The Buildings Department was found to have issued a statement urging enhanced flame-retardant standards for safety nets of exterior walls at construction sites last month, after the No. 3 alarm blaze at Chinachem Tower in Central.
The statement was spotlighted on Wednesday again (Nov 26) following a fire that broke out on scaffolding outside of Wang Cheong House, Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
It was issued to all authorized building professionals and registered contractors, requiring immediate inspection of the flame retardancy of protective nets, screens, and waterproof tarpaulins used on building exteriors to mitigate fire risks.
It also highlighted that the Chinachem Tower was undergoing alteration and addition works when the fire occurred, emphasizing that all such exterior protective materials must comply with recognized flame-retardant standards.
The department referenced multiple guidelines, including the Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings 2011, a Safety Message from the Construction Industry Council, and the Guidelines on the Design and Construction of Bamboo Scaffolds.
Notably, the authorities stated that it would take action against relevant individuals and contractors if protective materials with insufficient flame retardancy are found on sites.
A copy of the document was also forwarded to the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong.
