The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 21st that it will hold a 40-day legislative notice period for the amendment of the Enforcement Decree of the Building Act and the Regulations on Standards for Evacuation and Fire Protection Structures of Buildings to strengthen fire safety in buildings.
Through this amendment, the construction status of fire compartments in multi-use buildings must be recorded with photos and videos, and all gaps between walls of fire compartments must be filled with fire-resistant filling structures. Additionally, the installation of fire dampers in smoke control and exhaust ducts is now mandatory.
When installing automatic fire shutters in facilities with high floor heights, special detectors according to fire service regulations can be installed instead of heat detectors to resolve issues such as delayed fire detection frequently occurring with heat detectors.
Furthermore, interior finishing materials in facilities used by vulnerable evacuees, such as clinics and postpartum care centers, must be made of flame-retardant or higher-grade materials, and some standards have been rationalized, including allowing fire service access windows to use triple glazing, which is advantageous for insulation.
Lee Jeong-hee, Director of Building Policy, stated, "Fire compartments in buildings are essential safety elements that slow the spread of flames and smoke during a fire and secure evacuation time for users," adding, "It is expected that the fire safety of buildings will be significantly enhanced as it can prevent casualties in advance."
The full text of the amendment can be viewed on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport website from 11 a.m. on the 21st, and opinions on the amendment can be submitted via mail, fax, or through the Ministry's website.
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