The Government has proposed amendments to the Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance, Cap. 327, with a view to strengthening the regulatory framework on lift and escalator safety. A three-month public consultation on the amendment proposals was launched today (November 30).
A spokesman for the Development Bureau noted that a spate of lift incidents last year had heightened public concern over lift safety. The Government promptly put in place a package of improvement measures to enhance lift safety in Hong Kong. In parallel, a comprehensive review of the Ordinance was also conducted to examine the operational efficiency of the enforcement work and control of maintenance practices.
On the regulatory regime, the major amendment proposals included the upgrading of qualification requirements for lift and escalator engineers, introduction of a registration system for workers in the industry, and an increase in the penalty level of offences under the Ordinance, the spokesman said.
To cope with the advancement in lift and escalator technologies, it is proposed to adopt the qualification of registered professional engineer of suitable disciplines with at least two years' relevant working experience as the prerequisite for registration as lift and escalator engineers.
A registration system for lift and escalator workers is proposed with a view to recognising competence and promoting continuous self-development, to achieve better control of workmanship and to institute sanctions against improper and unsafe practices in performing lift and escalator works.
On the penalty for offences under the Ordinance, the current level of a maximum fine of $5,000 and 12 months imprisonment is considered outdated and is not commensurate with the severity of the offences. It is proposed to increase the penalty level to a maximum fine of $200,000 and 12 months imprisonment with reference to ordinances of a similar nature.
The consultation paper also covers the review of the regulatory regime for public housing estates and government buildings, as well as the streamlining of existing regulatory processes to enhance administrative efficiency.
Copies of the consultation paper are available for collection at the District Offices. The document is also available for browsing at the websites of the Development Bureau (www.devb.gov.hk) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk).
Views from stakeholders, interested parties and the public are welcome. Please send your views on or before February 28, 2010, by mail (Lifts and Escalators Sub-Division, EMSD, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong), email (cap327-consultation@emsd.gov.hk) or facsimile (2504 5970).
Ends/Monday, November 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:38
NNNN