On the afternoon of November 26th, 2024, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Public Security’s Reasoning Council held a Council-level seminar on "Fire prevention, fire extinguishing and rescue for logistic depots” at the Fire Prevention University. Authorized by the leaders of the Ministry of Public Security, Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. Le Quang Bon, Principal of the Fire Prevention University chaired the seminar. Attending the seminar were representatives of leaders of units under the Ministry; scientists, researchers inside and outside the Public Security sector. In the context of the strong development of the logistics service industry, fire prevention, fire extinguishing and rescue at depots are becoming urgent and central tasks in governance. With the complex nature of logistics activities - where large volumes of goods, including flammable and explosive commodities, are concentrated – the safety insurance not only protects property and human lives but also contributes to maintain the security and order and socio-economic efficiency.

Lieutenant General, Associate Professor Le Quang Bon, Principal of the University of Fire Prevention and Extinguishing presides over the seminar. (Photo: The Fire Prevention University)

In order to clarify the reasoning, disseminate the policies and laws of the Party and State on fire prevention & extinguishing and rescue, focusing on the current situation and solutions for fire prevention & extinguishing, especially for logistics depots, the Theoretical Council of the Ministry of Public Security organized a scientific seminar with the theme: "Fire prevention, fire extinguishing and rescue for logistics depots" at the Fire Prevention and Extinguishing University. The seminar brought together leading experts, prestigious scientists and business representatives to seek effective management and practical application solutions, and at the same time propose policies relevant to the current situation in Vietnam. In his induction into the forum, Colonel, Associate Professor Le Quang Hai, Vice Principal of the Fire Prevention and Extinguishing University, emphasized: “Currently, the logistics service industry, especially warehousing services, is developing strongly in Vietnam, contributing about 4.5% of the country's GDP. However, more than 15,000 warehouses nationwide, most of which have poor fire-resistant structures, degraded electrical systems, and lack of fire prevention and extinguishing equipment, are exposed to high risk of fire and explosion. Warehouses are often built closed, storing large quantities of goods, causing difficulties for fire extinguishing and rescue. In the face of the complicated situation of fire and explosion, the scientific seminar "Fire prevention and rescue work for logistics service establishments" is held to assess the current situation, raise awareness of the role of stakeholders, and propose solutions to improve the effectiveness of fire prevention and rescue. Notably, the presentation on “Focal solutions to ensure fire safety for logistics depots” by Colonel, Associate Professor Nguyen Minh Khuong, Deputy Director of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department is well worth to highlight. To improve fire safety and rescue at logistics depots, heads of the depots need to proactively research and implement fire safety regulations, inspect and supervise to ensure the compliance with regulations, and maintain fire safety equipment according to standards. Depots must ensure fire safety infrastructure, equip fire safety equipment and facilities to ensure standards, classify dangerous goods and arrange them properly to prevent fire from spreading. State governing agencies need to strengthen the inspection, checks, and guidance for depots to fix the wrong practice, while at the same time provide the knowledge and training for officers and employees. The proper preparedness and contingency options to respond promptly when incidents occur will help minimize damage, ensure safety, thereby creating a stable environment for business development and production. Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Tran Duc Hoan elaborated through his presentation on "Application of radar sensor system combined with AI camera for searching and rescuing in warehouses and factories". The paper highlighted the potential of modern technology in monitoring and early detection of incidents, thereby improving the ability to respond fast in emergency situations. Regarding solutions to ensure safety in hazardous environments, the study paper "Design and selection of explosion-proof electrical equipment - optimal solution for warehouse safety in hazardous environments", presented by Master Nguyen Vu Quynh Nguyen, General Director of Technical Development & Trading Service Co., Ltd., (DPKT Technologies) continued to affirm the importance of advanced technical solutions in minimizing the risks and effectively protecting the assets and people.

Master Nguyen Vu Quynh Nguyen presented at the seminar. (Photo: The Fire Prevention University)

Master Quynh Nguyen shared: the design of explosion-proof electrical systems must strictly comply with national standards (TCVN) and international standards (ATEX, IECEx, NEC). The outstanding benefits include: Ensuring the maximum safety: Explosion-proof electrical equipment is designed to completely eliminate the risk of sudden igniting or high temperatures, minimizing the possibility of fire and explosion; Complying with the law: Fully meeting legal regulations helps businesses avoid legal risks and sanctions; Improving the economic efficiency: Explosion-proof electrical systems are durable, minimizing production interruptions, while saving the cost of maintenance and repair; Enhancing the business reputation: The application of international standards not only ensures safety but also helps businesses expand their markets, especially in industries with high safety specifications; Sustainable development: Although the initial investment for an explosion-proof electrical system is high, it brings long-term benefits, supporting the stable and sustainable development of the enterprise. The study paper emphasizes the role of designing an explosion-proof electrical system as an optimal solution to ensure safety in depots and warehouses with explosive hazardous environments. This is not only a mandatory requirement but also a long-term strategy for enterprises sustainable development. To achieve this goal, close coordination is needed between governing agencies, research institution, production units and enterprises. In particular, it is necessary to invest substantially in the technology of manufacturing explosion-proof electrical equipment, while improving the professional capacity of technical staff and promoting inspection and handling of violations.

Scientific paper presenters at the Seminar. (Photo: The Fire Prevention University)

The scientific seminar on fire prevention and extinguishing and search and rescue at logistics depots provided valuable and comprehensive perspectives, from the current governance to the difficulties and obstacles in applying technical standards, as well as practical lessons learned in operation, inspection, and handling of violations. Through the discussions, the importance of improving the effectiveness of state management in the field of fire prevention and extinguishing and search and rescue is emphasized, with specific solutions such as strengthening the inspection and check, promoting training and raising awareness of businesses, along with the application of advanced technologies. This is not only an important step forward in ensuring safety at logistics depots, but also contributes to improving the effectiveness of governance, building a safer, more transparent and effective business environment. The seminar is over, but the values ​​and strategic directions continues to spread, contributing to promoting increasingly professional and effective fire prevention and rescue at logistics depots.