Land ministry eases fireproof floor rule for semiconductor plants

The land ministry said Tuesday it will exempt semiconductor factories from installing fireproof concrete floors in vertical piping shafts, easing a rule that forced repeated demolition and reconstruction of fire partitions whenever chipmakers changed their production lines.

The change comes under a partial revision to the enforcement decree of the Building Act, promulgated and effective the same day. A semiconductor plant's vertical shaft for equipment piping can go without a fireproof-structure floor if it has passed review by a performance-based design evaluation panel under the Fire Facilities Installation and Management Act, is fitted with sprinkler systems, and is separated from other parts of the building by fire compartments.

Semiconductor plants had faced a heavy burden because each change in manufacturing processes required adding or relocating equipment piping, which in turn forced the removal and rebuilding of concrete inter-floor fire partitions. The ministry prepared the revision after a legislative notice period from July 15 to Aug. 24, and expects it to reduce on-site burdens while maintaining fire safety. The exemption applies to building permits, building reports and applications for change of use filed before the revised decree takes effect.

The same revision tightens fire-compartment rules for factories, warehouses, storage facilities used for private heating or power generation, and automobile-related buildings, along with buildings used for storing or handling hazardous materials. Those provisions take effect six months after promulgation.

"This revision is meant to overhaul the system so that changes in industrial sites and new technologies are reasonably reflected in the building system while fire safety in buildings is secured," said Chung Seung-soo, head of the building safety division at the ministry. "We will continue to push for reasonable improvements to the building system by prioritizing public safety and actively reflecting the voices of industrial sites."