17 buildings completed removal of non-compliant cladding

Of the 34 buildings identified to have used non-compliant cladding, 17 have already completed the removal of the cladding, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

In August, SCDF announced that two models of the Alubond brand composite panel, which was used as cladding on external walls of buildings, were found to be non-compliant with Fire Code requirements.

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The discovery of the non-compliant cladding comes after an industrial building at 30 Toh Guan Road caught fire in May, resulting in the death of a 54-year-old woman, reported Channel News Asia.

In its update, SCDF said the 17 other buildings are in the process of removing the non-compliant cladding.

It also revealed that it has identified two more composite panel models – Bolliya and Bolli-Core FR – that may not be Class “0” certified. SCDF noted that seven buildings may be affected by the new finding.

Another two building projects may also be affected by other non-compliant models of composite panels.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine how the non-compliant composite panels which do not meet Fire Code requirements for use as cladding, came to be used for these building projects.”

Buildings with unrestricted public access are JTC LaunchPad @ one-north and Vista Point at 548 Woodlands Drive 44.

SCDF said it has contacted all affected building owners.

“All affected building owners whose cladding are found to be non-compliant with Fire Code requirements must work with their qualified persons to remove the affected cladding within 60 days, starting from the ground level.”

“In the meantime, the building owners will be required to further strengthen fire safety practices by ensuring that their fire safety systems are in good order, enhancing vigilance of their personnel, and removing fire hazards.”

SCDF added that it is working with certification bodies and qualified persons to check for other buildings with non-compliant cladding.

It is also reviewing its fire safety regulations and certification processes on “the use of composite panels as cladding with a view further tightening them”.

The result of the review will be announced in 2018.

This article was edited by Keshia Faculin.