Govt rolls out new citywide scaffolding-net testing regime after Tai Po fire

The SAR government has introduced a new inspection and certification system for scaffolding nets across Hong Kong, following revelations that substandard materials had been used at several construction sites in the wake of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said on Thursday that departments have spent the past two weeks drafting a strengthened regime to ensure all scaffolding nets used in the city meet fire-retardant and quality requirements.

Under the new system, contractors must provide proof of fire-resistance performance and testing certificates for all scaffolding nets. Once shipments arrive in Hong Kong, contractors will be required to extract designated samples using specified methods and send them to approved laboratories for testing. Only nets that pass laboratory tests may be used on site.

Government departments will also conduct random post-installation checks, and the new system will apply to both maintenance projects and new building sites.

Linn said the government anticipates a surge in the number of scaffolding nets requiring testing and will ensure there are sufficient accredited laboratories to maintain efficiency. The target is to obtain testing results within one week of sampling. She added that officials are identifying additional laboratory partners and will compile an initial list next week.

Given that some construction sites have limited space to store incoming materials, the government has also secured off-site locations where sampling can be conducted.

While emphasizing public safety, Linn said the new system must also be operationally feasible.

“The regime needs to protect public safety, but at the same time it must take into account practical site operations and the impact on building maintenance works,” she said. “We hope the system can be effectively implemented.”

Buildings Department: sampling must be video-recorded

Director of Buildings Ho Chun-hung said contractors must obtain fire-retardant certificates and test reports from suppliers for inspection by owners and enforcement bodies. Each batch of scaffolding nets must undergo third-party random sampling and testing.

Contractors will be required to collect a specified number of samples according to government standards and send them to approved laboratories.

“The entire sampling process must be recorded on video,” Ho said. Only batches that pass the tests may be used, and results must be filed with the Buildings Department.

Both on-site and off-site sampling will be allowed. For off-site cases, authorities will ensure that nets installed on buildings are from laboratory-certified batches.

During the transition period, the Construction Industry Council will centrally procure the first batch of compliant scaffolding nets for use across Hong Kong.

The council will adopt technology such as QR-code tracking for logistics. Contractors not using the council’s service must adopt a tracking system accepted by the Buildings Department, which will also step up off-site inspections.

Once nets are installed, the Buildings Department will conduct random spot checks on projects, requiring contractors to extract samples under the department’s supervision for laboratory testing. Contractors must conduct regular inspections to ensure continued fire-retardant performance.

For new building sites—which do not pose risks to residents—nets may be installed before sampling. However, Ho stressed that violations will still be dealt with under the Buildings Ordinance.