Earticle

In this study aims to prevent disasters such as fire and explosion by analyzing the mechanism by which static electricity acts as an ignition source for flammable liquids and steam and sludge dust in painting facilities during the painting process. Additionally, we seek to explore the relationship between minimum ignition energy and ignition sources. Vehicle painting is a crucial stage in the automotive industry, aiming to finish the exterior appearance and prevent corrosion. However, fires and explosions during painting operations pose significant risks. Such incidents not only lead to equipment damage and production disruptions but also result in severe human and property losses. Therefore, it is most important to manage static electricity at a safe level to prevent fire or explosion accidents through accurate recognition of static electricity and establishment of fundamental measures. The ultimate goal is to propose improvements and preventive measures to mitigate fire and explosion hazards in the painting process.

Electric vehicle(EV) fires exhibit characteristics distinct from those of internal combustion engine vehicle(ICEV) fires. In particular, lithium-ion batteries, which are a key component of EVs, have high energy density and can cause rapid temperature rise and fire spread due to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. This explosive combustion can severely damage the entire vehicle, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of the fire. As a result, there is a growing need for research on EV fire cause analysis and forensic investigation methods. In this study, a fire reproduction experiment was conducted using an actual EV to analyze the characteristics and progression of EV fires and to propose an effective EV fire investigation method. To achieve this, thermal runaway was induced by applying forced ignition conditions to a lithium-ion battery, and the temperatures of the battery pack and the vehicle’s interior and exterior were measured, compared, and analyzed. Additionally, after combustion, the vehicle interior was examined, and the findings were compared with the temperature measurements to identify the primary causes of the EV fire and determine the ignition point based on physical burn patterns. The findings of this study are expected to enhance the accuracy of EV fire investigations conducted by fire investigators and contribute to the development of EV fire prevention and response strategies.

The implementation of the Serious Accident Punishment Act emphasizes the importance of safety management and worker protection in industrial sites. In response, companies are seeking measures to prevent accidents. This study aims to utilize MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) data and computer equipment to review safety manual information and to conduct daily safety inspections through a computerized system solution to gather employees' opinions and derive improvement measures. To enhance the efficiency of the safety management system, communication with employees is essential. Safety management measures that reflect their on-site experiences are likely to be more effective. This study intends to automate the safety inspection and feedback collection processes through a computerized system and to develop a system that supports data-driven decision-making. In particular, the introduction of a computerized system will increase the transparency of safety management and allow employees to easily access safety-related information. Utilizing MSDS data to provide safety information about chemicals and improving safety manuals based on this process will contribute to enhancing the safety culture in industrial settings. In conclusion, this study aims to develop effective safety management solutions in response to the Serious Accident Punishment Act, strengthen communication with employees, and create a safer working environment through a data-driven safety management framework.

This study focuses on enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of junior fire investigators through the optimization of AI microscope measurement methods for identifying wire arc melting marks. A total of 33 wire samples collected from actual fire scenes were analyzed using three distinct imaging scenarios (S1, S2, and S3) to evaluate the most reliable method. The S1 scenario, which involved capturing the wire’s side with the widest distribution of melting marks, achieved the highest concordance rate of 90.9% with metallographic analysis. In contrast, S2 and S3 scenarios recorded lower concordance rates of 51.5% and 39.4%, respectively. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed significant differences among the methods (F = 9.80, p < 0.00014), with post-hoc tests confirming the superior accuracy of the S1 approach. These findings suggest that AI microscopes can effectively support junior fire investigators by improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing reliance on subjective judgment.

The purpose of this study was to find a mental health promotion plan for firefighters through trauma-based care (TIC) of firefighters. Fire officials experience repetitive trauma due to the nature of their due to the nature of their work and have a higher prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder than the general public. These traumas cause various mental health problems for firefighters and negatively affect their daily lives. This study presented six principles for identifying the trauma and neurophysiological characteristics and support resources of firefighters, and suggested ways to apply TIC guidelines suitable for firefighting organizations. Through these TICs, firefighters recognized the impact of trauma experiences on their lives and responded appropriately to prevent overseas trauma and promote healing, and to this end, the firefighting organization emphasized the need to create a safe and comfortable environment for firefighters. Finally, it was suggested that TICs be systematically introduced at the fire organization level to promote the mental and physical health of firefighters and introduced them at the fire organization level.