On 22 November 2019, SCORE Viet Nam programme organised a seminar on "Designing, building, operating and testing fire protection systems in factories" in Binh Duong province with the participation of more than 50 enterprise representatives in the woodwork and supporting industries.

This is an activity of the “100 days without accidents” campaign which celebrates the Centenary year of the International Labour Organization (ILO) by highlighting the links between work safety and productivity in the woodwork and supporting industries in Viet Nam.

Participating enterprises were provided with the latest knowledge about the design of fire protection systems including fire detection – alarm – fighting, selection of materials. In addition, the fire safety expert shared practical experiences in testing, operation and maintenance of fire protection systems in factories. The seminar also covered the update of current regulations and standards on fire safety at production sites.

Advices given to participants’ questions related to building and operating their actual fire protection systems from the fire safety expert has helped businesses review the fire protection systems to ensure safety for production and business activities.

Nguyen Minh Hoang, officer in charge of safety, health and environment at Viet Nam Plastic Co., Ltd. shared: “The information presented at the workshop today gave me a more comprehensive view on fire safety. I know what I need to pay attention when designing, testing and using the fire protection system. This will help me and the safety team avoid difficulties of operating the fire protection system later on.”

The “100 days without accidents” campaign will run until end of December. Parallel to the campaign, factories will participate in SCORE Training which combines classroom training, factory consulting visits and awareness-raising activities that will help companies and workers to improve safety standards so that they can continue to remain accident-free after the campaign ends.

It is organized by the ILO, Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) HCM City, Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (HAWA), Binh Duong Furniture Association (BIFA), Binh Dinh Forestry Product Association (FPA) and the HCM City Centre for Supporting Industries Development (CSID).