Hong Kong to increase inspections of escalators and lifts
Move follows spate of mishaps in Hong Kong and mainland, including fatal accident
Inspections of lifts and escalators will be stepped up across the city following a recent spate of escalator-related accidents in Hong Kong and on the mainland.
But Secretary for Development Paul Chan Mo-po was quick to dismiss concerns about poor maintenance and equipment failure as most of the 3,800 escalator-related incidents in the city since 2013 had been caused by careless use or foreign objects getting lodged in the machines, rather than mechanical faults.
Chan cited escalator accidents at Mong Kok and Wong Tai Sin MTR stations last year which were caused by small metal objects or cloth shoes getting stuck in escalator floor plates.
Chan wrote in his weekly blog yesterday that the department had issued a circular to all registered lift and escalator contractors in the city late last month reminding them to step up checks and to ensure escalators complied with accepted international safety standards.
They were also reminded to inspect the floor plates, structural supports and safety mechanisms of escalators and to ensure they were in working order.
Notices were also sent to the Association of Property Management Companies and Building Services Operation and Maintenance Executives Society, telling them to reiterate to members that they were responsible for maintenance.