MOST HONG KONG ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS FAIL SAFETY RULES

      An investigation reveals that most of the elevators and escalators in Hong Kong do not meet the government's safety requirements, The Standard recently reported. As of the end of 2017, Hong Kong's safety ombudsman said 80% of the 66,000 lifts and 90% of the 9,300 escalators lacked components that meet standards set by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. In addition, the investigation found that more than 21,000 lifts and escalators are at least 30 years old. "Serious accidents involving lifts and escalators in recent years have aroused public concern about the adequacy of the government's current regulatory measures," said Ombudsman Winnie Chiu Wai-yin. High-profile incidents include a suddenly reversing escalator in March 2017 that hurt 18 people; the death of a woman who fell down an elevator shaft in May 2018; and a couple critically injured in April 2018 when the elevator they were in shot upward, crashing into the top of the hoistway. The ongoing investigation will examine the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance regarding maintenance and inspections, including the adequacy of the official monitoring mechanism. This will involve examining the effectiveness of its regulation of contractors and technicians and seeking areas for improvement.