Circular No. 139/2020/TT-BCA on the work of standing readiness for firefighting and rescue operations of the People's Public Security Forces

CIRCULAR

activities of calibration, verification, testing in the military on duty standby firefighting readiness
and rescue and emergency response of the People's Public Security Forces

Pursuant to the Law on People's Police dated November 20, 2018;

Pursuant to the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting dated June 29, 2001; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting dated November 22, 2013;

Pursuant to Decree No. 01/2018/NĐ-CP dated August 6, 2018 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Security;

Pursuant to Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP dated November 24, 2020 of the Government detailing certain provisions and implementing measures of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting;

Pursuant to Decree No. 83/2017/NĐ-CP dated July 18, 2017 on rescue and relief operations of fire prevention and fighting forces;

Pursuant to the proposal of the Director of the Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Police Department;

The Minister of Public Security promulgates this Circular stipulating on-duty firefighting readiness and rescue operations OF THE PEOPLE'S POLICE People's Public Security

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates principles, forces, equipment, and responsibilities of public security units and localities, officers, and soldiers in on-duty firefighting readiness and rescue operations; authorities, responsibilities, forms, and contents of inspections of on-duty firefighting readiness and rescue operations of the People's Public Security.

Article 2. Principles of On-Duty Standby and Inspection of On-Duty Standby for Firefighting Readiness and Rescue Operations

1. On-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations shall be conducted according to the principle of centralized operation with the nature of armed forces; comply with legal regulations, orders of the People's Public Security, under the direct and comprehensive guidance of unit leadership and superiors.

2. Ensure readiness of forces, equipment, and other necessary conditions to serve firefighting and rescue operations promptly.

3. Public security units and localities shall implement a 24/7 on-duty schedule daily to ensure readiness for firefighting and rescue operations in all situations.

4. Inspections of on-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations must ensure safety, objectivity, transparency, democracy in assessing the situation and results of operations at inspected units. Strictly prohibit the abuse of inspections for personal gain, obstruction, causing difficulties, and affecting normal activities of inspected units.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. On-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations refers to the arrangement of forces and equipment to ensure readiness to perform firefighting and rescue tasks in all situations and time points.

2. Inspection of on-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations is the activity of public security levels and persons with authority to assess the implementation of on-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations.

3. Firefighting and rescue equipment refers to types of equipment specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, and Clause 11 of Appendix VI of Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP dated November 24, 2020 detailing certain provisions and implementing measures of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP).

Article 4. Appendix

This Circular annexes model forms for use in on-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations, including:

1. Shift handover logbook for on-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations (Form No. 01).

2. Decision on inspection of on-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations (Form No. 02).

3. Inspection report of on-duty standby for firefighting readiness and rescue operations (Form No. 03).

Public security units and localities are responsible for using these forms, uniformly on A4 size paper pre-printed or electronic versions and not to alter the content of the forms.

Chapter II

SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

Section 1

ACTIVITIES ON DUTY STANDBY AND ENSURING MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ON-DUTY STANDBY
FIREFIGHTING READINESS AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
READY TO FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

Article 5. Command on duty for firefighting and rescue operations

1. For the Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Police Corps and provincial-level public security organs (hereinafter referred to as provincial-level public security organs): Arrange command on duty for firefighting and rescue operations in accordance with Circular No. 03/2019/TT-BCA dated January 25, 2019 of the Minister of Public Security on duty and command operations in the People's Public Security.

2. For the Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Police Department: Arrange one leader of the department to command on duty.

3. For district-level public security organs (hereinafter referred to as district-level public security organs): Arrange one leader of the district-level public security organ to command on duty.

4. For firefighting and rescue operation teams, regional firefighting and rescue teams, river firefighting and rescue police teams under the Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Police Department, and firefighting and rescue police teams under district-level public security organs: Arrange one team commander to command on duty.

Article 6. Directly receiving and processing fire alarm, incident, and accident information

1. Directly receive and process fire alarm, incident, and accident information to ensure 24/7 operation and divided into shifts.

2. Each shift must be staffed with a minimum of two officers or soldiers, including at least one officer or non-commissioned officer with expertise in fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, and emergency response.

Article 7. Firefighting and rescue readiness

Officers and soldiers are organized into standing teams corresponding to basic firefighting and rescue formations to operate and use firefighting and rescue equipment kept on standby, specifically:

1. For firefighting vehicles and rescue vehicles: One team is assigned to each vehicle (consisting of one Team Leader, four soldiers, and one driver).

2. For firefighting boats: One team is assigned to each boat (consisting of one Team Leader, seven soldiers, and one boat driver).

3. For firefighting speedboats and rescue speedboats: One team is assigned to each speedboat (consisting of one Team Leader, five soldiers, and one speedboat driver).

4. For firefighting rafts and rescue rafts: One team is assigned to each raft (consisting of one Team Leader, three soldiers, and one raft driver).

5. For other mechanical firefighting and rescue equipment, based on the equipment's capabilities and manufacturer design: One team is assigned to each piece of equipment (consisting of one Team Leader, one soldier operating the equipment, and the number of soldiers according to the manufacturer's design).

Article 8. Equipment on Standby ready for firefighting and rescue

1. Firefighting and rescue equipment provided must be placed on standby ready for firefighting and rescue operations. In cases where they are stored in warehouses, contingency plans for immediate use upon mobilization orders must be established.

2. Firefighting and rescue equipment on standby must function normally, ensuring synchronization and sufficient quantities according to the manufacturer's design, and must be neatly arranged for easy use.

3. Parking and mooring of equipment must prevent collisions that could cause damage and be located in positions convenient for timely deployment for firefighting and rescue operations.

Article 9. Standby System for Firefighting and Rescue Readiness

1. Based on actual conditions regarding personnel, equipment, and firefighting and rescue mission requirements, local public security units decide on shift schedules and rest periods accordingly.

2. For officers and soldiers who have performed firefighting and rescue duties for two hours or more during nighttime (from 10 PM to 6 AM), they are exempt from firefighting and rescue training the following day.

Article 10. Teams organize activities during standby shiftsready for firefighting and rescue

1. Shift handover

The handover between two standby shifts is conducted daily, from the start of work on the previous day until the start of work on the following day. The contents of the handover include:

a) Assembling and checking the headcount of both standby shifts;

b) The shift commander of the preceding standby shift reports and summarizes the situation and results of all tasks during their shift;

c) Conducting the handover between the preceding and succeeding standby shifts; assigning specific tasks to each team and individual within the succeeding standby shift;

d) Officers and soldiers of the succeeding standby shift check the firefighting and rescue equipment on standby according to the tasks assigned by the commander;

đ) The handover between standby shifts must be recorded in the Shift Handover Log for Firefighting and Rescue Readiness according to Model Number 01 stipulated in the Appendix attached to this Circular.

During the handover period, if a fire alarm is received, the preceding standby shift must quickly proceed to perform the task and assign the succeeding shift to remain on standby at the unit. After completing the firefighting and rescue task, the unit commander continues to organize the handover of the standby shift.

2. During the standby period for firefighting and rescue, fire prevention and firefighting units must organize professional training, debriefings on fire incidents and rescues, and study and practice firefighting and rescue plans for officers and soldiers according to approved programs and plans.

3. If training, studying, and practicing firefighting and rescue plans are conducted outside the unit, communication must be maintained with the duty room to promptly mobilize personnel and equipment for firefighting and rescue operations.

4. After professional training, studying, practicing plans, or returning from firefighting and rescue missions, commanders must organize inspections, maintenance, and refueling of firefighting equipment to ensure they are always in a state of readiness for firefighting and rescue operations as prescribed.

Article 11. Responsibilities of officers and soldiers during standby shifts for firefighting and rescue

1. Firefighting and rescue command:

a) Master the functions, responsibilities, and authorities of a firefighting and rescue commander as prescribed by law; principles, methods, measures, tactics, and techniques for firefighting and rescue; plans and strategies for mobilizing personnel and equipment for firefighting and rescue; headcounts and skills of officers and soldiers; types, capabilities, and effects of firefighting and rescue equipment; fire and explosion risks, characteristics, and dangerous situations of facilities under management;

b) Organize shift handovers and inspect the readiness of personnel and equipment for firefighting and rescue during standby shifts;

c) Organize other unit activities according to work programs and plans.

2. Officers and soldiers directly receiving and processing fire alarm, incident, and accident information:

a) Proficiently use communication devices; database management systems for fire prevention and firefighting and incident reporting;

b) Receive and process fire alarm, incident, and accident information as prescribed.

3. Officers and soldiers on standby for firefighting and rescue:

a) Must be present at the barracks headquarters on a regular basis; upon receiving an alarm, must quickly put on uniforms, wear all personal protective equipment, board the standby vehicle, start the engine, and wait for orders from the commanding officer.

The time for officers and soldiers to board the vehicle and start the engine ready for departure after receiving the alarm: For mechanical firefighting and rescue vehicles, not more than 90 seconds; for boats, rafts, and speedboats, not more than 180 seconds;

b) Be thoroughly familiar with the duties and tasks assigned during the standby period; proficient in individual firefighting and rescue techniques, formations, and the use of firefighting and rescue equipment assigned during the standby period; strictly comply with traffic laws and ensure safety for officers and soldiers while driving vehicles or operating vessels;

c) Regularly check the operational status and maintenance of firefighting and rescue equipment assigned according to regulations. In case of discovering unusable equipment or needing to supplement or replace it, report immediately to the direct commander to promptly address the issue;

d) During participation in training activities, exercises, and fire-fighting and rescue plan drills, must be prepared to respond to firefighting and rescue operations upon receiving orders;

đ) Fully record various logbooks and other tasks assigned by superiors; participate fully in the handover of the standby shift as prescribed;

Article 12. Ensure and arrange material resources, equipment, and locations that meet the requirements for readiness in firefighting and rescue operations;

1. The location directly receiving fire alarms, incidents, and accidents must be arranged in a position convenient for people to report information, and must also meet the following basic requirements:

a) The communication system (fixed telephone for receiving fire alarms, incidents, and accidents; walkie-talkies) must ensure continuous and uninterrupted operation; computers for accessing necessary information related to the premises, areas where fires, incidents, and accidents occur, and organizations and units with mobilizable forces and equipment for firefighting and rescue operations;

b) The database management system for fire prevention, firefighting, and accident reporting must be connected to facilities under the management as stipulated in Appendix III of Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP;

c) A directory of telephone numbers of leaders and commanders at all levels and relevant units needed for command and control information and mobilization of forces for firefighting and rescue operations;

d) Administrative maps showing water sources for firefighting, transportation routes within the managed area;

đ) Logs for receiving fire alarms, incidents, and accidents;

e) Equipment or tools for signaling fire alarms and rescue operations;

g) A place to store equipment for command work, plans, and firefighting tactical cards;

Based on conditions and financial capabilities, local public security units may arrange additional equipment and devices to support the reception of fire alarms, incidents, and accident reports (such as generators, printers);

2. The resting places for officers and soldiers on standby for firefighting and rescue operations must be located in positions easily accessible to alarm signals and facilitate quick and safe access to firefighting and rescue vehicles for officers and soldiers;

3. Vehicle garages and parking lots for firefighting and rescue equipment must meet the conditions for equipment storage as prescribed, facilitating easy access and boarding of vehicles for firefighting and rescue operations by officers and soldiers;

Storage locations for reserve equipment must facilitate the rapid deployment of equipment when mobilized;

Section 2

INSPECTION OF STANDBY OPERATIONS
READY FOR FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

Article 13. Competence, responsibility, and form of inspection for fire-fighting and rescue readiness in the military constant readiness for firefighting and rescue

1. The Director of the Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Police Department, and the Provincial Public Security Director shall conduct surprise inspections of the readiness for firefighting and rescue operations of units under their command or within their management scope when necessary.

2. The Heads of the Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Police Departments at the provincial level, and the Heads of Public Security at the district level shall conduct regular inspections of the readiness for firefighting and rescue operations not more than once every three months, and surprise inspections when necessary.

3. The Team Leaders and Deputy Team Leaders of the Firefighting and Rescue Work Teams, Regional Firefighting and Rescue Teams, River Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Police Teams, and District-level Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Police Teams shall regularly inspect the readiness for firefighting and rescue operations within their management scope or conduct surprise inspections when necessary.

4. Those with inspection authority as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article may delegate by written authorization to deputy officials or subordinate commanders under their management to carry out inspection tasks.

Article 14. Content of Inspection for Firefighting and Rescue Readiness Operations

1. Alarm inspection: Monitoring compliance with the time frame specified in Point a, Clause 3, Article 11 of this Circular.

2. Inspection of forces ready for firefighting and rescue:

a) Number of officers and soldiers on duty;

b) Uniforms and personal protective equipment of officers and soldiers on duty;

c) Implementation of duties by officers and soldiers on duty as prescribed in Article 11 of this Circular; deployment of firefighting and rescue formations according to hypothetical scenarios.

3. Inspection of firefighting and rescue readiness equipment:

a) Quantity, compatibility, and operational status of firefighting and rescue readiness equipment;

b) Fuel levels, water levels, and extinguishing agent quantities of mechanical firefighting and rescue vehicles;

c) Compliance with regulations on the management, storage, and maintenance of firefighting and rescue equipment.

4. Inspection of conditions supporting firefighting and rescue readiness operations:

a) Locations directly receiving fire alarm and accident information as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 12 of this Circular;

b) Management and use of rescue plans; firefighting plans; tactical firefighting operation sheets;

c) Assurance of parking lots, berths, and storage areas for firefighting and rescue equipment in readiness and reserve.

5. Inspection of compliance with the Internal Regulations of the People's Public Security; unit work programs and plans; and self-inspection of firefighting and rescue readiness operations by the unit.

Article 15. Implementation of regular readiness checks for firefighting and rescue operations

1. Preparation for inspection

The authorized person prescribed in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 13 of this Circular, when conducting periodic or surprise inspections, must issue a Decision on the inspection of regular readiness for firefighting and rescue operations according to Model No. 02 stipulated in the Appendix attached to this Circular. In case of periodic inspections, they must notify the inspected unit three working days in advance regarding the time, content, and composition of the inspection team; in case of surprise inspections, prior notification is not required.

The inspected unit must prepare all inspection contents that have been notified and arrange authorized and responsible persons to work with the inspection team.

2. Conducting the inspection

The authorized inspector, based on requirements and actual circumstances, may conduct a full or partial inspection of the contents specified in Article 14 of this Circular. When conducting periodic or surprise inspections, they must announce the Decision on the inspection of regular readiness for firefighting and rescue operations.

3. Completion of the inspection

a) For periodic and surprise inspections: Upon completion of the inspection, the inspection team organizes a meeting to evaluate strengths and weaknesses, draw lessons from the organization of regular readiness for firefighting and rescue operations of the inspected unit; establish an Inspection Record for regular readiness for firefighting and rescue operations according to Model No. 03 stipulated in the Appendix attached to this Circular, the inspected unit is responsible for keeping the inspection record as prescribed; report the inspection results to the inspected unit and related units to organize implementation and report to the direct superior management authority;

b) For regular inspections: Upon completion of the inspection, the shift commander records the inspection content and results in the Shift Handover Book for regular readiness for firefighting and rescue operations according to Model No. 01 stipulated in the Appendix attached to this Circular and reports to the superior shift commander.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 16. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from February 8, 2021.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 50/2017/TT-BCA dated November 1, 2017 of the Minister of Public Security on Regular Readiness for Firefighting and Rescue Operations of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Force.

Article 17Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Bureau is responsible for guiding, inspecting, and urging the implementation of this Circular.

2. Heads of units under the Ministry of Public Security, Provincial Police Chiefs, and Chief of Police of centrally-administered cities are responsible for implementing this Circular.

During the implementation of this Circular, if there are difficulties or obstacles, local police units shall report to the Ministry of Public Security (through the Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Bureau) for timely guidance./.