The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department announced the implementation of short-term measures to enhance the safety of old lifts today.  

The department rolled out the measures following recent incidents involving lifts which have yet to be modernised.  

Under the new measures, contractors must conduct at least two special maintenance works each year for important protective components, including brakes, traction machines and landing doors of old lifts.

They are also required to submit the scheduled date, time and inspection results of the special maintenance works via an online platform to the department.

Contractors will record maintenance works in logbooks with an improved format to list the important protective components involved in each maintenance so the department can more effectively supervise contractors and other people responsible for the lifts.

The department will issue a notice in August on the measures and will give a grace period for the industry and those responsible for lifts to prepare before the measures take effect.

It will also issue letters to stakeholders and step up inspections to ensure full and effective implementation of the new measures.

Regarding the lift accident at Waterside Plaza in Tsuen Wan in April, the department said it has completed the technical investigation.

It revealed the wearing down of a component in the brake system of the lift had generated a considerable amount of debris that rendered the mechanical parts of the brake unable to function smoothly.

During the incident, the lift car failed to stop when it reached the destination floor. It was pulled upward by the heavier counterweight until it collided with the ceiling of the lift shaft.

The department said after the accident it immediately asked the registered lift contractor concerned to conduct a special inspection for lifts of the same brand, and no abnormalities were found.

The department also issued letters to all registered lift contractors to remind them to ensure proper maintenance of the brake systems of lifts.

Noting the criminal investigation of the incident is still pending, the department said the law will be strictly enforced if contraventions are identified.

Click here for the investigation report.