Measures in Place to Ensure Safety and Integrity of Temporary Workers' Quarters and Building and Safety Incidents at Such Sites in Last Three Years

Debated in Parliament on 10 May 2021.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Ministry of National Development requires temporary workers' quarters (TWQs) to comply with building and fire safety codes, with Professional Engineers and Qualified Persons responsible for design and supervision.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) conducts inspections on completed TWQs and, with the SCDF, can enforce regulations, with one structural collapse incident under investigation in April 2021.
BCA is not aware of any other building or safety incidents involving TWQs in the last three years, and the SCDF has no record of major fire incidents at such sites during this period.

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Full Transcript

Don Wee

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.

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.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Ministry of National Development requires temporary workers' quarters (TWQs) to comply with building and fire safety codes, with Professional Engineers and Qualified Persons responsible for design and supervision.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) conducts inspections on completed TWQs and, with the SCDF, can enforce regulations, with one structural collapse incident under investigation in April 2021.
BCA is not aware of any other building or safety incidents involving TWQs in the last three years, and the SCDF has no record of major fire incidents at such sites during this period.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Measures in Place to Ensure Safety and Integrity of Temporary Workers' Quarters and Building and Safety Incidents at Such Sites in Last Three Years | PAPERCUTS

Measures in Place to Ensure Safety and Integrity of Temporary Workers' Quarters and Building and Safety Incidents at Such Sites in Last Three Years

Debated in Parliament on 10 May 2021.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Ministry of National Development requires temporary workers' quarters (TWQs) to comply with building and fire safety codes, with Professional Engineers and Qualified Persons responsible for design and supervision.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) conducts inspections on completed TWQs and, with the SCDF, can enforce regulations, with one structural collapse incident under investigation in April 2021.
BCA is not aware of any other building or safety incidents involving TWQs in the last three years, and the SCDF has no record of major fire incidents at such sites during this period.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Don Wee

Desmond Lee

Temporary workers’ quarters (TWQs) are required to comply with the relevant codes and standards for temporary buildings.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Ministry of National Development requires temporary workers' quarters (TWQs) to comply with building and fire safety codes, with Professional Engineers and Qualified Persons responsible for design and supervision.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) conducts inspections on completed TWQs and, with the SCDF, can enforce regulations, with one structural collapse incident under investigation in April 2021.
BCA is not aware of any other building or safety incidents involving TWQs in the last three years, and the SCDF has no record of major fire incidents at such sites during this period.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Measures in Place to Ensure Safety and Integrity of Temporary Workers' Quarters and Building and Safety Incidents at Such Sites in Last Three Years

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Don Wee

Desmond Lee

Summary

Questions Identified

Measures in Place to Ensure Safety and Integrity of Temporary Workers' Quarters and Building and Safety Incidents at Such Sites in Last Three Years

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Don Wee

Desmond Lee

Summary

Questions Identified