Most citizens use lifts every day. As the society advances, we demand not only basic lift safety, but also a reliable and comfortable ride. To this end, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has recently launched the Quality Lift Service Recognition Scheme to encourage the responsible persons for lifts in private buildings to enhance lift safety, comfortability and reliability to meet users’ demand for quality lift services.
At present, the operation of lifts in Hong Kong is regulated by the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance to ensure that basic safety requirements are met. However, lifts in some old buildings have been used for a long time. Despite their compliance with safety requirements, they may be rather old and more susceptible to wear and tear. Their installations may also fail to keep pace with the latest technology to meet current expectation of the public.
In view of this, the EMSD launched the voluntary Quality Lift Service Recognition Scheme last October. Ratings were based on the extent of implementation of improvement measures for aged lifts by the responsible persons, their standards of lift management and the amount of time lift operation was suspended due to equipment failure. Qualified applicants will be awarded a certificate that specifies their rating as a token of recognition.
The department also introduced relevant guidelines comprising seven lift modernisation solutions for the responsible persons’ reference. For example, the guidelines recommend the installation of intercom and closed circuit television systems for lifts installed before 1997 which may not have such safety equipment. Such systems enable passengers to communicate with the management office immediately in case they get trapped or encounter incidents. Through immediate communication, the management office can also soothe the trapped passengers and take the most appropriate action promptly. The guidelines also suggest the installation of an automatic rescue device for aged lifts. In case of power suspension or unstable power supply, the device, with back-up batteries, can help the lift operate temporarily, stop and open the door at a right place of the nearest floor for the passengers to leave the lift car safely. The device is safe and can prevent passengers from being trapped for a long time while waiting for rescue by the firemen. In short, the lift modernisation measures can enhance lift safety and reduce the inconvenience caused to passengers in lift incidents.
The Scheme received 94 applications covering 1 230 lifts, 254 buildings, and 39 owners’ corporations and property management companies. An award presentation ceremony was held yesterday. Three applications were awarded the gold rating while 26 and 16 applications received silver and bronze ratings respectively. I would like to thank the award-winning owners’ corporations and property management companies for their active participation. The list of winners is available at the EMSD’s website (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/lifts_and_escalators_safety/responsible_persons_corner/qlsrs/).
In fact, just like building maintenance, lift maintenance and repair is the responsibility of the property owners and management companies. Owners may think that meeting basic safety requirements is sufficient. But they and the whole building actually stand to benefit from timely lift modernisation which enables safe and comfortable rides. I hope that every responsible person for a lift will continue to work with us to enhance lift services in Hong Kong.
10 April, 2016
Back