Hong Kong recently experienced its deadliest fire in three decades, raising concerns about the use of flammable bamboo scaffolding. The fire spread quickly across green netting that covered scaffolding around a housing complex, resulting in at least 55 deaths and nearly 300 missing individuals. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, but initial findings indicated that some materials used, including protective nets and plastic sheets, may not have met fire safety standards.
Bamboo scaffolding, a traditional construction method in Hong Kong, is valued for being cheap and flexible but has largely been replaced by sturdier metal scaffolding in mainland China. Despite this trend, Hong Kong still has about 2,500 bamboo scaffolding masters, while the number of metal scaffolders is three times higher. Bamboo scaffolding is often combined with green mesh to protect pedestrians from falling debris, as was the case in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.
In response to the fire, the Hong Kong government is launching an investigation and checking whether scaffolding materials used in ongoing projects comply with fire safety standards. Two directors and a consultant from the contractor involved, Prestige Construction & Engineering, have been arrested on manslaughter charges for using unsafe materials.
In recent months, the government announced that 50% of new public works contracts will require metal scaffolding, focusing more on worker safety than fire risks. The Chief Executive mentioned potential future mandates for metal scaffolding and discussions on gradually phasing out bamboo use. A previous fire at Chinachem Tower in October 2023 also highlighted risks associated with bamboo scaffolding.
Concerns have been raised by whistle-blowers about fire hazards at several housing complexes, with calls for better safety measures regarding scaffolding nets. Industry experts acknowledge that metal scaffolding is less flammable, but suggest that fire risks with bamboo scaffolding can be managed with proper construction practices. Accumulated debris on scaffolding is identified as a significant factor in increasing fire risks.
With information from Reuters