Background

The Lifts and Escalators Ordinance requires the responsible persons (RPs) for lifts/escalators to keep a log-book to record the works details in relation to their lifts/escalators. Since 1987, the log-book has always been in paper format. With the rapid technological development in recent years, members of the public and the trade are getting more used to handling daily matters with digital tools. Meanwhile, digital technologies such as cloud and blockchain technologies are becoming more popular. To make good use of the digital technologies to benefit the public and the trade, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) rolled out the Digital Log-books System for Lifts and Escalators with blockchain technology to replace the log-books in paper format on 30 November 2022.

Features of Digital Log-books

Through the mobile app of the Digital Log-books system, lift/escalator workers could upload the works details for lifts/escalators to the cloud system with ease. The EMSD, responsible persons ("RPs") and registered lift/escalator contractors ("RCs") could download and view the previous and latest works record of the lifts/escalators anytime and anywhere through the mobile app or web portal of the system. Blockchain technology would be applied for storage of the log-book records, rendering the records tamper-resistant and ensuring the authenticity of the log-book content.

System Architecture of Digital Log-books
System Architecture of Digital Log-books


The system could also carry out data analysis on collected information to help various stakeholders better understand the performance and condition of the lifts/escalators. It would facilitate joint monitoring, smart regulation and effective collaborations, thereby enhancing the efficiency of management of lifts/escalators and the reliability of lift/escalator services.

Promotional Video of Digital Log-books

 
 
- source by YouTube (external)

Benefits of Digital Log-books

Development of Digital Log-books

The system development work for the Digital Log-books commenced in mid-2021. At the early stage of development, the EMSD set up extensive consultation channels with the RPs and the trade to collect users’ requirements and feedbacks for enhancement of the system. Working groups with the Building Services Operation and Maintenance Executives Society (BSOMES), Housing Authority (HA), MTR Corporation (MTRC), the Lift and Escalator Contractors Association (LECA), the Registered Elevator & Escalator Contractors Association Ltd. (REECAL) and the Hong Kong General Union of Lift and Escalator Employees (HKGULEE) have been formed and multiple meetings with each of the working groups have been held. All working groups have expressed their support for the Digital Log-books system and have given very positive feedback on the system design.

Meeting between BSOMES and EMSD
Meeting between BSOMES and EMSD


Meeting between LECA, REECAL and EMSD
Meeting between LECA, REECAL and EMSD


Meeting between HA and EMSD
Meeting between HA and EMSD


Meeting between HKGULEE and EMSD
Meeting between HKGULEE and EMSD

Meeting between MTRC and EMSD
Meeting between MTRC and EMSD


To ensure the Digital Log-books system works well, before the system roll-out, the EMSD worked with the RPs and the trade to carry out system trial on over 3000 lifts and escalators, with the aim to continuously improve the system design. Trial participants were provided with user manuals, training programmes and hotline services for trouble-shooting and opinion collection.

Roll-out of Digital Log-books

The Digital Log-books system was officially launched on 30 November 2022, in a free-of-charge basis. The templates of the digital log-books have been specified to be the form suitable for recording information and particulars of lifts/escalators. Adoption of digital log-books for recording relevant information of a lift/escalator will be regarded as an alternative way for the RP to comply with the statutory requirements of keeping a log-book for the lift/escalator. Any RPs interested in adopting digital log-books can contact their appointed registered lift/escalator contractor to arrange for activation of the digital log-books designated for their lifts/escalators. The RP can then create an account for access to the information of lifts/escalators (i.e. basic particulars, information of lifts/escalators works, details of equipment breakdown, incidents, etc.) with their given location identities via a mobile device or computer ubiquitously.

User Guide Manuals

(Available in Traditional Chinese Only)

Presentation for Introduction of Digital Log-books

Publicity Materials

Poster
Digital Log-books for Lifts and Escalators - Poster

[PDF format (1.27 MB)]

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