Workers repaint HDB block while suspended by ropes, netizens impressed but concerned about safety

Workers repaint HDB block while suspended by ropes

On Sunday (31 Aug), a video posted by a TikTok user of three workers repainting a HDB block caught the attention of netizens.

In the clip, the workers were suspended from a height, each wearing a helmet and a safety harness attached to two lines.

One of the workers, who appears to be balancing a paint bucket between his legs, paints with one hand while the other holds onto the building’s ledge.

The other two workers, suspended a few metres below, gripped onto the lines and building.

While some praised the workers for their hard work, others were worried.

The latter called out potential safety concerns due to the method of suspension.

Post garners varied responses from netizens

The sight of the workers drew praise from netizens who commended the workers’ abilities, with many acknowledging how difficult it must be to be suspended while painting.

A netizen even humorously likened the workers to “Spider-Man”.

Meanwhile, others were shocked that the workers were suspended by ropes instead of using a gondola to reach the height.

Some netizens speculated that a gondola cannot be used due to the building design.

To ease the worries surrounding safety, one commenter assured the painters are “trained” and “certified” to do the job.

MOM’s regulations for gondolas, rope access

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), suspended scaffolds, commonly known as gondolas, are typically used as temporary work platforms to work on building facades.

They require robust anchorage systems to prevent detachment and falls.

Meanwhile, the industrial rope access system depends greatly on professional engineering designs and pre-work risk assessments to ensure safety.

Due to its high risk, rope access is considered a “last resort” when carrying out Work At Heights (WAH) activities.

Under MOM’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, the industrial rope access system comprises at least two independent anchorage lines — a working line and a safety line.

Not only does the working line allow for safe ascent and descent, it is also equipped with a self-locking system to prevent the user from falling should they fail to control their movements.

Also read: SCDF rescues 2 workers stranded on gondola between 28th & 29th floor of Raffles City Tower

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Featured image adapted from @answer.joyce on TikTok.