Hong Kong mandates proof, tests for fire-retardant scaffolding nets after blaze

Hong Kong contractors will be required to provide proof that the scaffolding mesh they use is fire-retardant while samples will also be tested in designated laboratories after arriving in the city under a series of measures rolled out by the government in the wake of the deadly fire in Tai Po.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said on Thursday that nets could only be used after all their samples had passed lab tests, while the authorities would also conduct random checks on installed mesh.

She said the new rules would not only cover buildings undergoing major maintenance, but also new blocks under construction, though with some flexibility.

“[The arrangement] is legally binding … for example, [if contractors] put up scaffolding nets without going through on-site sampling and testing, that will be a violation of the requirement, and the immediate result is the cessation of works,” she said.

“[Also,] there will be other sanctions under the law.”

Authorities would also consider penalties if samples taken during random checks did not comply with the standards. The nets must also be taken down.