Technical summary: Fire safety standards for industrial cold storage facilities in Vietnam are currently being complied with. QCVN 06:2022/BXD and Amendment 1:2023/BXD. Accordingly, the cold storage shell must use insulation panels that meet fire resistance standards (at least PIR panels). B-s1, d0 or EI 60 – EI 90 (replacing conventional EPS/PU), the design includes a fire-resistant compartment isolating the NH3/Freon compressor room, with escape routes no longer than 30m apart, and equipped with a specialized fire extinguishing system for extremely low temperatures.
Over the past three years, the fire safety inspection and acceptance process for food processing plants and cold storage logistics projects has become the biggest challenge for investors. National technical standards on fire safety for buildings and structures (QCVN 06:2022/BXD) together with the circular Amendment 1:2023/BXD Control has been tightened over insulation materials, fire compartment standards, and fire resistance limits of structural components.
With over 20 years of experience as a general contractor for industrial mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems, Tan Long Refrigeration and Electrical Engineering This comprehensive compilation and analysis of core regulations helps project managers, chief engineers, and investors understand the standards for successful fire safety approval on the first submission.
1. Classification of fire resistance levels and fire hazard classes of cold storage facilities.
According to the Appendix of QCVN 06:2022/BXD, warehouses for storing agricultural products, seafood, and frozen foods are generally classified under the functional group. F5.2 (Warehouse) with fire and explosion hazard classification depending on packaging process and type of medium:
- Class D or E: Cold storage is for non-flammable or slow-burning goods stored in restricted packaging (frozen meat, frozen fish, ice cubes).
- Category C: Warehouses for storing agricultural products with cardboard packaging, PE shrink wrap, wooden pallets, or for storing vegetable oils and dairy products.
- Refrigeration compressor station area: If using ammonia (NH3 – R717) as a refrigerant, the machine room and pressure vessel area must strictly comply with additional regulations. QCVN 02:2019/BLDTBXH and standards TCVN 6739:2015 Regarding the safety of refrigeration systems.
The NH3 pressure vessel and pipeline system was independently manufactured and installed by Tan Long in accordance with fire safety standards QCVN 06 and QCVN 02 at Phu An Thanh Industrial Park.
2. Regulations regarding warehouse cladding panel materials: Why are PIR panels replacing EPS and PU?
The key reason why many cold storage facilities are denied fire safety certification lies in the insulation panel material. Previously, many facilities used EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or ordinary PU foam because of its low cost, but these materials ignite quickly, produce extremely toxic smoke, and are unable to prevent fire spread.
| Comparison criteria | EPS Panel | Standard PU panel | PIR panel (Recommended) | Rockwool Panel (Mineral Wool) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity coefficient ($lambda$) | 0.038 – 0.042 W/mK | 0.022 – 0.024 W/mK | 0.019 – 0.021 W/mK | 0.044 – 0.047 W/mK |
| Fire reaction rate | Flammable, produces thick black smoke. | Fire spread (Level C, D) | Fire spread protection B-s1, d0 | Non-flammable (Class A1) |
| Fire resistance limit (EI) | Failed to meet EI | EI 15 – EI 30 | EI 60 – EI 90 (Depending on thickness) | EI 60 – EI 120 |
| Moisture resistance / Water absorption | Water seepage occurs after 1-2 years. | Good | Excellent (Closed-cell structure > 95%) | Easily absorbs moisture and condenses, reducing the R-value. |
| Fire safety inspection and acceptance | BANNED / VERY DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT | Fire-resistant paint needs to be added. | HIGHEST FIRE SAFETY APPROVAL STANDARDS | For fire-resistant partitions only. |
Key survival techniques to note: Although rockwool has excellent fire resistance, its open-cell structure makes it highly susceptible to condensation and moisture absorption in deep-freeze warehouse environments (-18°C to -25°C). When exposed to moisture, rockwool completely loses its insulation properties and puts a heavy burden on the suspension system. Therefore, Fire-resistant PIR panel With a density of 40-42 kg/m³, it is the number one optimal solution, perfectly combining... deep sound insulation and Fire resistance according to QCVN 06:2022 standard.
3. Regulations for the design of fire compartments and fire spread barriers.
Industrial cold storage facilities typically have large floor areas, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of square meters. According to QCVN 06:2022/BXD, the building must be divided into independent fire-resistant compartments.
- Maximum combustion chamber area: For single-story warehouses with fire resistance rating II, the area of a fire-resistant compartment must not exceed the regulations (usually from 2,600 m² to 5,200 m² depending on the equipped automatic sprinkler/pre-action fire extinguishing system).
- Fire-resistant partition type 1 (REI 150): The area between the goods storage warehouse and the central compressor station must be separated by a solid brick wall or reinforced concrete partition meeting the minimum fire resistance limit. REI 150.
- Fireproof doors for cold storage: All doors connecting fire compartments and emergency exits must be fire-resistant. EI 60, Equipped with a heat-expanding smoke-proof gasket and an automatic closing mechanism.
- Fire spread prevention system for process piping: Copper pipes, steel pipes carrying NH3/Freon refrigerant, or electrical cable trays passing through fire-resistant partitions must be sealed with specialized fire-resistant materials (fire-resistant Mortar, thermally expanding silicone, or fire-retardant collar).
The T-Light insulated sliding door system incorporates a safety lock to prevent entrapment and meets NECS fire spread prevention standards for cold storage.
4. Automatic fire suppression solutions in extremely low-temperature environments.
One of the most common design mistakes is applying a wet pipe sprinkler fire suppression system to a cold storage facility. The water in the pipes will freeze instantly, causing the pipes to crack and rendering the system ineffective.
The technical solutions implemented by Tan Long include:
- Pre-action sprinkler system: The piping in the warehouse is always kept dry and filled with nitrogen gas or clean compressed air. Water is only supplied to the piping when both the smart smoke/heat detector is activated and the sprinkler's glass bulb breaks.
- Drencher water curtain fire suppression system: Install them at the dockhouse and anteroom to prevent heat radiation in case of an emergency.
- Forced smoke extraction system: Equipped with exhaust fans capable of withstanding temperatures of 300°C for 2 hours and fire dampers (FD) on the compressor station ventilation ducts.
💡 Advice from the Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer of Tan Long:
“"When selecting PIR panels for a new cold storage project, investors are required to request that the manufacturer provide actual burn test results (Test Report) issued directly by the Institute of Building Science and Technology (IBST) or the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department, ensuring the correct thickness and interlocking specifications for the project. General certificates that have not undergone actual burn test should not be used."”
👉 See also: Industrial Cold Storage Consulting & Design Services that Meet Fire Safety Standards Hotline: 0933 357 058
5. EPC General Contractor Consulting Services for Cold Storage Facilities Meeting Fire Safety Approval Standards – Tan Long
As a leading EPC general contractor in Vietnam, with a 10,000m² refrigeration and air conditioning manufacturing plant in Duc Hoa 1 Industrial Park, Long An, and a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing & Export (VASEP), Tan Long Refrigeration and Electrical Engineering Providing a complete solution:
- Conduct surveys and prepare layout plans for fire compartments and escape routes in accordance with QCVN 06:2022/BXD standards.
- We supply and install PIR panels that meet official fire safety certification standards.
- Fabrication and installation of pressure vessel stations and screw compressor refrigeration units, with safety inspection according to QCVN 02:2019/BLDTBXH.
- We work alongside investors to prepare basic design documents, review drawings, and support acceptance testing and handover for commissioning.
For partners and investors requiring technical solutions and fire safety assessment for industrial cold storage facilities, please contact Tan Long's team of professional engineers for detailed answers.
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.
