Hong Kong’s development minister has ruled out expanding an approval system for scaffolding nets to cover suppliers, saying it would amount to government overreach, while the first batch of accredited mesh is expected to be available to contractors next week.
The accreditation of scaffold nets was among measures introduced to enhance fire safety at construction sites following the deadly Tai Po inferno in November.
The government ordered the removal of all netting on about 420 buildings undergoing renovations across Hong Kong last month, citing fire safety after the devastating blaze at Wang Fuk Court claimed 161 lives. The rapid spread of the blaze suggested the use of substandard, non-fire-retardant nets was a contributing factor.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho on Saturday dismissed the need to extend the accreditation system to cover net suppliers.
“The materials used in the industry are very diverse. And if our regulations have to cover such (details), would the government’s reach be considered too far?” Linn said on a radio programme.
However, she said she welcomed proposals that the Construction Industry Council should draw up a recommended list of suppliers for the sector to refer to.
The government has also set out new requirements to ensure the materials meet standards before the nets can be installed on building facades. The council is tasked with sourcing and testing the nets under a new tracking system.
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