Measures in Place to Ensure Safety and Integrity of Temporary Workers' Quarters and Building and Safety Incidents at Such Sites in Last Three Years
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the safety and integrity of temporary workers' quarters (TWQs), as Mr Don Wee inquired about construction supervision and building incidents over the last three years. Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee explained that TWQs must adhere to building codes, requiring Professional Engineers and Qualified Persons to design and supervise works for structural and fire safety. BCA conducts inspections of completed sites, and both BCA and SCDF may take enforcement action against parties who contravene regulations regarding ventilation, lightning protection, and materials. Professional Engineers oversee the construction of multi-storey TWQs to ensure compliance with BCA standards, while Qualified Persons certify that fire safety systems are operationally ready upon completion. The Minister reported no other major building or fire incidents in the last three years, aside from one April 2021 structural collapse that remains under investigation.
Transcript
69 Mr Don Wee asked the Minister for National Development (a) what measures are in place to ensure the safety and integrity of temporary workers' quarters; (b) whether there are adequate checks and supervision during the materials sourcing and construction process of the quarters; and (c) how many building or safety incidents relating to the quarters have occurred at such sites in the last three years.
Mr Desmond Lee: Temporary workers’ quarters (TWQs) are required to comply with the relevant codes and standards for temporary buildings.
For example, under the Building Control (Temporary Buildings) Regulations, temporary workers' quarters (TWQs) are required to comply with requirements for lightning protection and ventilation. For TWQs exceeding one storey in height, a Professional Engineer (PE) is required to design the TWQs in accordance with the relevant codes and standards, which includes requirements for structural design and construction materials. The PE is required to supervise the works to ensure that the TWQs are built according to the PE’s design and BCA’s requirements. BCA conducts inspections on completed TWQs located at or near construction sites to ensure that they are built in accordance with the building regulations.
Similarly for fire safety, a Qualified Person (QP) must ensure that the design of the TWQs is compliant with the relevant codes and standards, and supervise the works to ensure that the works are carried out in accordance with the designs and the relevant codes and standards. Upon completion, QPs must also ensure that the fire safety systems are operationally ready.
BCA and SCDF can take enforcement action against any party who contravenes the respective Regulations. In April 2021, a temporary steel structure collapsed and damaged an adjacent unoccupied TWQ. Investigations are currently on-going. BCA is not aware of any other safety incidents involving TWQs in the last three years. SCDF is not aware of any major fire incidents in TWQs in the last three years.