Debated in Parliament on 14 Jan 2019.
Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider (i) mandating inspections of windows in all HDB flats above 30 years of age, by BCA-certified staff and (ii) empowering BCA-registered contractors to install and replace windows in units of non-compliant HDB flat owners, to prevent and reduce incidents of falling windows.
The Ministry of National Development (MND) will continue to study ways to ensure the safe installation and maintenance of windows in our residential blocks. Presently, all windows have to be designed and installed according to specified standards and meet performance requirements under the Building Control Regulations. Window installations have to be carried out by an Approved Window Contractor (AWC) registered with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). If there are flats found with non-compliant windows, such as being fitted with aluminum instead of stainless steel rivets, BCA will direct the owners to engage an AWC to carry out the necessary rectifications.
BCA also works with Town Councils, grassroots organisations and other partners to raise awareness about window safety, as flat owners are responsible for maintaining their windows. Owners can carry out three simple steps. First, check that the window fasteners, safety stoppers and angle strips are properly in place. Second, clean the joints and other moving parts. And third, engage an AWC to change any rivets from aluminum to stainless steel as well as replace any worn-out parts. BCA reminds the public of these steps with illustrations through half-yearly Window Safety Day outreach campaigns on 6/6 and 12/12 each year.
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