According to a press release on the fire and explosion situation in August 2022 of the Fire Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue Police Department, there were 134 fires nationwide that killed 10 people, injured 7 others and caused estimated property damage of 29.68 billion VND. Among 62/134 fires with known causes, electrical equipment failure still accounted for the highest proportion at 38.06%; other causes accounted for less than 10%. The fire and explosion situation continued to increase to an alarming level in the first weeks of September 2022 at business locations and factories; which attracted wide public attention.
The frequency of fire and explosion incidents recently has led to a greater need for fire safety in building operations. Fire safety assessments should be carried out on all types of buildings to ensure compliance with national regulations. When an accident occurs, the responsibility lies with the parties involved or the person responsible for the business – an employer or self-employed person, contractor, people responsible for all or part of properties for business purposes, etc.
Achieving compliance with electrical installation and fire safety standards can prevent property loss, reduce the risk of injury or death, ensure safety for employees, improve business performance and limit unexpected incidents that disrupt business operations. While many organizations have become aware of the importance of health and safety in the workplace, many are still unaware of their legislative obligations – which is why many businesses need a third-party partner - Bureau Veritas to help them achieve and maintain compliance.
What is fire safety assessment?
Fire safety is a system of technical solutions to eliminate and minimize the risks of fire, and explosion causing damages to people and property.
Bureau Veritas provides assessment services to ensure fire safety and offers corrective measures in case of violations in the field of electrical safety and fire prevention during the assessment process. We are committed to supporting our customers through our extensive network of locations with the ability to instantly respond to customer requests.
What are key benefits?
- Reduce the risk of damage and ensure the safety of buildings and structures
- Reduce the risk of unnecessary litigation
- Cost improvement
- Minimize maintenance and repair time
- Bring benefits in terms of insurance.
- Achieve and maintain compliance with fire safety regulations
WHY CHOOSE BUREAU VERITAS?
- Experience: We have extensive experience in the field of electrical and fire protection ensuring compliance with regulations with a global network of experienced consultants.
- Impartiality: Because Bureau Veritas excels at providing customer-oriented services, you can be assured that the interests of the public, client and project are well-served.
- Reputation: Established in 1828, Bureau Veritas is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) and we have more than 190 years of experience meaning that we also can assist you in other areas of your business if needed.
- Network: We are part of the Bureau Veritas Group, a world leader in testing, inspection and certification services, with 400,000 clients worldwide and a global network of offices in 140 countries.
OUR APPROACH
Bureau Veritas adopt all international technical guidelines and tools and we are at the forefront of keeping up with regulatory changes.
- Step 1: Receive documents from customers: Bureau Veritas receives relevant documents from customers: as-built documents, design documents, machine specifications, maintenance/warranty records, related certificates of personnel operating and maintaining the system, etc.
- Step 2: Study the documents: We study, research and analyze the relevant documents from customers.
- Step 3:Conduct site survey/ site inspection: Bureau Veritas experts will conduct a site survey and site inspection and inspection of all systems according to the checklist:
- Electrical system: wiring, cabinets, panels, transformers, generators, electrical equipment, auxiliary support systems for electrical systems, etc.
- Fire protection & safety system:
- Architectural aspects: escape corridors, stairs, emergency exits, roads serving fire prevention and fighting, fire resistance of building structures
- System aspect: fire alarm system, firefighting system, emergency lighting system and exit indication, emergency notification system, smoke extraction system, pressurization system for emergency stairs, corridors, elevator lobby, etc., lightning protection and grounding systems, emergency power supply systems and related systems.
Checklist is based on Vietnamese national law and regulation standards and international standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC):
- Electrical standards: Regulation 12-2014-BXD, TCVN7447-2010 (similar to IEC 60364), Industry standards– TCN18, 19, 20, 21
- Lightning standard: TVN9888-2013 (similar to IEC62305)
- Lighting standards: TCXD16-1986, TCVN7114-1-2008 and TCVN7114-3-2008
- And other relevant standards
In addition, Bureau Veritas uses the latest machines and equipment for inspection and survey such as:
- Infrared thermal scanner
- Measuring device for voltage, current, insulation resistance
- Ground resistance measuring device
- Illuminance measuring device
- Equipment for measuring air pressure in stairs, halls, elevators, etc
- Air flow meter for smoke extraction system
- Step 4: Make a report according to Bureau Veritas form: After conducting site survey/site inspection, we conduct a report according to Bureau Veritas' form and provide solutions, or consult about systems or standards. e.g. FM200 system, NFPA standard (if needed).
For the last months of 2022, manufacturing and service business activities are accelerating. Strengthening the implementation of plans and solutions to ensure fire safety at enterprises is essential to safeguard smooth operation. To assist customers with related problems of ensuring business continuity, Bureau Veritas provides comprehensive and professional solutions. Contact us now to connect with an international team of experts from Bureau Veritas.