Cold storage is not simply a place to keep goods; it is a complex technical entity that has to run to strict procedures 24/7. In this environment, the meeting of extremely low temperatures, high-capacity electrical systems, chemical refrigerants and sensitive insulation material carries its own particular fire and explosion risks. That is why designing and installing a compliant cold storage fire protection system is vital for any business. When something goes wrong, a fire inside a refrigerated space spreads many times faster than in an ordinary building. At the same time, rescue and firefighting are severely hampered by the sealed structure of cold storage door and by the dense toxic smoke released from the insulated panels.
Vietnam has seen a number of serious fires at logistics centres and seafood processing plants, with property losses running into tens or even hundreds of billions of VND. The root cause is usually an investor applying ordinary fire protection standards to a sub-zero environment. In this article, Tân Long’s specialist engineers analyse the underlying risks, set out the current legal standard under QCVN 06:2022/BXD, and propose the most advanced technical solutions for protecting your cold chain.
What makes fire and explosion risk in cold storage different
Understanding these particular risks thoroughly is the first step towards an effective cold storage fire protection system scheme. Because of the harsh operating environment, cold storage carries four main groups of fire and explosion risk that an investor needs to pay close attention to in order to protect both property and people.
Insulated panels that spread fire
Most storage systems today use polyurethane (PU), polyisocyanurate (PIR) or polystyrene (EPS) panels as the envelope. These are a potential "solid fuel":
- EPS Panel: It ignites extremely quickly, from as little as 150°C. Without a compliant fire-resistant coating, flame can travel along the panel wall at 1 to 2 metres per minute, making the fire extremely hard to contain.
- PU Panel: This material self-ignites at 300 to 400°C. Worse, when it burns PU releases toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and carbon monoxide (CO) in high concentrations, disabling a person’s respiratory system within seconds.
High-capacity electrical systems running continuously
Equipment such as refrigeration compressor, industrial refrigeration and circulation fans draw enormous amounts of power, typically from 100 kW to several MW. A deep-freeze environment creates two dangerous physical effects in the electrical system:
- Material contraction: Constant temperature swings loosen cable terminations and terminals inside the control cabinet , producing arcing that starts a fire.
- Moisture condensation: Moisture that freezes and then thaws at connection points leads directly to short circuits. In practice this is the culprit behind more than 70% of cold storage fires in Vietnam, which is why a cold storage fire protection system system has to be able to monitor electrical heating early.
Sealed spaces and difficult escape
A cold store is built to insulate completely, which means the space is almost airtight. When something goes wrong:
- The oxygen inside is consumed quickly, producing a smouldering fire that generates vast amounts of toxic smoke, cutting visibility and causing rapid asphyxiation.
- The large pressure difference between inside and outside sucks ordinary cold room doors tight against their frames. Without a pressure relief valve or a purpose-made internal escape release, operators can easily be trapped at the heart of the fire.
Risks from refrigerant and compressor oil
Large industrial refrigeration systems commonly use ammonia (NH₃), which is flammable in air between 15 and 28% by volume. Compressor lubricating oil that accumulates in the pipework over time also has a low flash point. A refrigerant leak combined with an electrical spark produces a devastating pressure explosion that can destroy the whole structure. Investing in an integrated cold storage fire protection system solution is the best way to control these dangerous variables.
Fire protection standards for cold storage in Vietnam
Complying strictly with the legal requirements on cold storage fire protection system does more than avoid administrative trouble; it is a solid shield protecting assets and securing the business’s position with its insurers. In Vietnam, industrial cold storage projects have to meet the following current technical standards:
QCVN 06:2022/BXD: the latest legal basis
Since it came into force, QCVN 06:2022/BXD has been mandatory for all construction works. For storage facilities, it tightens the requirements on the fire resistance rating of materials and on fire compartment design, for maximum safety.
Technical fire protection requirements for cold storage under QCVN 06:2022/BXD:
| Technical parameter | Requirement for industrial cold storage |
| Minimum fire resistance rating | Grade III or above for stores larger than 1,000 m² |
| Firewall fire resistance | REI 120 (fire resistance of up to 120 minutes) |
| Purpose-made fire doors | Cold room doors rated EI 60 or above |
| Insulation material | PIR panels rated B1, or mineral wool (non-combustible), preferred |
TCVN 7447 electrical installation standard
The electrical system is the leading source of fire and explosion risk, so TCVN 7447 sets strict requirements to keep it operating reliably in a deep-freeze environment. All cabling has to have purpose-made sheathing with mechanical properties that will not go brittle or crack in a store running at minus 25°C.
Control panels designed by Tân Long also have to be rated IP65 or better. That rating prevents moisture condensing inside the equipment, eliminating the risk of a short circuit and supporting cold storage fire protection system across the board.
The best fire protection technology for deep-freeze environments
At Tân Long we do not apply off-the-shelf solutions but concentrate on specialist technology. The solutions below were designed by our engineers specifically for low-temperature environments, so that the system operates safely and reliably.
VESDA very early smoke detection (air sampling)
Inside a cold store, ordinary smoke detectors are frequently disabled or give false alarms because of localised fog and the strong airflow from industrial evaporator fans. A VESDA system solves this completely with a network of continuous air sampling pipes.
VESDA technology draws air samples back to a central laser processor, detecting smoke particles at concentrations as low as about 0.005% obs/m. That lets an investor identify a risk during the smouldering stage, before ignition, giving cold storage fire protection system the highest possible preventive value.
Pre-action sprinkler systems
This is the gold-standard solution for deep-freeze storage. Unlike a wet sprinkler system, where water standing in the pipes can freeze and burst them, a pre-action system keeps the pipework completely dry with compressed air. Its double interlock mechanism provides complete safety through two control steps:
- Step 1: The VESDA detection system senses smoke and signals the solenoid valve to open so that water starts entering the pipework.
- Step 2: Heat from the actual fire bursts the sprinkler head.
Only when both conditions are met does water actually discharge. This double mechanism removes any risk of accidental activation from a single faulty sensor, avoiding damage to high-value goods — an extremely important point in the standard for cold storage fire protection system modern.
PIR panels in place of combustible EPS
On design and build projects, Tân Long always recommends PIR (polyisocyanurate) panels. This material has a closed-ring structure that is far more stable than traditional PU or EPS panels. In a fire, PIR forms a char layer on the surface that stops the flame penetrating deeper into the envelope. Meeting the construction industry’s demanding B1 fire rating, PIR panels are the best material choice for a cold storage fire protection system system that is both legally compliant and completely safe.
Compliant escape routes and emergency lighting design
In a fire, refrigerated storage typically becomes a pitch-dark maze of dense toxic smoke and poor visibility. Designing escape routes and lighting is therefore not only a legal requirement but a matter of human safety within a complete cold storage fire protection system solution. This equipment has to be carefully specified to work correctly at extremely low temperatures.
- Purpose-made panic bars: Every cold room door on an access route has to be fitted with a panic bar. It lets an operator open the door with a single push from inside, even when the door is locked from outside. This is the key technical detail that lets people escape quickly when the fire alarm sounds.
- Pressure relief valves to aid escape: One of the biggest obstacles to escape is the door being "sucked shut" by the large pressure difference between inside and outside. A pressure relief valve equalises the air pressure quickly, so an operator can push the door open without excessive force. It is an indispensable component of a safe cold storage fire protection system scheme.
- Emergency lighting rated for sub-zero temperatures: Unlike ordinary fittings, emergency lights in a cold storage have to use Ni-Cd or purpose-made cells that hold their capacity at minus 25°C. The technical standard requires them to give continuous light for at least 90 minutes after a total power loss, so that people can find their way in the dark.
- Photoluminescent escape signage: Alongside electric lighting, self-luminous escape signs are a highly effective backup. They absorb light and glow in the dark with no power supply, guiding staff to safety even when the main electrical system has been destroyed by the fire. Combining all of this equipment gives a business a reliable, professional cold storage fire protection system system.
The strategic value of investing in a properly designed fire protection system
Many businesses treat fire protection as a compulsory paperwork cost. At Tan Long, we see investment in cold storage fire protection system not as money spent but as long-term profit insurance for the operation. The strategic value it delivers includes:
- Protecting enormously valuable stock: Industrial cold stores hold high-value goods — pharmaceuticals, vaccines, seafood for export, food processing inputs. The total value of the stock is often tens or even hundreds of times the cost of building the envelope. A properly designed cold storage fire protection system system minimises the risk of losing all of it in an incident, protecting the investor’s capital.
- Lower annual insurance premiums: Property insurers apply very strict pricing to industrial warehousing. In practice, cold stores fitted with VESDA very early smoke detection and a pre-action system meeting NFPA standards typically receive a 10 to 30% reduction on their premium. Being able to demonstrate cold storage fire protection system puts a business in a stronger negotiating position and saves a significant operating budget.
- Keeping the cold chain and SLA commitments intact: In logistics, even a short interruption has serious consequences. A small fire that is not well controlled can disable the refrigeration system, spoil goods and breach service level agreements with partners. Investing in a professional cold storage fire protection system system keeps the supply chain running, avoids contractual penalties and protects the brand.
- Legal compliance and complete project documentation: Meeting the latest standards such as QCVN 06:2022/BXD lets a business face inter-agency inspections with confidence and avoid the risk of suspension for failing safety conditions. Moreover, a cold storage design solution with correct fire protection built in speeds up approval, commissioning and as-built completion, so the project starts earning sooner.
A fire protection checklist for cold storage investors
Reviewing safety items regularly lets a business find technical gaps early and keep the system ready for any emergency. To get the most out of cold storage fire protection system , you can carry out a preliminary safety assessment of your cold store using the detailed checklist below:
| No. | What is checked | Status (Pass/Fail) |
| 1 | Do the wall panels carry a B1 fire rating (PIR/mineral wool)? | [ ] |
| 2 | Does the detection system use air sampling (VESDA)? | [ ] |
| 3 | Are the sprinklers pre-action, dry pipe? | [ ] |
| 4 | Do the cold room doors have panic bars operable from inside? | [ ] |
| 5 | Are the control panels thermally inspected on a schedule (thermal imaging)? | [ ] |
| 6 | Have staff practised escape drills in simulated smoke? | [ ] |
From the results of this checklist, an investor can decide what to optimise or upgrade in the cold storage design to meet the most demanding technical standards. Maintaining an integrated cold storage fire protection system system not only protects valuable assets but also demonstrates the business’s credibility and professionalism within the global cold chain.
Why choose Tân Long to design and build cold storage fire protection?
Tân Long Refrigeration Electromechanical Joint Stock Company has more than 20 years of specialist experience in industrial refrigeration in Vietnam. We understand that a cold storage fire protection system system is not simply a matter of fitting smoke detectors or standalone extinguishers. It has to be a complete technical solution in which three key elements work together: the refrigeration system, the electrical and automation system, and purpose-designed fire protection.
Choosing Tân Long gives you the following:
- Fully integrated solution consulting: Our specialists join the cold storage design process from the earliest outline stage. That approach optimises the installation space, avoids clashes between refrigerant pipework and the fire protection system, and saves the investor considerable capital cost.
- Highly qualified engineers: Tân Long’s engineers know QCVN 06:2022/BXD from the Ministry of Construction thoroughly, along with respected international standards such as NFPA 13 and NFPA 72. That depth of knowledge means every cold storage fire protection system design drawing is precise and meets every technical requirement.
- End-to-end legal and approval support: We work alongside our clients through the whole process of preparing the file, submitting the design for approval and completing commissioning with the local fire police. That keeps your cold storage installation project on its legal schedule and completely safe.
- Advanced equipment technology: Tân Long is a trusted partner of the world’s leading fire protection equipment manufacturers. We use sensors, control cabinet and fire valves capable of reliable operation at deep-freeze temperatures, so that the cold storage fire protection system system is always ready to activate.
Are you planning a new build, or do you need to upgrade your existing cold storage fire protection system system? Do not let a latent fire risk threaten valuable assets and a sound business. Contact Tân Long now for a free site survey and in-depth technical consultation.
- Hotline: (+84) 28 3849 4943
- E-mail: info@tanlongvn.com
- Website: tanlongvn.com
Frequently asked questions
Does a pre-action system cost more than an ordinary sprinkler system?
Yes, the initial cost is higher because of the additional solenoid valve, air compressor and control system. But it removes the risk of goods being ruined by an accidental discharge — a loss typically thousands of times larger than the difference in cost.
Can an older cold store with EPS panels have its fire protection upgraded?
It can be upgraded by adding firewalls of fire-resistant material, applying intumescent coating to the panel surfaces, or adding VESDA very early smoke detection so an incident is caught in the first seconds.
How often should a cold storage fire protection system be inspected?
The regulations require a fire detection system to be serviced every six months. For cold stores specifically, Tân Long recommends checking electrical terminations with an infrared camera every three months to catch developing hot spots.
Frequently asked questions about fire protection for cold storage
Is there a fire and explosion risk in cold storage?
Yes. The risks come from high-capacity electrical equipment running continuously, the insulation material in the panels, refrigerants that are flammable or toxic in some systems, and the difficulty of fighting a fire in a sealed, low-temperature space.
Why is firefighting harder in a cold store than in an ordinary building?
Because a cold store is a sealed space with few access points and poor visibility once there is smoke, the low temperature is dangerous for anyone entering, and firefighting water can freeze, damaging both equipment and goods.
What do escape routes in a cold store have to provide?
They must be openable from inside even when the main door is locked from outside, have signage lit for low-temperature operation, and be arranged so that the travel distance from the furthest point to an exit stays within the permitted limit.
How does panel material affect fire safety?
Panel insulation cores differ in how they react to fire. On a project with demanding fire requirements, choose a panel with better fire performance at the design stage rather than compensating later.
What fire protection items does a cold store need?
A detection system that works at low temperature, suitable firefighting equipment, escape routes and signage, emergency power isolation, plus a firefighting plan and drills for the operating staff.
Does Tân Long advise on fire protection when building a cold store?
Tân Long aligns the cold storage design with the building’s fire protection requirements from the design stage, so that materials and layout suit the approval submission.
Related pages
- Safety rules in operating and repairing refrigeration systems
- Common cold storage errors and effective solutions
- Panel sizes of the latest standard types today
- Industrial cold store design: process, standards and cost
- Tan Long industrial cold storage
Is your business in need of a survey, upgrade, or new design for your industrial refrigeration system?
With over 18 years of practical experience leading more than 29 major national projects, Tan Long's team of HVAC engineers is committed to providing accurate thermal load calculations, optimizing the COP efficiency coefficient, switching between natural refrigerants NH3/CO2, and saving 20–30% in operating electricity costs.
Engineer Nguyen Toan Thinh (Technical Director)
With over 18 years of practical experience in directing, consulting, designing, and constructing heavy industrial refrigeration systems, ASRS automated warehouses, and IQF freezing systems across more than 29 major national projects.
