Singapore's Manpower Ministry will reduce the maximum allowed use of timber scaffolds from nine months to three months [1].
This regulatory shift aims to mitigate fire risks at construction sites and improve overall workplace safety. The decision follows a review of early findings from the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong [1].
Under the new guidelines, the Ministry will cut the permissible duration for timber scaffold use from nine months down to three months [1]. While the three-month limit will be the standard, the Ministry said extensions beyond this period may be granted on a case-by-case basis [1].
In addition to the time limits, the government will tighten standards for scaffold netting [1]. These combined measures are designed to reduce the amount of combustible material present on construction sites for extended periods, a key factor in preventing the rapid spread of fire.
The new rules are scheduled to take effect starting next year [2].
Construction firms will need to adjust their project timelines and material procurement to comply with the shortened window. The Ministry said the changes are necessary to ensure that safety standards evolve alongside the risks identified in regional fire incidents [1].
“Singapore's Manpower Ministry will reduce the maximum allowed use of timber scaffolds from nine months to three months.”
By drastically reducing the lifespan of timber scaffolds, Singapore is treating these structures as high-risk combustible assets rather than permanent fixtures. This move signals a transition toward more stringent fire-safety engineering and may push the construction industry toward adopting non-combustible alternatives, such as metal scaffolding, to avoid the administrative burden of requesting case-by-case extensions.
