non-flammable objects, kept away from flammable materials, and the use of votive papers, incense, and candles on the altar should be minimised. Only light lamps, candles, and incense when responsible adults are present to supervise.
When burning votive papers, ensure constant supervision and use protective barriers to prevent the fire from spreading or being carried by the wind.
Parking Area
Cars and motorcycles should be parked in orderly rows, ensuring a comfortable and safe space, especially for access roads, emergency exits, and fire prevention and fighting (FPF) clearance distances.
Clear “No Open Flames” and “No Smoking” signs must be posted. Additionally, this area should be fully equipped with fire prevention and fighting equipment as required by regulations.
Note: Do not park vehicles near electrical cabinets or equipment. More importantly, do not park vehicles in locations where fire prevention and fighting tools and equipment are placed, to ensure easy access and deployment of these tools in case of fire or explosion incidents.
The Role of the Community in Fire and Explosion Safety
The community plays an important role in fire and explosion prevention. Every individual is responsible for ensuring their safety as well as the safety of those around them. This means that everyone must comply with fire safety regulations, regularly inspect and maintain their electrical systems, and use and store chemicals safely.
In the event of a fire, it is essential to immediately raise the alarm and notify people nearby, call the fire police at 114 or the local militia, authorities, or police in the nearest commune or ward. At the same time, use available firefighting equipment and follow the planned escape routes.
Additionally, the community can participate in activities such as fire safety training, organizing annual safety inspections, and engaging in awareness campaigns to promote fire safety.
Instructional Video on How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire and Explosion Prevention Images
Let’s watch a fire and explosion prevention video featuring an interview by Tuổi Trẻ Newspaper with special guest Major Nguyen Danh Luan – Officer of the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department.
Conclusion
Fires and explosions always cause significant damage to property and human life. In addition to the efforts of relevant authorities and the support of fire prevention and firefighting equipment, it is even more essential for every citizen to raise their awareness of fire prevention and firefighting practices at their workplaces, agencies, and places of residence, and to always ensure fire and explosion safety.
Tiger Steel is a subsidiary of Bao Tin Steel.