15 SEPTEMBER 2009

Question No. 130
Question by: Er Lee Bee Wah

Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development (a) What is the safety guideline for the design of windows and open areas in high-rise housing apartments; (b) Under what circumstances are grilles required to be installed at the window or balcony; and (c) Whether the guideline will be reviewed to tighten the safety measures for residents.

Answer

1      To ensure public safety at high-rise buildings, our Building Regulations require the installation of a safety barrier where there is a vertical drop in height of 1 metre or more.  This barrier can be in the form of a masonry wall, railing or glass panel.  This barrier should have a minimum height of 0.9 metres below the window edge and at least 1 metre for open balconies and corridors.  Our Building Regulations also stipulate that these barriers cannot have openings larger than 100 mm or climbable features so as to prevent young children from climbing and falling over the barriers.

2      There is no mandatory requirement for the installation of grilles for windows or balconies above the minimum safety barrier height.  It is not the international practice to mandate grilles for windows and balconies of high-rise buildings.  Instead of imposing excessive regulations which may not be practical, I urge all households and building owners to take reasonable precautions and responsibility to enhance the safety of their premises, especially for young children.

>>back to top