National Fire Agency Research Articles

Accuracy and influencing factors of the Field Triage Decision Scheme for adult trauma patients at a level-1 trauma center in Korea

BackgroundWe evaluated the accuracy of the prehospital Field Triage Decision Scheme, which has recently been applied in the Korean trauma system, and the factors associated with severe injury and prognosis at a regional trauma center in Korea.MethodsFrom 2016 to 2018, prehospital data of injured patients were obtained from the emergency medical services of the national fire agency and matched with trauma outcomes at our institution. Severe injury (Injury Severity Score > 15), overtriage/undertriage rate, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were reviewed according to the triage protocol steps. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify influencing factors in the field triage.ResultsOf the 2438 patients reviewed, 853 (35.0%) were severely injured. The protocol accuracy was as follows: step 1, 72.3%; step 2, 65.0%; step 3, 66.2%; step 1 or 2, 70.2%; and step 1, 2, or 3, 66.4%. Odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence interval [CIfor systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg (3.535 [1.920–6.509]; p < 0.001), altered mental status (17.924 [8.980–35.777]; p < 0.001), and pedestrian injuries (2.473 [1.339–4.570], p = 0.04) were significantly associated with 24-h mortality. Penetrating torso injuries (7.108 [4.108–12.300]; p < 0.001); two or more proximal long bone fractures (4.134 [2.316–7.377]); p < 0.001); crushed, degloved, and mangled extremities (8.477 [4.068–17.663]; p < 0.001); amputation proximal to the wrist or ankle (42.964 [5.764–320.278]; p < 0.001); and fall from height (2.141 [1.497–3.062]; p < 0.001) were associated with 24-h surgical intervention.ConclusionThe Korean field triage protocol is not yet accurate, with only some factors reflecting injury severity, making reevaluation necessary.

A Study on the Problems and Improvement by Analyzing the Disastrous Large-scale Forest Fire Response System: Focusing on Simultaneous Forest Fires along the East Coast of Gangwon-do Province

On April 4, 2019, the forest fire that spread simultaneously to five cities and counties, including Inje, Goseong, Sokcho, and Gangneung and Donghae, on the east coast of Gangwon-do, was extinguished at an early stage. It is regarded as the result of the response with full force of Korea Forest Service, National Fire Agency, Militray, and other related organizations. However, it is also true that the limitations of current forest fire response system and the operation of forest fire response personnel, facilities and equipment were revealed in the process of responding Gangwon forest fire. To find solutions to these problems, from March 3 to April 2, 2021, a survey was conducted with firefighters, forest officials and residents in Gangwon-province with experience in forest fire on a total of 29 questions about Law and Policy, Forest Fire Response System and Operation of manpower and equipment. Based on the results of the survey and literature research, an improvement plan for the Forest Fire Disaster Response System was sought. Based on our survey results, we propose the following measures to improve South Korea's forest fire response system in the future. ; the incident command system should be unified, forest authorities' forest fire prevention and management system should be further strengthened, and forest fire response system must be improved to the level of other major countries through better legislations.

소방체험관 개선방안 연구

This study attempted to establish improvement measures for the purpose of characterizing fire service experience halls and securing competitiveness. In this study, SWOT analysis was conducted based on 3C analysis and in-depth interviews with experts. Through 3C analysis, the characteristics and potential for change of visitors, other organizations and fire service organizations were analyzed, and opinions of internal and external experts of the fire service were collected through in-depth interviews with experts, and opinions on safety education prospects were collected. Based on the results of the 3C analysis and the in-depth interview analysis, nine SWOT factors were derived, and four improvement measures(strategies) were presented based on this. As an SO strategy, 'Development and distribution of safety education programs led by the National Fire Agency' was suggested, and as an ST strategy, 'strengthening the expertise of fire safety education instructors'. As a WO strategy, 'connection and promotion strengthening of safety education programs between fire agencies' was suggested, and as a WT strategy, 'expanding the experience age group and developing educational contents that can only fire agencies has’ was suggested.

Waterproof Characteristics of Fire Pumps for Fire-fighting Vehicles

The water shooting performance of existing fire pump vehicles was found to be insufficient when extinguishing fire at the Go-yang Reservoir, and thus, the need for a high-pressure pump was raised. Therefore, the National Fire Agency enforced the standard for high-pressure pumps as 4.0 MPa; further, they categorized fire pumps into general pumps and high-pressure pumps. In this study, an empirical experiment was conducted on the water shooting characteristics of a high-pressure pump by manufacturing a device equipped with a high-pressure pump that conformed to the abovementioned standards. A water shooting test similar to fire suppression activities was conducted by connecting fire hoses and nozzles at a straight distance of 300 m. The experiment confirmed that, based on the pump pressure of 1.5 MPa, the tip pressure considerably fluctuated during water shooting, and the difference in pressure loss rate at the low-pressure and high-pressure outlets was confirmed. Because these characteristics threaten the safety of fire-fighters during field activities, a need was confirmed for technology development that can improve the limit on the tip pressure increase in the high pressure pump standard and the rapid pressure increase.

Epidemiology and outcomes of severe injury patients: Nationwide community-based study in Korea

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to estimate the annual incidence of various severe injuries, case fatality rates, and case disability rates for patients in Korea. Materials and methodsThis community-based observational study involved all residents in Korea between Jan. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2018. Nationwide data were retrieved from the patient care report of the National Fire Agency and hospital medical records review of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Severe injury was defined as any injury that resulted in emergency medical service (EMS) use and any field-based physiologic abnormality: systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg, respiratory rate <10 or >29 per min, or AVPU scale nonalert. Crude and adjusted incidence rates were calculated without any exclusion. Outcomes including the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at hospital discharge were assessed according to a medical review. Case-fatality and case-disability rates were calculated after excluding patients with unknown vital status. ResultsDuring the one-year period, 36,363 severe injuries occurred, yielding a crude annual incidence rate of 70.9 per 100,000 population; 57.8% were traumatic injuries, and 42.2% were nontraumatic injuries. The adjusted annual incidence rates were 61.7/100,000 for all severe injuries, 35.3/100,000 for traumatic injuries, and 26.4/100,000 for nontraumatic injuries. The case-fatality rate was 24.3% for all severe injuries, 27.0% for traumatic injuries, and 21.0% for nontraumatic injuries. The case-disability rate of GOS 3,4 was 6.0%, and the case-disability rate of GOS 2–4 was 16.4% for all severe injury patients. ConclusionsThis nationwide community-based study revealed incidence rates and outcomes of severe injury patients in Korea.

Measures to Prevent Assault Damage to 119 EMS Personnel by Restraining Obstruction of Fire-fighting Activities

About 200 cases of 119 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel suffer from violence annually. Interfering with the work of EMS personnel threatens the safety of people's life, body, and property. It also causes physical and mental damage to EMS personnel and must be improved. In 2021, the revision of the 「Framework Act on Fire-fighting」 established a new regulation that allows fire officers to directly restrain those who interfere with fire-fighting activities. However, misinterpretation or application of this could infringe on the fundamental rights of the people guaranteed by the constitution. EMS personnel should apply this provision only to the minimum extent required. However, they are not familiar with the professional interpretation of the constitution and law; therefore, the national fire agency shall prepare specific internal regulations for article 27-2 of the 「Framework Act on Fire-fighting」. It is also necessary to educate EMS personnel.

Investigation on the Ignition of Self-Regulating Heating Cables due to Overheating

Owing to the self-regulating heating cables installed to prevent freeze-up, hundreds of fires are reported annually. According to the Fire Statistical Yearbook of 2020, provided by the National Fire Agency of Korea, a total of 2,245 fires occurred due to seasonal equipment, of which 240 were caused by heating wires. It is reported that the fires due to the self-regulating heating cables are mainly caused by short circuit, heat storage, poor contact, and electric leakage. Herein, the possibility of ignition in self-regulating heating cables owing to overheating is investigated. Test samples were prepared according to the IEC 60738 standard, and the resistance characteristics and surface conditions were analyzed at varying temperatures. It was found that the self-temperature control function of these cables was lost at a specific temperature. In addition, the ignition of self-regulating heating cables was confirmed through a fire reproduction test at the experimental temperature.

Comparison between Domestic and Foreign Technical Standards to Review the Necessity of Establishing a Performance test System for High-pressure and High-flow Fire Pumps in Fire Trucks

Recently, the demand for high-pressure and high-flow truck-mounted pumps has been increasing due to the frequent occurrence of fires in high-rise buildings. The Korean Fire Equipment Standards, which were specified by the National Fire Agency in January 2018, stipulate the performance test of high-pressure and high-flow fire pumps. In this paper, the relevance of the fire pump standard in Korean Fire Equipment Standards was evaluated by comparison and review the technical standards of domestic KFI certification, NFPA1901 in the United States and EN1028 in Europe based on the performance test of currently used truck-mounted fire pumps. Furthermore, the necessity of establishing performance test facilities for fire pumps was discussed based on the difference between the technical fire pump standards of National Fire Agency and current KFI certification to introduce accurate and safe high-pressure, high-flow fire pumps in the future.

Analysis of the Plan to Receive Emergency Fire Response Teams for Large-Scale Disasters in Japan

In the event of large-scale disasters requiring state-level responses in Korea, the Fire Commissioner of the National Fire Agency (NFA) mobilizes the fire-fighting forces from the cities or provinces of the entire country. Korea does not have a suitable system to receive support in disaster-affected cities or provinces. There is, however, a system to support disaster-ravaged cities or provinces in accordance with the fire-fighting force mobilization system under the Framework Act on Fire Services. Unlike Korea, Japan mobilizes registered emergency fire response teams (EFRTs) to address large-scale disasters. In addition, fire departments of all prefectures and municipalities have established plans to receive EFRTs to prepare for large-scale disasters within their jurisdictions. This study analyzes the plan to receive EFRTs when large-scale disasters occur and EFRTs are mobilized in disaster sites in Japan. The receiving plan includes the following: procedure for requesting EFRT mobilization; establishment of a fire support coordination headquarters within the emergency operations headquarters of prefectures; establishment of command headquarters and command support headquarters in municipalities; establishment of air command headquarters in the fire air corps of prefectures; and appointment of the heads of command for support units and command support teams. Additionally, the plan addresses the establishment of advance points, hutment places, fueling stations, command systems, communication operation systems, task assignment systems, and unit movement and withdrawal procedures.

Legal Review of the Expansion of the Scope of Work for 119 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel

Emergency services by fire-fighting agencies are an important subject of study. As 119 EMS personnel provide first aid to patients and transfer them to emergency room, the first aid they render involves medical practice and therefore requires research from a legal point of view. This study is based on current laws (as of Feb 2021) and an analysis and review of rulings of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, as well as data from the National Fire Agency’s Statistical Yearbook. Fire-fighting agencies hire and assigned individuals who hold the requisite certificate, and the legitimacy of medical practice by 119 EMS personnel is based on the qualifications they hold, not their status as fire officials, as per the EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ACT. If their scope of work is expanded by the revision of the ACT ON 119 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, their medical practice is justified based on the combination of their qualifications and status (fire officials).

Characteristics of patients with carbon monoxide poisoning due to smoke inhalation and pre-hospital factors related to intensive care unit admission of these patients: a nationwide observational study

This study aimed to investigate the pre-hospital clinical status of patients with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by smoke inhalation and the pre-hospital factors associated with these patients’ admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In this observational study from January 2016 to December 2018, the National Fire Agency’s first aid activity log on patients with smoke inhalation was matched with National Emergency Department Information System’s patient data with CO poisoning and further analyzed retrospectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the relevant pre-hospital associative factors for the decision to admit a patient with CO poisoning to the ICU. Of the 4422 patients with CO poisoning included in the study, 358 (8.09%) were admitted to the ICU. In such patients transported by pre-hospital emergency medical services, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.020; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010–1.029), verbal (OR, 3.564; 95% CI, 2.390–5.315), pain (OR, 4.011; 95%CI, 2.661–6.045), unconsciousness (OR, 5.728; 95% CI, 2.708–12.113), SBP (OR, 0.979; 95% CI, 0.969–0.989), HR (OR, 1.011; 95% CI, 1.004–1.018), SpO2 (OR, 0.965; 95% CI, 0.946–0.985), O2 supply (OR, 1.725; 95% CI, 1.143–2.603), use of nasal prongs (OR, 0.504; 95% CI, 0.281–0.905), and intentional inhalation (OR, 2.282; 95% CI, 1.659–3.139) were independently associated with ICU admission. Our study demonstrated that age, mental change, SBP, HR, SPO2, O2 supply, use of nasal prongs, and intentional inhalation in patients with CO poisoning were associated with their ICU admission.

Flame Retardancy of Plywood Treated with Various Water Glass Concentration and Additives

The carbonized length and area of plywood by the various spreading concentration of water glass and the type of additives were measured in accordance with the 45° MecKel’s burner method of the fire protection performance standard of the Korean National Fire Agency. As a result of treating water glass with a concentration of 20 to 50 % on plywood, the flame retardancy tended to increase in proportion to the concentration of water glass. However, the optimum concentration of water glass was determined to be 30 % due to the efflorescence and sticky on the surface of plywood treated with high-concentration water glass of more than 30 %. As a result of the experiment by adding different proportions of additives to the water glass with concentration of 30 %, the standard of flame performance standard was satisfied under the conditions with the addition of 15% potassium hydroxide and 1-10% aluminum hydroxide, respectively. On the other hand, there were no significant difference in the flame retardancy by adding magnesium sulfate. These results about the flame retardancy of plywood by water glass and additives were expected to be basic data for improving flame-retardant treated wood.

감식 데이터 딥러닝을 활용한 드론 제어패턴 연구 : 재난현장 및 실종자 수색을 중심으로

Statistics of missing persons information system by the National Police Agency indicated a total of 42,390 missing reports of children, intellectually disabled and dementia patients in 2019. Also, according to the date statistics by the National Fire Agency, 40,000 to 50,000 fires broke out annually in Korea, resulting in massive loss of lives and property. For this reason, research on various algorithms on disaster sites and searching methods for missing persons continues, especially drone technology with automatic search and analysis functions are being developed by using artificial intelligence(AI). This study aims at utilizing a drone which is one of many unmanned equipment to collect the most accurate and the largest data in time by minimizing the site damage. To collect the data for searching missing persons and identifying disaster sites, aviation video and photography, 3D mapping, and special equipment can be mounted on drones to take 360-degree panoramic photographs and images. For data acquisition, drone control patterns were studied for searching for missing persons and identifying disaster sites by applying data elements extracted from the researcher's preceding research, so that Deep Learning pattern recognition algorithm can be applied to the latest AI technology. This pattern is the most critical element for unmanned mobile device control technology including AI drones for missing person research and disaster sites. The images for 2D and 3D modeling of videos ad photographs, which were taken by drones by applying Deep Learning elements to drone search patterns, were analyzed based on the production of modeling results and data with PIX4D software. In many cases, the cause of the serious loss of life at the disaster and missing search site is the golden time delay in the search and the Human Error during the inspection/diagnosis of the site. Therefore, there is a need of pattern development of the unmanned drones for the reconnaissance patrol by using Deep Learning elements, in order to compensate for the lack of professional manpower for diagnosis/inspection as well as search equipment. For this reason, we suggest the joint search patterns of aviation drones and floating/underwater drones for the follow-up studies.

Development of the Wide Area Fire Support System in Korea

In the event of a large-scale disaster, Korea's wide-area fire support system (WFSS) mobilizes the same personnel and equipment regardless of the type and characteristics of the disaster. Support resources are inefficient for operation with equal mobilization without considering disaster-caused areas and the scope of support. Therefore, the status of the operation of the Emergency Fire Response Team for Disaster Response in Japan, which has developed a rational disaster response system due to frequent earthquakes, was compared and analyzed to demonstrate the direction of the development of the WFSS in Korea. The WFSS should be organized in such a way that the units suitable for the type and characteristics of disasters are mobilized and resources should be regularly provided with a registration and management system. The command of the support unit should form a command system linked to the operation of the existing emergency rescue control group; however, it should strengthen mutual training in close cooperation with related organizations in preparation for complex disasters. In principle, budgets used in response to disasters should be the responsibility of the state. The above-mentioned improvements should be made effective by legislating the “Mobilization Ordinance,” which is the nature of the current National Fire Agency's guidelines, into the Framework Act on Firefighting and Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management.

Thermal Characteristics of Expandable Graphite-Wood Particle Composites.

According to the Fire Statistics Yearbook of the National Fire Agency of the Republic of Korea, the total number of fires in 2018 was 42,338, which resulted in 2500 victims and amounted to property damages of approximately 560 billion KRW. The number of fires in buildings where wood was used as a finishing material was 28,013 (66%) in that period. To minimize human and property damage, composite materials were prepared by mixing wood particles with expandable graphite. The physical and thermal properties of the composite materials were investigated. It was observed that the expansion rate increased by 341.7% according to the expandable graphite content. Additionally, the total heat released and the thermal conductivity decreased from 38.63 to 2.5 MJ/m2 and from 24.62 to 7.8 W/m·K. The time to inactivity of white mouse in the smoke toxicity test was 14.9 min and exceeded the toxicity standard for flame retardant performance. The expandable graphite added to composite materials adopted worm-like shapes as a result of combustion, and it formed a fine lattice layer structure with 16–22 μm gaps that could reduce thermal conductivity. In addition, we can minimize the damage to people and property in the event of a fire.

The effect of a mental health promotion program on Korean firefighters.

There is worldwide interest in the mental health of firefighters, since they are more prone to exposure to traumatic stress and psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess their mental health and provide individualized support to local firefighters through a mental health promotion program. Eighteen hundred and fifty-nine active Korean firefighters in 2015 and 2017 (502 and 1,357, respectively) participated in the 'Visiting Counselling Centre for Firefighters' program commissioned by the National Fire Agency. The program consisted of self-administered questionnaires, a group education session, an individual counseling session for every participant, four counseling sessions for certain participants and additional brief intensive counseling (BIC). We administered the Post-traumatic stress disorder Checklist (PCL), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Scale for Suicidal ideation (BSS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Korean version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-K) and the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) before and after the program. Additional analysis was performed to determine whether BIC participation further improved the psychopathological outcome. The participants showed meaningful improvement in all psychopathological scales; the PCL, BDI, BAI, BSS, ISI, AUDIT-K and WHOQOL-BREF scores all significantly improved. Meanwhile, BIC participation improved certain psychopathological symptoms at a higher degree; the BDI, BAI, BSS and AUDIT-K scores significantly improved. The mental health promotion program improved the mental health of the participating active firefighters in Korea. Meanwhile, BIC participation improved certain psychopathological symptoms at a higher degree. A comprehensive approach for supporting the mental health of firefighters should be considered.

Physical fitness levels of South Korean national male and female firefighters

Background/ObjecitvesFire-fighting is highly required with aerobic fitness, strength, and body composition. However, there is a lack of comprehensive physical fitness data for South Korean firefighters. The purpose of this study was to collect fundamental data obtained with precise methods to compare with previously reported values form other countries. MethodsA total of 102 Korean national firefighters (84 males and 18 females) participated in this study. A graded exercise test was performed to measure the VO2max of the participants. Muscle strength and muscular endurance of the knees, shoulders, and trunk were measured with an isokinetic dynamometer and grip strength was measured using a grip dynamometer. DXA was utilized for body composition measurements. ResultsThe VO2max of the Korean male firefighters was 42.27 ml/kg/min and it was 35.93 ml/kg/min in the female firefighters. The right and left shoulder peak torque values were 103.1 Nm and 93.3 Nm in male firefighters and the torques in the female firefighters were 37.5% and 37.4% of those values, respectively. The grip strength of male and female firefighters was 49.9 kg and 30.8 kg. The body fat percentage of the male firefighters was 25.1% and it was 33.4% for female firefighters ConclusionIn our study, the Korean firefighters had relatively lower levels of physical fitness compared to different country's firefighters. The Korean National Fire Agency may reconsider modifying physical fitness test standards or making exercise guidelines to conform to published standards.

Relationship between Shift Type and Voluntary Exercise Training in South Korean Firefighters.

Background: According to the National Fire Agency, 69% of South Korean firefighters prefer the three circuit system. Since the three circuit system involves working for 24 h consecutively, it could reduce work performance of firefighters and their participation in exercise training (ET) and fitness levels could be affected by shift type. The present study examined the impact of shift type on ET and identified the interaction effect between shift type and city size on ET among South Korean firefighters. Methods: A series of logistic regression models were used to analyze the data collected from incumbent outside workers among Korean firefighters (N = 5196) in 2017. Results: Firefighters under the 3 circuit system participated in ET less frequently than did those under the 21 circuit system, and the difference was greater in large cities than in small towns. This could be because of the greater opportunity to participate in leisure activities in large cities, or because participating in ET is easier for firefighters in small towns, who tend to be less busy than those in large cities. Conclusions: The three circuit system is not feasible in the present situation in South Korea. Therefore, an environment suitable for the three circuit system should be established.

Effect of Implementation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-Targeted Multi-Tier Response System on Outcomes After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Before-and-After Population-Based Study

Objective: A multi-tiered response (MTR) system has been controversial in terms of cost-effectiveness and outcome improvement. It remains uncertain whether a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-targeted tiered response system is associated with better outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This study aimed to investigate the effect of an MTR on OHCA outcomes. Methods: A natural experimental study was conducted for resuscitation-attempted adult OHCAs. The MTR system was implemented in Korea by the National Fire Agency in 2015 across the country where the single-tiered ambulance response system existed. The MTR program had the following 3 components: 1) detection of OHCA by dispatcher, 2) dispatch of ambulance or fire engine in addition to routine dispatch of ambulance, and 3) performance of team CPR. The study period of 2015–2016 was divided by 6 months (phases I [reference], II, III, and IV). The endpoints were prehospital defibrillation, prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (PROSC), survival to discharge and good neurological recovery. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the intervention, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: A total of 32,663 eligible OHCA cases were evaluated during the study period. As the intervention program spread, the MTR with ambulance increased (from 7.0% in phase I to 53.7% in phase IV, p for trend < 0.01). During the study period, prehospital defibrillation increased from 23.6% in phase I to 26.9% in phase IV and the study outcome was improved from 7.4 to 12.6% for PROSC, from 6.7 to 9.1% for survival to discharge, and from 4.5 to 5.8% for good neurological outcome (p for trend < 0.01 for all). Compared with phase I, the AORs (95% CI) of phase IV were 1.16 (1.08–1.25) for prehospital defibrillation, 1.82 (1.63–2.04) for PROSC, 1.37 (1.21–1.56) for survival to discharge, and 1.23 (1.06–1.43) for good neurological outcome. Conclusion: The nationwide implementation of a multi-tiered response system for OHCA was associated with increased prehospital defibrillation and improved outcomes of OHCA patients.

최근 10년간 국내 위험물사고에 관한 분석 연구

According to the statistical data of National Fire Agency, hazardous materials accidents occurred 713 cases in recent 10 years from January 2008 to December 2017. Although the hazardous materials manufactory was installed 2.26% of the total ha zardous material facilities, the number of accidents was 16.27% which shows relatively high frequency than other hazardous material facilities. In addition, the hazardous accidents by category 4 accounts for 91% of the total accidents. Moreover, the hazardous accidents by fire constitutes 63.11% of the total accidents. Among causes of accidents, human factor occupies 63.11% and more specifically the proportion of careless supervising takes 59.8% of human factor. The frequency of hazardous material fire accidents is lower than housing and apartment fire accidents, whereas degree of personal injury and property damage is much higher. In particular, property damage of hazardous material fire accidents is 18.57 times higher than those of the housing and apartment accidents. Futhermore, the proportion of hazardous material accidents in Gyeongii province is 29.03% of the total hazardous material accidents in Korea.