Regulating Lift and Escalator Safety in Hong Kong

Quality and safe lift and escalator services are vital for a densely populated city dominated by high-rise buildings as in Hong Kong. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (“EMSD”) of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“HKSAR”) is responsible for regulating the safety of lifts and escalators in Hong Kong by enforcing the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap.618) through various means, such as conducting risk-based audit inspections, carrying out prosecution and disciplinary proceedings, implementing codes of practice as well as the registration of contractors, engineers and workers. EMSD has also rolled out various initiatives to facilitate the sustainable development of the lift and escalator trade, including maintenance price survey for lifts, performance ratings of registered contractors, collaboration with the trade and training institutes to recruit new blood etc. In addition, EMSD promotes lift and escalator safety to the public via diversified publicity and education programmes. This paper will examine the ways on how EMSD plays its role as “Facilitator” and “Promoter” in addition to its traditional role as a “Regulator” on regulation of lift and escalator safety in Hong Kong, and the outcomes of its efforts.