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The Lift and Escalator Safety Advisory Committee (LESAC) held its first meeting today (July 12) to discuss the regulation of lift and escalator safety and set out the future direction and key areas of its work.
At the meeting, the LESAC was briefed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) on proposals to enhance lift and escalator safety in the long run. It concurred with the need to strengthen the regulatory control of contractors, review the registered lift and escalator contractors’ performance rating scheme and beef up support for Responsible Persons (RPs). Members also agreed to review the information displayed in the use permit for lifts and escalators and to study how to enhance the technical skills of the practitioners.
It was also agreed at the meeting to set up two working groups to focus deliberations on matters relating to the industry and the RPs respectively for advising the LESAC.
Members were also briefed by the EMSD on the technical investigation into the lift incident at King's Road in North Point on March 2. They learnt that it was a rare incident in which the four suspension ropes of the lift broke due to severely abrasive wear resulting from insufficient lubrication for a prolonged period. It is believed that the safety gears failed to be activated and stop the downward movement of the lift because of a lack of proper maintenance and repairs. Members learnt that the EMSD has completed the criminal investigation of the incident and is seeking advice from the Department of Justice on taking out prosecution action.
The LESAC was set up to advise the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services on matters referred by the Director and relating to the administration and enforcement of the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance.
The technical investigation report is available on the EMSD website:
www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/leo_pub.shtml.
Ends/Friday, July 12, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:27
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