Singapore will require scaffold netting used outside buildings to be fire-retardant starting March 2027. The rule applies to projects awarded from March 1, 2027, and it covers scaffold netting regardless of the material used.
The change follows government attention to fire safety issues highlighted by an earlier incident in Hong Kong. Earlier this year, Singapore’s authorities said they are reviewing early observations from Hong Kong’s investigation into the Wang Fuk Court fire, in which 161 people died. Singapore’s measure reflects an effort to address fire risk associated with temporary construction materials and their performance in a fire scenario.
Different outlets describe the announcement with slightly different emphasis: one focuses on the effective date and coverage in relation to materials used, while the other highlights the connection to Singapore’s ongoing review of findings from Hong Kong’s investigation. Both point to the same upcoming compliance timeline and the requirement for fire-retardant netting on scaffolds outside buildings.
