Korea's Chemical Safety Agency Tightens Emergency Plans for Large Chemical Fires

South Korea's Chemical Safety Agency, part of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, has revised the manual for chemical accident prevention management plans to incorporate large‑fire scenarios. The updated guidelines, distributed to industry on 16 May, require facilities handling hazardous chemicals to expand their emergency response plans beyond leak and spill incidents to include major fire events.

Key measures include procedures for safely removing water‑reactive (金水性) substances such as sodium and potassium, establishing rapid communication channels with nearby residents and neighboring plants, and preventing secondary environmental damage by controlling fire‑water runoff and recovering polluted water. The guidelines also mandate ignition‑source management for organic‑solvent processes. Agency head Park Bong‑kyun emphasized that “the emergency response scope must be broadened to cover large‑fire accidents to ensure swift initial response and limit damage," reinforcing the agency’s commitment to stronger on‑site safety capabilities.