Yishun resident taken to hospital after spalling concrete falls in HDB flat
In response to queries from CNA on Friday, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) said its officers were alerted to the accident at Block 127 Yishun Street 11.
"The incident resulted in injuries to a 65-year-old resident. Upon being notified, our officers conducted an immediate investigation on the same afternoon and found loose spalling concrete on the floor of the master bedroom bathroom," it said.
HDB also inspected the whole flat and found "slight bulging of concrete" in the ceiling of the kitchen bathroom.
"While there is no sign of the imminent spalling of concrete at the ceiling of the kitchen bathroom, for the residents' peace of mind and safety, HDB has arranged for our contractor to remove the bulging concrete next Monday," it added.
HDB is assisting the flat owners with repairs under the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme and is coordinating with the local grassroots to render financial assistance for the cost of the repair works.
Minister for Home Affairs, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC, K Shanmugam visited the affected flat.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Mr Shanmugam said the owner of the flat is in hospital receiving treatment.
He added that he spoke with the man's wife and informed her that assistance would be given, including on payment for the repair works.
"My volunteers are linking with HDB and Town Council on the matter," he wrote.
HDB added it will continue to render assistance and support to the affected resident and his family.
COMMON ISSUE FOR OLDER BUILDINGS
Spalling concrete is a common issue for older buildings, especially in areas with damp conditions such as kitchens and toilets, according to HDB's website.
The issue is largely caused by carbonation, a natural deterioration process that causes steel reinforcement bars in the ceiling to corrode and the concrete to crack.
The affected Yishun unit was completed 41 years ago and was upgraded under the Home Improvement Programme in 2018, HDB said in its statement on Friday.
As part of the toilet upgrading, which the resident opted for, new tiles and fittings were installed in the toilets and the ceilings were repainted, it said.
"No repair works for spalling concrete were conducted as there were no signs of spalling concrete in the unit then."
HDB also provided advice on preventing spalling concrete.
Visible signs of cracks or holes should be promptly sealed, and residents can also paint their ceilings regularly to prevent moisture and carbon dioxide from entering the concrete.
Proper ventilation is also encouraged as humid environments will speed up carbonation. Residents can do so by opening the windows, vents or doors when these areas are not in use.
"If there is spalling concrete, you can repair it yourself if the area is small. If the affected area is large, you should engage a contractor to repair the ceiling promptly before more concrete dislodges and causes injury.
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