4 out of 10 Large Construction Sites in Gyeonggi Region Caught Handling Unauthorized Hazardous Materials

[Suwon Ilbo=Park Nohun Reporter] Four out of 10 large construction sites in Gyeonggi Region were caught by the Gyeonggi Province Special Civil Investigation Unit handling large quantities of unauthorized hazardous materials, including solid fuel—a fire hazard—used at levels 19 times or more above the minimum permitted quantity.

In Chiguon, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Civil Investigation Unit for Civil Service Complaints, held a press conference at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government on the 18th and stated, "Following an investigation from January 18 to February 26 into illegal hazardous material handling at 80 large construction sites throughout the province, we have filed criminal charges against 30 sites (37.5%) that handled large quantities of hazardous materials without permits."

Last year, the province also conducted investigations into illegal hazardous material handling at 39 large construction sites and caught 19 violations (48.7%).

In this investigation, the focus was on ▲storage and handling of unauthorized hazardous materials ▲improper installation and operation of temporary fire facilities at construction sites ▲violations of fire safety protocols.

Examining major violation cases, a "ㄱ" apartment complex construction site in Hanam City was found storing and using solid fuel, a Class 2 hazardous material, at 19,500㎏ (1,500 containers)—exceeding the minimum permitted quantity (1,000㎏) by 19 times. A "ㄴ" mixed-use building construction site in Anyang City was caught illegally storing and using 3,540ℓ of kerosene for heating equipment, exceeding the minimum permitted quantity (1,000ℓ) by 3.5 times.

The province plans to refer all company officials charged criminally to the prosecutor's office.

Separately, the province plans to notify the competent fire departments to impose fines on 2 construction sites where simple fire extinguishing devices were blocked or welding was conducted without temporary fire facilities.

Immediate corrective measures were taken for 30 sites that neglected fire safety protocols, including improper fire extinguisher use and inadequate distribution placement.

Under the "Hazardous Materials Safety Management Act," construction sites and companies that store hazardous materials at unpermitted locations without authorization face imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines of up to 30 million won.

Under the "Fire Prevention, Installation, Maintenance and Safety Management of Fire Facilities Act (abbreviated as Fire Facilities Act)," violations in the installation, maintenance, and management of temporary fire facilities at construction sites (simple fire extinguishing devices, large fire extinguishers, etc.) result in fines of up to 3 million won.

In particular, welding, cutting, and grinding work carry high fire risk, and the Fire Facilities Act requires temporary fire facilities such as large fire extinguishers to be positioned within 5 meters of the work area. In December of last year, the law was amended to allow immediate fines for violations.

Of 578 construction site fires in the province over the past 3 years, 456 cases—79%—occurred due to carelessness during welding, cutting, and other work.

In Chiguon remarked, "Through advance notice and publicity of investigation results, the occurrence rate of illegal hazardous material handling at construction sites has decreased somewhat compared to last year, but illegal conduct continues to occur," and added, "We plan to strengthen investigations to prevent fires and ensure resident safety."