Building contractors have been urged to comply strictly with safety guidelines on bamboo scaffolding after a study found the material's strength lessened with time and in high humidity.
The Occupational Safety and Health Council commissioned the two-year study to improve the safety and reliability of the centuries-old construction method.
The study, conducted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, found the quality of commonly used bamboo, such as its compressive strength, varied greatly.
It showed bamboo deteriorated in quality as humidity increased, while a 12-week ageing test revealed bamboo strength also diminished given time.
Tests involving the impact of dropping 40kg and 60kg sandbags showed fracture damage.
Study researcher and civil engineering lecturer Dr Chang Chih-chen said: 'The most important point is that the strength of bamboo would weaken due to the climate and the passage of time. Hence, frequent inspections are necessary.'