Tightening corporate responsibility for fire prevention and fighting under the New Fire Prevention and Fighting Law 2024
On November 29, 2024, the National Assembly passed Law No. 55/2024/QH15 on Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue (“Fire Prevention and Fighting Law 2024”), replacing the Fire Prevention and Fighting Law No. 27/2001/QH10, as amended and supplemented by Laws No. 40/2013/QH13 and No. 30/2023/QH15 (“Fire Prevention and Fighting Law 2001”). The new law will take effect on July 1, 2025. Below are notable updates concerning corporate responsibilities for fire prevention and fighting:
Detailed regulations on fire safety conditions during construction
Compared to the 2001 Law, the 2024 Fire Prevention and Fighting Law provides more specific regulations on fire safety conditions that investors, construction owners, and construction contractors must fulfill and maintain during construction. These include: Establishing fire prevention, fighting, and rescue rules suitable for the characteristics and nature of the construction; Posting prohibition, warning, and instruction signs as required; Equipping fire prevention and fighting equipment or systems suitable for the nature and characteristics of the construction, in compliance with safety regulations for construction activities; Assigning personnel to handle fire prevention, fighting, and rescue tasks within their management scope.
These clear provisions make it easier for businesses to identify their responsibilities when participating in construction projects as investors or construction owners.
Additional fire safety conditions for buildings
The 2024 Law introduces new requirements mandating facilities to install fire alarm communication devices connected to the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Database System. Additionally, facility owners are required to declare and update relevant fire prevention and rescue data.
The installation of such communication devices and the reporting and declaration of data will be implemented in accordance with the Government roadmap, with a mandatory start date of no later than July 1, 2027.
Specific responsibilities for ensuring fire safety in industrial electricity use
Under the 2001 Law, fire prevention and fighting regulations applied equally to residential and industrial electricity use. However, industrial electricity usage poses unique risks requiring specialized measures to minimize fire and explosion hazards. Therefore, the 2024 Law differentiates responsibilities for fire prevention in electricity installation and use for residential and industrial purposes.
For industrial activities, businesses must ensure the following fire safety conditions: Complying with safety regulations on electricity use for production under the Electricity Law; Ensuring electrical wiring and equipment installed indoors meet safety standards; Regularly inspecting and promptly repairing or replacing electrical wiring and equipment that do not meet fire safety standards; Using specialized electrical equipment in environments with fire or explosion risks, in compliance with legal regulations.
The law also adds responsibilities for businesses dealing in electrical products and equipment. These businesses must provide accurate and complete information about the quality and technical specifications of their products, ensuring suitability for intended purposes. Additionally, retail electricity providers must educate and guide consumers on safe electricity use in residential and industrial contexts as part of their business operations.
The 2024 Fire Prevention and Fighting Law marks a significant step forward in enhancing corporate responsibility for fire prevention and fighting. These new regulations clarify corporate responsibilities for ensuring fire and explosion safety in construction, production, and business activities. The added safety conditions for construction projects and the requirement to install connected fire prevention systems will improve the management, supervision, and effectiveness of fire prevention and response, thereby reducing fire-related accidents. To comply with the new fire safety requirements under the 2024 Law, businesses should proactively study and implement these regulations. Doing so will ensure legal compliance while fostering a safe working environment.
