Hong Kong Orders Removal of Scaffolding Nets After High-Rise Fire

Mandated Net Removal

• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong authorities have ordered the immediate removal of mesh netting from all buildings under renovation by Saturday.
• ⚠️ This directive follows a recent blaze at Wang Fuk Court, where the netting was blamed for fueling the fire.
• 🛡️ The government aims to protect public safety and reassure residents and businesses.

Impact on Construction

• 🏗️ Renovation work across the city will be effectively halted as inspectors verify safety compliance of the netting.
• 💰 Contractors will bear the costs associated with the removal of these nets.

New Safety Standards

• 🔬 The city's building department plans to issue a new code of practice requiring all scaffold net materials to be tested on site.
• 🧪 Nets will only be permitted for installation after certification by designated laboratories.

Cause of the Wang Fuk Court Fire

• 💨 Authorities identified substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam used during the renovation as likely contributors to the 40-hour inferno.
• 🚨 The fire alarms at the building were also found to be not operating properly.
• 💔 Of the 150 bodies recovered, 140 had been identified as of Thursday afternoon.