PVOIL strengthens comprehensive training from sales operations to fire prevention and fighting – search and rescue skills for EV charging stations at petroleum retail stations

In the context of fierce competition in the energy and petroleum market, along with the trend toward clean energy transition, Vietnam Oil Corporation – JSC (PVOIL) not only continues expanding its network of petroleum retail stations (CHXD) but also places strong emphasis on service quality, safety, and the professionalism of its frontline workforce.

As part of the training program series implemented in 2025 - “Professional Training for Station Managers and Sales Staff at Petroleum Retail Stations” - PVOIL launched the first course in a series of five classes at Dinh Vu Petroleum Terminal Enterprise and Cat Hai Petroleum Retail Station (Hai Phong). The course focuses on the topic “Enhancing Fire Prevention and Fighting (FPP) and Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations at EV Charging Stations at Petroleum Retail Stations.”. The ceremony was attended by Ms Le Thi Thu Huong – Vice President of PVOIL; leaders of professional divisions; and Dr Tran Kim Khanh – Deputy Director of the Center for Applied Scientific Research in Fire Prevention and Fighting and Search and Rescue, University of Fire Prevention and Fighting. This is considered one of the key activities within PVOIL’s personnel training program across its petroleum retail station network.

Ms Le Thi Thu Huong – Vice President of PVOIL – delivers the opening remarks of the training course

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Le Thi Thu Huong emphasized that, under QCVN 01:2020/BCT, hazard zoning has been defined for petroleum retail station, and the installation of charging stations and transformer stations complies fully with safety distance regulations. However, the EV charging process — carried out directly by customers — still carries multiple risks, such as: hazards from electrical systems and lithium-ion batteries, fire-prone environments, the specialized fire prevention and fighting systems remain limited, and management as well as operation practices have not yet met required standards. Therefore, equipping station managers and operators with essential knowledge and skills is imperative to ensure safety and security in all scenarios. Her message highlighted that beyond technical infrastructure, human factors — with proactive and professional attitudes — form the “safety shield” of the entire system.

Employees of business units and instructors join the training course

The course brings together over 200 trainees, primarily safety officers and station managers from petroleum retail station equipped with EV charging stations across 19 petroleum business units within PVOIL. The training program consists of five classes held in Hai Phong, Da Nang, Vung Tau, and Vinh Long.

The curriculum is comprehensively designed, combining theory and practice, focusing on key modules such as:

• Identifying potential hazards at EV charging areas;
• Handling fire and explosion incidents involving charging stations or vehicles;
• Search and rescue (SAR) skills in smoke-filled or toxic environments;
• First aid for burn victims and smoke inhalation;
• Safely evacuating victims from hazardous zones.

Realistic scenario-based simulations were developed in alignment with the actual environment at petroleum retail station, enabling trainees to develop quick reflexes and proactive, professional responses rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.

Dr Tran Kim Khanh – Deputy Director of the Center for Applied Scientific Research in Fire Prevention and Fighting and Search and Rescue, University of Fire Prevention and Fighting – during the theoretical training session.

Employees participate in practical training on handling simulated incident scenarios at the petroleum retail station

Beyond in-person training, PVOIL will continue developing an E-learning material set on FPP – SAR, enabling managers, station chiefs, and staff at petroleum retail station with EV chargers to engage in continuous learning. This strategic step in HSE demonstrates PVOIL’s commitment to developing a safe – sustainable – modern petroleum retail station network.

Employees practicing SAR skills at petroleum retail station

The implementation of FPP – SAR training courses not only enhances incident response capabilities but also reflects PVOIL’s long-term vision in risk management and sustainable development. Amid the rapid growth of clean energy and EV usage, emerging risks require enterprises to continuously update knowledge, refine procedures, and foster a culture of safety across the system. PVOIL’s leadership affirms that training and enhancing fire prevention and fighting and search and rescue competencies for managers, station chiefs, and frontline operators at petroleum retail stations is a regular and essential task, aimed at strengthening risk management capacity, ensuring effective response to incidents, and safeguarding employees, customers, and corporate assets.