Singapore to require fire-retardant scaffold netting

From March 2027, Singapore will require all scaffold netting used at new construction sites to be fire-retardant.

Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash announced the new rule on September 24, aiming to lower fire risks at workplaces. The regulation will apply to projects awarded from March 1, 2027, regardless of the scaffolding material. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force will determine which international fire test standards are suitable for Singapore’s environment.

MOM will issue a circular detailing the requirements, acceptable tests, and compliance measures, including labelling and certification. From March 1, 2028, fire-retardant netting must be certified by accredited bodies to verify compliance. This measure follows a review of the deadly fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in November 2025, which killed 168 people.

Authorities previously shortened the allowable use of timber scaffolding from nine to three months, taking effect in January 2027, to reduce combustible materials on sites. Singapore is also working to improve workplace safety overall, offering programs like StaySAFE to help companies identify and address risks. Longxiang Construction, a winning firm at the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Awards, developed a system using smart watches to monitor workers’ health in real time.