In light of the severe fire that occurred on November 26, 2025, at the Wang Fuk Court building in Tai Po, Hong Kong—caused by the lack of flame-retardant properties in the bamboo scaffolding and protective netting used during exterior wall repairs—the Taipei City Construction Management Office (CMO) has proactively strengthened safety regulations for construction sites. Today, the CMO announced the comprehensive implementation of advanced management measures for construction scaffolding, canvases, and protective nets to prevent similar incidents.

Yu Chi-hsueh, Director of the CMO, stated that to enhance public safety and construction site management, the office collaborated with the Fire Department, the Labor Inspection Office, the Taipei City Scaffolding Association, and various experts to establish the following new regulations, effective immediately:

• Mandatory Use of Steel Tube Scaffolding: All new construction and exterior wall repair projects in Taipei City must use steel tube scaffolding. The use of bamboo or wooden scaffolding is strictly prohibited.

• Ensuring Scaffolding Ventilation and Compartmentalization: For projects involving exterior repairs or interior renovations requiring scaffolding, a 30-centimeter gap must be maintained between the outer canvas/netting and the top of the catch platforms (safety fans). This ensures both environmental protection and safety ventilation.

• Flame-Retardant and Fire-Resistant Requirements: Canvases and materials used to protect windows or openings during exterior repairs must possess flame-retardant or fire-resistant properties, supported by valid test certification. Considering the time required for the market to obtain these test reports, this specific requirement will officially take effect on March 1, 2026.

• Guaranteeing Emergency Escape Routes: Emergency entrances and balconies must not be blocked or sealed by construction work. Every household must maintain at least one visible opening for emergency access and communication.

Director Yu emphasized that the CMO has already added these requirements to construction permits and approval documents. To strengthen cross-departmental management, the CMO will forward project information to the Fire Department, Labor Inspection Office, and Environmental Protection Bureau upon receiving scaffolding installation notifications, allowing for joint inspections based on their respective authorities.

The CMO reminds contractors, supervisors, and specialized engineering personnel of their legal responsibility to maintain site safety and prevent hazards. Site managers must perform regular self-inspections of scaffolding and fill out inspection reports. The CMO will continue to monitor and adjust these regulations as needed to ensure the safety of citizens' lives and property.

You may refer to our flame-retardant debris netting and scaffolding safety nets