Specification of Certified Mask Installation Standards
Expansion of Installation Sites and Establishment of Promotion Basis
The Gwangju Seo District Council has amended its ordinance to require the installation of smoke masks in order to reduce casualties from toxic gases during disasters such as fires.
On May 2, the Seo District Council announced that the 'Partial Amendment Ordinance on the Installation and Support of Smoke Masks for Fire Evacuation in Gwangju Seo District', proposed by council member Suyoung Kim, had passed the relevant standing committee during the 330th temporary session.
Kim explained, "According to data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 81.8% of all fire casualties suffered harm due to inhalation of smoke or toxic gases," adding, "I pushed for this ordinance amendment to ensure the installation of safer and certified smoke masks."
The amendment reflects certification standards from relevant laws, such as the 'Act on the Promotion of Disaster Safety Industry', and allows for the installation of smoke masks with proven safety in public facilities and welfare institutions. The ordinance also specifies the expansion of installation locations, promotion efforts, and the establishment of cooperation systems.
Kim stated, "With this amendment, we expanded the scope of installation to include the Seo District Council, facility management corporations, and welfare organizations," and added, "We will continue to improve the system to help secure the 'golden time' for rescue and evacuation in the event of a fire."
Seo District was the first among Gwangju's autonomous districts to enact an ordinance related to smoke masks in 2019, and in 2021, 869 smoke masks were installed in administrative welfare centers and other locations.
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