Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on installation of gondola points
Jan 29, 2016
Mr Zainal Sapari: To ask the Minister for National Development
(a) whether the Building and Construction Authority will approve the installation of gondola points in the private areas of flats in high-rise residential developments; and
(b) what recourse do home owners have to request developers to use alternative gondola systems that are not installed at the expense of their family safety.
Answer:
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) does not regulate the use of gondola systems nor specify the location of gondola points to anchor the system.
Such gondola points or other building maintenance systems are provided by the developer to facilitate maintenance works on the building façade, such as cyclical maintenance, cleaning or repairs. These gondola points are typically provided at the roof of the development and, in the case of some private residential developments, they may also be provided at the external wall, planter, air conditioner ledge, roof terrace, balcony of some of the units.
Developers will generally inform home buyers of the gondola points and any need for access through the Sale and Purchase Agreement. Any request to change the gondola points or system is a private contractual matter between the home buyer and the developer.
The safety requirements for the erection and operation of gondola are governed under the Ministry of Manpower’s Workplace Safety and Health Act. Gondolas are required to be of good construction and sound material, and adequately and securely supported. Operators of the gondola are required to be trained and competent. These measures ensure the safe use of gondolas in high-rise residential developments. Members of public who are concerned about the safe use of gondolas can call MOM’s hotline at 6317 1111 to report workplace safety and health violations or lapses.