We have been shocked and saddened by the several fatal escalator or lift accidents on the Mainland recently. Then, last week, there were escalator incidents at Times Square in Causeway Bay and Tai Wo Plaza in Tai Po, with foreign objects and the wheels of a pram getting jammed in the comb plates of the respective escalators. Although no one was injured in the incidents, they have aroused public concern over escalator safety in Hong Kong.

In light of such concerns, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has stepped up its safety inspections of escalators and lifts in the territory. At the end of last month, the EMSD issued a circular to the industry to remind registered contractors and engineers for lifts and escalators to check whether their inspection covers and floor plates, supporting structures and protective devices are in good working condition. The EMSD also issued letters to the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies Limited and the Building Services Operation and Maintenance Executives Society to remind their members that, as the persons responsible for escalators, they should inspect the working condition of escalators on a regular basis. Should any defects or anomalies be found, they should stop the escalator concerned immediately, fence off the area to prevent the public from using it, and inform the registered escalator contractor to follow up as soon as possible.

To address public concern, I would like to briefly explain the current monitoring mechanism for lift and escalator safety in Hong Kong. Under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance, the installation, maintenance and repair of lifts and escalators in Hong Kong shall be carried out by registered lift/escalator contractors, with regular maintenance carried out by registered lift/escalator workers at least once a month. In addition, lifts and escalators have to undergo regular inspection by registered lift/escalator engineers at least once every 12 months and six months respectively to ensure their safe operation.

The design of lifts and escalators has to comply with the requirements set out in the Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (CoP) by the EMSD. In general, space will be reserved for repair and maintenance under the inspection covers and floor plates of an escalator. According to the current CoP, these inspection covers and floor plates should have sufficient mechanical strength and be built appropriately to prevent loosening or deformation after prolonged use. In addition, the CoP also requires an escalator to be equipped with (1) safety devices so that the escalator will stop automatically if the inspection covers and floor plates are opened; and (2) protective covers to prevent anyone from touching the dangerous rotating parts inside the maintenance space. When registered contractors and engineers carry out regular maintenance and inspection for the escalators, they will also ensure that the inspection covers and floor plates are in safe conditions.

Furthermore, before commencing installation works, registered contractors have to apply to the EMSD for type approval with regard to the brands and models of the lifts or escalators, as well as the safety components to be used. The EMSD will examine the information on the manufacturers of the equipment, product specifications, drawings, as well as related certificates issued by the testing institutes to ensure that the quality of the lifts and escalators in Hong Kong meet the recognised international safety standards. The Code of Practice for Lift Works and Escalator Works also stipulates that repair or replacement should be made with parts of at least equivalent material, strength, and design to maintain the lift or escalator in good working order. According to the EMSD’s record, none of the escalators manufactured by Suzhou Shenlong Elevator Company Limited, which was involved in the escalator accident in Jingzhou, Hubei, are installed in Hong Kong.

Moreover, under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance, should there be serious escalator incidents, including those involving injuries or deaths, or any other serious incidents resulting from major component failures, the person/s responsible for the escalators must, within 24 hours after the incident comes to their knowledge, notify the EMSD. From 2013 to June this year, a total of about 3 800 escalator incidents were reported to the EMSD, the majority of which were due to careless use by passengers, or foreign objects getting lodged in the escalators. For instance, the two “accordion-style” escalator crash incidents at the Mong Kok and Wong Tai Sin MTR Stations last March and May were due to damage to the steps, respectively caused by small metal objects and shoes getting stuck in the comb plates of the escalators, rather than component failures. During the same period, there were six escalator incidents caused by component failures, with 10 people injured.

Lastly, here are seven basic rules for using an escalator to protect your own safety: (1) do not use trolleys, prams, bicycles or wheelchairs on the escalator; (2) do not use the lift if you are mobility handicapped or carrying large objects; (3) children must be accompanied by adults; (4) hold the handrail tightly and do not run or play; (5) keep your feet from the gaps between the steps and the gaps between the escalator skirtings and the steps, particularly when you are wearing cloth shoes or footwear with open toes, and do not touch the brush bristles of the skirtings so as to avoid getting your shoes or feet caught in the gaps; (6) keep your feet away from the skirtings or yellow stripes; (7) lift your foot when stepping on and off the escalator to avoid losing your balance and getting the front of your shoes trapped.

Wish you all a safe journey.