Fire Bureau strengthens fire prevention and control of small workshops
October 14 06:01:11, 2025
In response to recent fire incidents, the Ministry of Public Security Fire Department has issued the "Guidance Opinion on Fire Prevention and Control Technology for Small Plus Workshops." This document outlines comprehensive measures aimed at enhancing fire safety in small-scale production facilities. These workshops, often involved in manufacturing items like clothing, shoes, toys, and electronics, are typically used for both processing and storage, making them highly vulnerable to fire risks.
On January 14, a devastating fire occurred at the Dadong Shoe Factory in Wenling, Zhejiang, resulting in 16 fatalities. Then, on March 26, another tragic incident took place in a family workshop in Jieyang, Guangdong, where 11 people lost their lives. These events have highlighted the urgent need for improved fire safety standards in such environments.
According to the guidance, the fire resistance rating of small plus workshops must not be lower than Grade 3. They should not be located in underground or semi-underground spaces. If the building is a three-tier fire-resistant structure, it should not exceed two floors, with a total area under 1,000 square meters. When using metal sandwich panels, the core material must meet Class A combustion performance standards. Additionally, if any floor exceeds 150 square meters or has more than 10 workers at once, there must be at least two exits and two staircases for evacuation. If existing stairs are insufficient, outdoor ones should be added.
The distance from any point within the room to the nearest exit should not exceed 40 meters. All interior doors and those leading to the roof must open in the direction of evacuation. Firefighting equipment, including smoke detectors, automatic sprinklers, fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency lighting, must be installed in buildings exceeding 250 square meters in floor area or 500 square meters in total area.
Fire hazard control is also emphasized. Storing flammable or explosive materials in production areas is strictly prohibited. Exposed electrical lines should be covered with metal pipes or flame-retardant sleeves, and private wiring or overloading of electrical devices is not allowed. High-temperature surfaces of lighting and heating equipment should be kept away from combustible materials. No warehouses or piles of flammable items should be placed near the building’s exterior walls or within fire protection zones. Also, no goods should be stored near evacuation routes or exits.
In terms of fire safety management, workshop owners or supervisors must conduct daily inspections. In case of a fire, staff should be evacuated promptly. Employees should be familiar with escape routes, exits, and firefighting equipment. They should know how to report fires, escape safely, and use fire-fighting tools. When handling hazardous substances like alcohol or paint, strict procedures must be followed. Doors leading to stairwells, outdoor stairs, or rooftop platforms must remain unlocked at all times.
This guidance aims to prevent future tragedies by ensuring that small workshops meet essential fire safety standards and that personnel are well-prepared to respond in emergencies.