The Labor Department on Friday launched a two-week citywide inspection of fire-prevention facilities and fire-response arrangements at building renovation sites with large scaffolding, focusing on whether the scaffolding netting meets approved fire-resistant standards.

At the same time, the Buildings Department is also checking whether buildings undergoing major exterior wall repairs while using netting on large bamboo scaffolding complies with work codes and guidelines.

READ MORE: Stricter regulations called for after deadly Wang Fuk Court fire

The Development Bureau met with construction industry representatives on Thursday to discuss a road map for replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal scaffolding. The bureau emphasized that the road map will not adopt a "one size fits all" approach, instead identifying which work scenarios are more suitable for switching to metal scaffolding.

The moves follow the deadly fire that broke out on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The five-alarm fire across seven residential towers has caused at least 128 deaths.

“Metal scaffolding is more fire-resistant than bamboo scaffolding, but once exposed to fire, the metal is more prone to collapse when reaching a certain temperature. Serious accidents have occurred overseas related to metal scaffolding, and I believe the fundamental problem is not the type of material used for scaffolding, but rather the construction management issue,” Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union Chairman Chau Sze-kit said in a Friday radio program.

The chairman said the association is open to the issue of replacing bamboo scaffolding, but is concerned about issues such as the storage and transportation of metal scaffolding. He said he expects that a full replacement of bamboo scaffolding will take more than two years.

A major renovation project at Sui Wo Court in Fo Tan, which began in 2023, is expected to be completed by early 2026.

ALSO READ: A long healing journey

A video uploaded on YouTube shows that the netting on the bamboo scaffolding from the Sui Wo Court renovation immediately caught fire and melted after contacting the lighter heat source.

An emergency residents' meeting was held in Sui Wo Court on Thursday to discuss countermeasures to prevent the recurrence of the inferno, according to local media report.

During the meeting, some residents expressed concern about the work, with some concerned about whether the netting on the bamboo scaffolding complies with safety standard. Residents also worried that a lot of clutter is near the renovation site, and there is concern about how the contractor manages flammable materials. They will pay special attention to whether the workers are smoking during the construction period.

Government representatives at the meeting said that inspections will be expedited, with test results expected within one or two days, the report said.