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The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) informed Shineford Engineering Limited today (April 3) that the department will suspend its registration as a registered lift contractor for six months from May 1.
The EMSD served a written notice on Shineford on March 18 of the intention to suspend Shineford's registration. Shineford did not appeal against the decision within 14 days after receiving the notice. On the same day, the EMSD also informed all responsible persons whose lifts were being maintained by Shineford about the decision and offered assistance. As of yesterday, all the 92 affected buildings have commenced the process for engaging other registered lift contractors to take over the lift maintenance services. Among them, 26 buildings have arranged new registered lift contractors to take over the maintenance works, 49 buildings have already received quotations from other registered lift contractors, and the remaining 17 buildings are inviting quotations from other registered lift contractors. The EMSD will continue to follow up on these arrangements.
Regarding the eight lifts maintained by Shineford removed from services for failing to comply with the requirements under the Code of Practice for Lift Works and Escalator Works, five of them have resumed services after repair by Shineford. The remaining three units have been taken over by other registered lift contractors, who are now following up with the repair works.
Meanwhile, in addition to strengthening the regulatory control over registered contractors, the EMSD issues use permits in accordance with the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance. The use permit clearly indicates its expiry date to facilitate public surveillance. A lift or an escalator being used or operated must have a valid use permit and the valid use permit must be displayed in a conspicuous position in the lift car or adjacent to a landing of the escalator for being put into operation. The offence provisions against failures to display a valid use permit came into effect yesterday (April 2). The EMSD issued nine prohibition orders yesterday to prohibit the use or operation of those lifts and escalators which did not have a valid use permit. As a transitional arrangement, a safety certificate issued according to the repealed Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance is regarded as a valid use permit until the due date of the next periodic examination.
The EMSD called on the public to report to them if they find any lift or escalator where a valid use permit is not displayed by calling 1823 or 2333 3762, or by email (info@emsd.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:33
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