Hong Kong’s investigation into missing lift door-frame components has widened, with the South China Morning Post reporting similar findings in another 39 buildings inspected by authorities.
The newspaper reported that the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department had inspected the buildings by 2pm on Friday, 16 October. They comprised one building within a housing estate and 38 standalone buildings. The figure refers to buildings, rather than the number of affected lifts.
The wider inspections follow deficiencies identified in 48 replacement lifts installed by Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited at two Tenants Purchase Scheme estates.
In its original statement, the department identified nine lifts at Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong and 39 at Pok Hong Estate in Sha Tin. Fire-resistance certificates had been submitted, but inspectors found that corresponding door-frame components had not been installed.
The department said those original 48 lifts could continue operating safely despite the non-compliance. It instructed the contractor to install the missing components and cover the remedial costs.
For those estate repairs, each lift is expected to require a suspension of around one to two days while the components are fitted, with work arranged outside busy periods where possible.
The department has also begun a wider review of lift installation, inspection, maintenance and supervision arrangements, alongside the registration and approval system. That review is expected to finish before the end of the year.
