Metal scaffolds promise safety—but at what cost? While they stand up better against flames than traditional bamboo frameworks, experts warn that this popular alternative carries hazards of its own. And this is the part most people miss: what saves lives in one scenario could create new dangers in another.
After the deadly Tai Po fire—which tragically claimed 94 lives—calls have intensified for Hong Kong’s construction industry to shift toward metal scaffolding as soon as possible. Authorities and safety advocates are pressing hard for faster adoption of non-combustible materials. But insiders caution that the move isn’t as simple—or as safe—as it sounds.
Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, emphasized on Friday that the sector remains open to the change. However, he urged the public to stay mindful of potential problems arising from metallic structures. “Yes, metal scaffolds resist fire better than bamboo,” Chau explained during an RTHK interview. “But if a metal scaffold is exposed to high heat, it becomes dangerously hot and, once it reaches a certain temperature, its structural strength can fail—causing collapse.”
His core message? Whether bamboo or metal, proper management and strict adherence to safety rules are what truly determine how safe a scaffold will be. The material itself is only part of the equation.
Adding to the debate, Lawrence Ng from the Hong Kong Construction Sub-contractors Association argued that bamboo scaffolds should gradually be retired. Still, he pointed out that metal systems come with design and weight challenges that can’t be ignored, especially when renovating older buildings. “Metal scaffolds require a putlog to attach to the building exterior,” Ng explained. “But their weight is far greater than bamboo, and on aged or fragile structures, that extra load might lead to new structural issues.”
So while the transition toward metal scaffolding seems like a step forward in fire safety, experts are divided over whether it’s the right solution for every site. Should Hong Kong fully abandon its centuries-old bamboo tradition, or would a balanced, case-by-case approach be smarter? What do you think—are we solving one problem only to create another?
