FPF Violations That Cause Businesses to Incur Heavy Fines According to Regulations

1. Failure to Develop a Firefighting Plan

Failing to develop a firefighting plan is a serious violation in Fire Prevention and Fighting (FPF) safety. A firefighting plan is not merely a formal document but a detailed response script when an incident occurs, including task assignments, handling methods, escape routes, and coordination with functional forces. If a business fails to develop a firefighting plan according to regulations, the fine can range from 5 to 10 million VND under Decree 136/2020/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree 83/2023/ND-CP).

Additionally, many units have a plan but do not organize periodic drills. This leaves personnel lacking practical situation-handling skills, leading to confusion and panic when a fire occurs. The act of not organizing periodic firefighting plan drills can be fined from 10 to 15 million VND. In corporate risk management, practicing the plan is a key step to ensure the FPF safety system operates effectively.

2. Failure to Equip or Inadequate Equipping of Mandatory FPF Devices

Equipping firefighting means is a basic requirement of the FPF safety system. However, many business facilities still lack fire extinguishers, automatic fire alarm systems, or use expired or damaged equipment without replacing them. This reduces the ability to control a fire right from the initial stage—the decisive moment to limit damage.

According to regulations, the act of not fully equipping FPF means can be fined from 15 to 25 million VND. If the violation poses a risk of a major fire causing damage to people and property, the fine can increase to 40 – 60 million VND along with business suspension. Therefore, businesses need to regularly inspect, maintain, and replace equipment to ensure FPF safety standards.

3. Blocking Escape Routes or Failing to Ensure Safe Evacuation Conditions

Escape routes are the "path to life" in any fire or explosion incident. However, reality shows that many facilities lock emergency doors, stack goods and items blocking walkways, or fail to install standard guide lights and signs. This is a serious violation of FPF safety regulations and can cause catastrophic consequences when a fire occurs.

The penalty for obstructing escape routes ranges from 20 to 40 million VND. For service businesses like karaoke bars and hotels, the fine can reach 60 - 80 million VND and result in business suspension. Ensuring clear escape routes, equipped with guide lights and unlocked doors, is a mandatory requirement in FPF safety management.

4. Failure to Organize FPF Professional Training for On-site Forces

On-site FPF forces play a crucial role in initial handling before professional forces arrive at the scene. Without systematic training, employees will not know how to use fire extinguishers, grasp emergency power cut procedures, or guide safe evacuations. This is a major loophole in the FPF safety systems of many businesses.

According to regulations, failing to organize FPF professional training can be fined from 5 to 10 million VND. In the case of forging training certification documents, the fine increases to 10 - 20 million VND. Investing in training not only helps comply with the law but also enhances the business's risk response capacity.

5. Unsafe Use of Electricity - The Leading Cause of Fires and Explosions

Electrical systems failing to meet technical standards are a common cause of many large fires. Old wiring, overloaded sockets, equipment without overcurrent breakers, or improper installation all violate FPF safety regulations.

The act of using electrical equipment that does not meet FPF standards can be fined from 10 to 20 million VND. If it causes a serious fire or explosion, authorities may consider criminal prosecution. Therefore, businesses need to periodically inspect electrical systems, replace degraded equipment, and comply with national technical regulations on FPF safety.

6. Construction Failing to Meet FPF Standards

Some construction projects skip the FPF design approval stage or are built incorrectly compared to the approved dossier. This directly affects the operational capability of fire alarm, firefighting, and escape systems when an incident occurs. This is a serious violation in the field of FPF safety.

The fine for constructing contrary to the FPF design can range from 50 to 100 million VND, accompanied by a requirement to suspend construction or dismantle the violating part. Strict compliance with the approved design is a prerequisite to ensure the project meets FPF safety standards before being put into use.

7. Failure to Have the FPF System Inspected and Accepted Before Use

FPF system acceptance is the final confirmation of compliance with technical and legal standards. However, some investors still put projects into operation without undergoing an acceptance inspection, posing a high risk of fire and explosion.

According to regulations, this act can be fined from 80 to 100 million VND, along with measures forcing the suspension of operations or the dismantling of the project. This shows that completing the acceptance procedure is a mandatory requirement in FPF safety management.

8. Failure to Report Fire and Explosion Incidents as Regulated

When a fire occurs, even on a small scale, the facility owner has the responsibility to report it promptly to the authorities. However, there are cases of intentional concealment to avoid inspection and penalties. This is a violation of FPF safety regulations.

The fine for failing to report a fire incident ranges from 5 to 10 million VND. Intentional concealment of information or causing serious consequences can lead to criminal prosecution. Information transparency is an important principle in the long-term management and assurance of FPF safety.