Lifts

A well-maintained lift is reliable and its smooth operation adds convenience to residents.

The laws provide that the lift owners have to arrange the registered lift contractors to carry out the following tasks:

• inspect, clean, oil and adjust the lift once a month;
• test and examine safety equipment once a year;
• test the full load, overload device and the brake once every 5 years.

In general, registered lift contractors provide maintenance services on contract terms. To avoid breaking the laws, management staff of the building should assist the contractor in ensuring that the lifts meet safety standards -

• submit the certificate on examination and testing to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for endorsement within 7 days after receipt of the certificate;
• countersign on the log-book (the record of work) after the completion of the lift works and make sure that the log-book is available for inspection by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department;
• to ensure smooth operation of the lifts, a good environment and necessary equipment should be provided to the registered lift contractor to carry out maintenance work;
• report any accidents immediately in writing to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, registered lift contractor and the insurance company.
• Ensure the lift works are carried out according to the requirements stipulated in the Code of Practice for Safety at Work (Lift and Escalator)(Occupational Safety and Health Branch - Labour Department)

Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Chapter 618) – Responsible Persons' Corner