Muan Fire Station Investigates Management Status of Farms Handling Over 20,000ℓ of Tax-Exempt Fuel

Published 01 Sep.2021 14:41(KST)

A fire broke out in July at a warehouse storing duty-free fuel in Unnam-myeon, Muan-gun, completely destroying the building. / ? Asia Economy

[Muan＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Oh Hwan-joo] Jeonnam Muan Fire Station (Chief Park Ui-seung) announced on the 1st that it will conduct a hazardous materials management status investigation by the end of this month on 41 farms handling more than 20,000 liters of duty-free fuel.

This investigation targets farms or corporations using agricultural duty-free fuel and examines the storage locations of hazardous materials, management of tanks and bunds, placement of fire extinguishers, and other conditions for responding to fires or similar emergencies.

At the end of July, a fire occurred at a warehouse storing duty-free fuel in Unnam-myeon, Muan-gun, causing rapid combustion and complete destruction of the building, as well as loss of tractors, forklifts, and fertilizers. The 2,500 liters of fuel stored there were also completely destroyed.

According to the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act, storage facilities for agricultural, livestock, and fishery use for heating and drying can be installed without permission if the designated quantity is up to 20 times the standard amount (20,000 liters for diesel and kerosene). Facilities exceeding 20 times must meet the standards set by related laws.

Additionally, even when storing and handling small quantities of hazardous materials below the designated amount (200 to 1,000 liters of kerosene and diesel), installation and management must comply with the Jeollanam-do Hazardous Materials Safety Management Ordinance.

When handling small quantities of duty-free fuel in agricultural, livestock, and fishery households, storage facilities such as fire-resistant structures or fire doors for safe use, signs containing handling and caution instructions, installation of an open space of at least 2 meters or an effective fireproof wall to prevent fire spread, and placement of fire extinguishers are required.

Chief Park Ui-seung stated, “The main purpose of this investigation is to improve awareness among farms. When assigned and handling hazardous materials, always keep fire sources away, recognize the dangers of invisible flammable vapors, and thoroughly manage storage tanks and fire prevention measures at all times.”