Gov’t tightens scaffold net rules after Tai Po fire

Construction sites are monitored; authorities enforce safety regulations strictly.

The Development Bureau revealed a new mechanism for scaffold nets used in repair projects and new buildings, following the Tai Po fire.

According to the bureau, contractors will be required to take various steps to ensure the effectiveness of the scaffold nets, including presenting certificates and test reports for the fire-resistant performance of the scaffold net as check-ups after installation will be carried out randomly.

On-site or off-site sampling, considering the lack of space for testing and a tracking system will be integrated to ensure the installed nets come from the same batches that have passed laboratory testing.

The government will reveal more laboratories in the coming week, whilst also initially identifying a suitable site for the industry to conduct off-site sampling to be used next week.

Addressing the short-term surge in demand for scaffold nets and testing services, the Construction Industry Council will facilitate collective purchasing and coordinated testing services

The Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had received about $3.2 billion in donations, coupled with the $300 million in startup capital from the government. This will provide a living allowance to each affected household and a $200,000 token of solidarity for the families of each deceased victim.

The Advisory Committee on Mental Health also offered free mental health support services to the victims following the fire at Wang Fuk Court.

1,457 residents are also temporarily relocated to youth hostels, camps, or hotel rooms under the care of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, whilst another 2,796 residents were provided transitional housing units from the Housing Bureau or the Hong Kong Housing Society.

Over 19,500 donated items have been distributed, with about 1,700 registrations received on the Government’s online platform for donated supplies, approximately 30% of which were submitted by organisations.

The Labour Department also inspected 440 construction sites, issued 226 written warnings, and 105 improvement notices, and took out 25 prosecutions.