Scaffolding netting is removed following government order

已複製連結

The government said the fire-retardant certificates for the scaffolding nettings in two housing estates are suspected of being forged, and has ordered all scaffolding nettings in buildings undergoing major repairs across Hong Kong to be removed within three days. 

Scaffolding netting has been suspected of helping to spread the fire in the deadly blaze in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last week.

The Development Bureau said to ensure public safety, all public and private buildings in Hong Kong are required to remove scaffolding nettings starting immediately, with completion within three days.

In Chai Wan's Fung Wah Estate, where the certificates are suspected of being problematic, workers have begun removing the scaffolding netting.

The authorities announced last night that the fire-retardant certificates for the scaffolding netting in Fung Wah Estate are suspected of being forged. 

Residents were surprised upon learning this and hope the government will follow up as soon as possible.

Mr. Cen, A resident of Fenghua Village said:
"Of course we're worried, but I don't understand why they didn't know about the falsification, especially regarding the greenhouse netting. They should have followed government regulations."

"We hope they can fix this for us as soon as possible, so we don't have to live in fear.

They might have those three inspected. If any one fails, they'll remove all the netting."

A notice was posted on the estate's information board stating that an independent accredited testing center had been commissioned to test the flame retardant performance of the netting. During this time, the police took four netting samples each from Hiu Fung House and Sau Fung House for follow-up testing.

The Housing Department's independent review team also conducted on-site inspections and sampling tests.

The notice also stated that strict safety measures have been implemented since the fire, including the prohibition of using expanding styrofoam or plastic sheets to seal windows, and a strict ban on smoking within the construction area, with immediate disciplinary action and dismissal for violations.

Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin, which had previously prepared to remove its scaffolding netting, is also accelerating the removal process. 

The government stated that it will strive to issue new operating guidelines next week, requiring all netting materials to be sampled on-site upon delivery to the construction site, and only those that pass testing can be used.