Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon held an emergency countermeasure meeting on the morning of the 27th and ordered an urgent inspection of lithium business sites within the province.
Gyeonggi Province will conduct a full inspection of 48 lithium-handling businesses from the 27th of this month to the 4th of next month as a follow-up measure to the Hwaseong factory fire. This full inspection is a response to the Ministry of Environment's focus on inspecting large battery manufacturers.
Gyeonggi Province announced that it plans to form six inspection teams, each consisting of seven members from the Climate Environment Energy Bureau, Fire Headquarters, and Special Judicial Police Unit, to conduct a full inspection of 48 lithium-handling businesses within the province.
The main inspection items include ▲ violations of hazardous chemical handling, storage, and preservation standards ▲ whether safety inspections of hazardous chemical handling facilities have been conducted ▲ appointment of managers ▲ building safety ▲ appropriateness of fire facilities and risk management.
Gyeonggi Province plans to actively identify any risks even if legal standards are met, taking preemptive measures to prevent fires or environmental pollution accidents.
Governor Kim Dong-yeon held an emergency countermeasure meeting that morning and said, "We must act proactively for the safety of residents," adding, "Even if the government has management authority over industries handling hazardous chemicals and dangerous materials other than lithium, please step forward to identify risk factors."
He continued, "Considering the operational status of companies, instead of inspections or administrative guidance, let's support the safety sector through consulting," emphasizing, "For businesses that refuse consulting, we should create an atmosphere for a safe working environment by, for example, disclosing their names."
Regarding the preparation of institutional improvement measures, Governor Kim said, "Currently, it is an unreasonable situation where local governments do not have inspection and management authority according to relevant laws. We should propose amendments to related laws to transfer authority to local governments," and instructed the Fire Disaster Headquarters and Safety Management Office to prepare accordingly.
Economic support measures for the bereaved families were also discussed at the meeting.
Governor Kim Dong-yeon said, "Economic support is urgently needed for the bereaved families right now," and requested, "Please review insurance matters, compensation, and consider extraordinary financial support measures."
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