List of Buildings Requiring Mandatory Fire Protection Measures You Should Know

List of Buildings Requiring Mandatory Fire Protection Measures You Should Know

Fire prevention and fighting (PCCC) is a legal requirement in construction and building management. Many buildings—factories, apartments, offices, and commercial centres—must have fire protection systems as per Decree 136/2020/NĐ-CP and TCVN 3890:2023. These systems include alarms, automatic suppression, exit signs, and hoses. Non-compliance risks operational suspension, failed inspections, and serious safety hazards. This article covers which buildings must comply, the legal basis, and why investing in fire protection is essential.

Current Legal Regulations on Mandatory Fire Protection

To answer “Which buildings must install fire protection systems?”, we rely on current fire prevention laws. These regulations guide investors, contractors, and builders on their legal duties and the technical standards to follow.

Key Legal Foundations

The following legal documents and standards serve as the primary and most important foundations that provide detailed regulations on fire prevention and fighting:

 

Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP dated November 24, 2020, issued by the Government:
This Decree provides detailed regulations and implementation measures for the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting and the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting. This Decree details establishment classification, fire safety documentation, design appraisal, system acceptance, inspections, and more. It replaces Decree 79/2014/NĐ-CP and is the top legal guide for fire prevention and fighting implementation. Law.

Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting No. 27/2001/QH10 dated June 29, 2001:
This foundational law outlines the principles, responsibilities of agencies, organisations, and individuals, and the fundamental measures in fire prevention and fighting activities.

Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting No. 40/2013/QH13 dated November 22, 2013:
This amendment enhances and supplements the provisions of the 2001 Fire Prevention and Fighting Law to better align with new developments and current conditions.

 

Vietnamese Standard TCVN 3890:2023 – Fire Prevention and Fighting – Firefighting Equipment for Buildings and Structures – Provision, Arrangement, Inspection, and Maintenance:
This is an important technical standard that provides detailed guidelines on selecting types of firefighting equipment, determining the required quantity, proper arrangement, periodic inspection, and maintenance for various types of buildings and facilities. The standard serves as a practical guide for implementing legal fire safety requirements in the actual design, construction, and operation of buildings.
TCVN 3890:2023 replaces the previous version, TCVN 3890:2009.

In addition, there are many other fire prevention and fighting standards and technical regulations applicable to specific types of buildings. For example, QCVN 06:2022/BXD – National Technical Regulation on Fire Safety for Buildings and Structures. Alongside these are other sector-specific legal documents and regulations related to fire prevention and fighting.

What does a fire prevention and fighting (PCCC) system include?

Under current laws and standards, buildings must have one or more fire protection components, depending on their size and function.

Automatic Fire Alarm System: This includes smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire alarm control panels, and sirens/strobe lights. It is a mandatory component for buildings with an area of 300 square meters or more, or those with high occupant density.
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Automatic Fire Suppression System: The most common type is the sprinkler system, which activates when the ambient temperature suddenly rises due to a fire. This system is typically required in shopping centres, factories, high-rise apartments, and warehouses storing flammable goods.

Portable Fire Extinguishers: These include powder, CO₂, foam, and water extinguishers, placed in easily accessible locations with a maximum spacing of 20 meters. Each floor and functional area must have at least one corresponding fire extinguisher.
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Emergency Exit Lights (Exit Signs):
These are mandatory to be installed at emergency exits, stairways, and corridors. According to TCVN 3890:2023, exit signs must be visible from a distance of 30 meters and must operate for at least 2 hours during a power outage.

Wall-Mounted Fire Hoses and Outdoor Fire Hydrants:
These are required for large-scale buildings such as factories, warehouses, schools, or apartment buildings with more than 5 floors.
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Buildings Required to Have Fire Protection Systems

Based on current Vietnamese fire prevention regulations, especially Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP, many buildings must install fire protection systems—such as automatic fire alarms, suppression systems, and fire hose reels—as detailed in the Decree’s appendices.

The main categories commonly required to have these systems include:

– Apartment Buildings, Collective Housing, Dormitories:
Fire protection systems are mandatory, especially for buildings with 6 or more floors or large volume.

– Public Buildings and Facilities:

• Theatres, cinemas, circuses, conference centres, cultural houses, clubs, nightclubs, bars, karaoke establishments.
• Museums, libraries, exhibition halls, galleries, and national archives.
• Markets, shopping centres, supermarkets.
• Hotels, motels, guesthouses, and inns.
• Offices of government agencies, political and social organisations.
• Hospitals, general clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres.
• Schools and other educational institutions.

– Production and Industrial Facilities:
Factories and plants with fire/explosion risks (categories A–E) must have fire protection systems, especially if they are large or store flammable materials.

–Warehouses:
Storage facilities, especially those storing flammable and explosive materials, high-value goods, or large quantities of inventory.

Transportation Facilities:
Terminals, bus stations, airports, seaports, and inland waterway docks (including waiting rooms, warehouses, etc.).

Energy Facilities:
Power plants, substations, and facilities in the oil, gas, and chemical industries.

Technical Infrastructure:
Data storage, processing, and preservation centres, as well as control centres.

– Defence and security projects: According to separate regulations of the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security.

To check if your building needs a fire protection system and the required equipment, refer to Decree 136/2020/NĐ-CP or consult local fire authorities or experts.

Consequences of Not Installing Fire Protection Systems as Required by Regulations

Failing to install fire protection systems as required causes delays in permits and project approval and poses serious legal, financial, and safety risks. Below are common consequences of neglecting or poorly implementing fire safety measures.

Administrative sanctions

According to Decree 144/2021/ND-CP, violations of fire prevention and fighting regulations will be handled with clear penalties:

• Fines range from 5–30 million VND for missing fire safety equipment or skipping required reviews. Repeat violations may cause suspension or license revocation.

Real-life example: In 2023, a convenience store chain in Ho Chi Minh City was fined over 50 million VND for lacking proper fire prevention and fighting equipment and failing to obtain a fire safety compliance certificate.

Unlicensed, suspended

• Without fire protection acceptance documents, construction won’t get completion approval or legal operation per Article 15 of the 2013 Fire Protection Law. Buildings like apartments, factories, and hotels can’t be handed over or occupied without it, causing losses. Authorities can suspend operations and enforce compliance if violations are found.

Fire and Explosion Hazards – Serious Consequences

Fire safety rules have tightened for a reason. Even a small electrical fault or flammable material can cause devastating fires if no proper fire safety equipment is in place.

Damage: Fires in poorly protected mini apartments, boarding houses, and factories have caused dozens of deaths and total property loss.

Legal Risk: Investors or managers can face up to 12 years in prison if a fire results in death or serious damage (Article 313, 2015 Penal Code).

Example: The 2023 fire in a mini apartment on Khuong Ha Street (Hanoi) killed 56 people due to lack of fire prevention systems and proper exits.

Investing in fire safety isn’t just law—it’s a moral duty. Don’t risk lives or your career.

Conclude

Correctly identifying buildings required to have fire protection systems is essential for compliant design, construction, and inspection. This involves understanding key legal documents, especially Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP and related standards.

Investors and contractors must keep up with fire prevention regulations to ensure safety and avoid legal penalties.

A fire protection system is more than a legal requirement—it’s the essential first line of defence for lives and property. Investing in fire safety is investing in sustainable development.

We hope these insights from Bao Tin Steel help you better understand mandatory fire protection requirements. For fire safety equipment, contact us at Hotline: 0932 059 176.

Tiger Steel is a subsidiary of Bao Tin Steel.