General

Guidance Notes / Guidelines

Code of Practice

Circulars

Safe use of Lifts / Escalators

The Ordinance Responsibilities of lift / escalator owner Periodic maintenance and examination includes How much do you know about safety devices in lifts For the safe use of lifts For the safe use of escalators What to do when trapped inside a lift

The Ordinance

The use and maintenance of lifts and escalators in Hong Kong are governed by the Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance Chapter 327. No new lifts or escalators shall be used unless permitted by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services. In the event of any contravention of the Ordinance, the owner of the lift and escalator shall be subject to prosecution. Service lifts are also under the control of this Ordinance except those installed in factories, industrial undertakings or kitchens in restaurants.

Responsibilities of lift / escalator owner

• Maintain an up-to-date log book.
• Report accidents to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services and registered contractor in writing.
• Ensure that only registered contractors or engineers are engaged for repairs and maintenance works.
• Arrange endorsement of lift / escalator testing certificate.

Periodic maintenance and examination includes:

Top

How much do you know about safety devices in lifts

	Door open button It keeps the door open when pressed.
	Alarm bell button It gives an audible warning signal to alert the caretaker when pressed.
	Telephone/intercom It permits verbal communication with the caretaker.
	Safety edge It opens the lift's doors when an obstacle is hit.
	Overload device It initiates an alarm when the rated load of the lift is exceeded.
	Light sensors Lift's doors cannot be closed when an object is detected.
	Emergency lighting It operates to light up inside of the lift when the electricity supply fails.

Top

For the safe use of lifts

• Maintain all the safety devices operative
• Don't overload lifts
• Don't interfere with lift doors and equipment
• Don't use the lift when there is a fire
• Don't jump inside lift
• Children must be accompanied by adults when using lifts
• Stay clear of lift doors, especially when the lift doors are opening or closing

For the safe use of escalators

• Hold handrail and to prevent accident, please don't walk on escalators
• Hold children's hand
• Don't lean over handrail
• Don't play or run on escalators
• Keep your feet away from the skirting or yellow stripes
• Keep Trolleys strollers and wheelchairs off escalators
• Don't play with emergency stop button which is to be used only when under emergency situation.

Top

What to do when trapped inside a lift

When trapped, you should alert the caretaker by pressing the alarm bell button.

DON'T TRY TO OPEN THE LIFT'S DOORS YOURSELF.

Wait until the arrival of rescue team and be calm.

Consult your contractor when you have queries or call 1823 for further information.

Back