Calls for tighter lift engineer qualifications

An electrical engineer has urged the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to enhance its oversight of lift safety and tighten qualifications for registered lift engineers. This call came after inspections discovered that lifts at 74 additional buildings installed by Taizoom Elevator were missing fire-resistant door frame components, bringing the total to 152 affected premises.

Ho Wing-ip, speaking to RTHK, stated that while the department should continue relying on licensed lift inspectors, modifications are needed. He emphasized that the EMSD may need to incorporate the fire door and smoke seal components into the examination report, as they currently do not. Ho, also an adjunct professor, suggested tightening the requirements for lift engineers' qualifications and renewals, which occur every five years.

He theorized that Taizoom Elevator might have omitted these components to reduce costs, though the components only represent about 10% of the fire-resistant door system's total cost. The EMSD initiated citywide inspections of lifts serviced by Taizoom last week, following the discovery of missing fire-resistant door frames in 48 lifts at two public housing estates.

As of Sunday, the department had completed checks on 192 buildings, with 180 more remaining. The department has also mandated other registered lift contractors to conduct similar inspections and submit reports. The EMSD plans to perform sample checks, with no other contractors reporting issues so far. Police have arrested a 79-year-old company director and two lift engineers on suspicion of deception and fraud, but they were later released on bail.