Fire protection systems in factories are designed to detect fire early, intervene promptly to prevent the spread, and assist in evacuation, rescue operations, and minimizing loss of life and property. The operating principles of this system can be summarized as follows.

The Role of fire protection systems in factories and workshops

Fire protection systems play a vital role in ensuring the safety of people and assets, especially in industrial facilities such as factories and plants. In Vietnam, both residential and industrial buildings are required to be equipped with fire protection systems that meet standards before they can be operational. Compliance with fire safety regulations is not only a legal obligation for investors and contractors but also a practical safety measure to minimize fire-related risks and damages.

Fire safety approvals for factories designed and constructed by DELCO

What fire safety regulations are currently applied in Vietnam?

In response to serious incidents, such as a factory fire in Hanoi that resulted in eight fatalities, authorities have tightened fire safety regulations, especially for industrial facilities. Standards for the design and approval of fire protection systems are continuously updated to ensure safety, minimize fire risks, and simplify procedures for investors concerning fire safety compliance.

Currently, the design, approval, and acceptance of fire protection systems for factories in Vietnam adhere to the following laws, decrees, regulations, and standards:

QCVN 06:2022/BXD: National Technical Regulation on Fire Safety for Buildings and Constructions, including Amendment 1 to QCVN 06:2022/BXD.
Decree 136/2020/NĐ-CP (dated November 24, 2020): Detailing certain provisions and implementing measures for the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting and its amendments.
QCVN 04:2021/BXD: National Technical Regulation on Apartment Buildings.
TCVN 3890:2023: National Standard on Fire Protection Equipment for Buildings – Equipment and Layout Requirements.
TCVN 13456:2022: National Standard on Fire Protection – Emergency Lighting and Escape Signage – Design and Installation Requirements.
QCVN 02:2020/BCA: National Technical Regulation on Fire Water Pumping Stations.
QC03:2023 BCA: National Technical Regulation on Fire Protection Equipment.
TCVN 5738:2021: National Standard on Automatic Fire Alarm Systems – Technical Requirements.
TCVN 7336:2021: National Standard on Automatic Water- and Foam-Based Fire Suppression Systems – Design Requirements.
TCVN 5687:2024: Standards for Ventilation and Air Conditioning System Design.

Automatic fire extinguishing system designed and constructed by DELCO

Operating principles of fire protection systems in factories

Fire protection systems in factories are designed to detect fires early, intervene promptly to prevent fire spread, assist evacuation and rescue operations, and minimize loss of life and property. The operating principles of factory fire protection systems can be summarized as follows:

Early fire detection

The fire alarm system in factories includes smoke detectors and fire detectors designed to identify and signal fires at an early stage. When sensors detect smoke or an unusual rise in temperature, they trigger alarm signals to alert all workers in the area, enabling timely firefighting interventions and evacuation.

Beam smoke detector installed by DELCO

Power outages to prevent electrical explosions

Under current fire safety regulations, the power supply must be immediately shut off upon detecting a fire hazard before firefighting begins. This step prevents electrical short circuits or sparks, reducing the risk of fire spreading and ensuring electrical safety during firefighting operations.

Does the fire protection system operate without power?

Modern fire protection systems are designed to operate independently of the factory’s main power supply. Firefighting water pumps and other fire protection equipment are powered by backup generators. As a result, the fire protection system can function normally even during power outages or failures in the factory’s electrical system.

The fire pump system uses an independent power source, so it can still operate in the event of a power outage at the factory.

Early Fire Intervention

In line with the principles of automatic fire suppression, systems such as sprinklers or foam extinguishers are activated automatically upon detecting a fire. These systems work to extinguish the fire before it spreads. In smaller or confined areas not equipped with automatic suppression systems, workers can use handheld fire extinguishers or wall-mounted fire cabinets to extinguish the fire on the spot.

Automatic sprinkler fire extinguishing system designed and constructed by DELCO

Smoke extraction and emergency signs for rescue operations

Toxic smoke is the leading cause of fatalities in fire incidents, so factories must be equipped with ventilation and smoke extraction systems to ensure safe evacuation. When a fire is detected, the forced smoke extraction system will be immediately activated through smoke sensors, quickly reducing the amount of smoke in the area and facilitating rescue and evacuation efforts.

In addition to smoke extraction systems, emergency signage and escape routes must be fully installed, properly regulated, and placed at appropriate locations in work areas, corridors, and stairwells. These signs guide employees to escape routes quickly and safely, supporting evacuation and rescue operations.

Smoke exhaust fan for factory in fire protection system

Furthermore, current fire safety regulations require factory designs to meet specific criteria, including fire-resistant structures, fire compartmentalization, escape route dimensions, firefighting water flow rates, and designated parking areas for firefighting vehicles. These measures ensure that worker evacuation and firefighting interventions can be carried out swiftly and effectively.