Missing lift fire door frames confined to Taizoom, Hong Kong authorities say

Inspections conducted in Hong Kong have revealed that missing fire-resistant door frames are confined to buildings serviced by Taizoom Elevator, according to authorities. Out of 338 structures under Taizoom's care, 338 have been confirmed to lack these essential safety components. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department announced these findings on Thursday, following a pledge to broaden the scope of inspections to encompass lifts managed by other contractors.

The city-wide checks began on October 16, following the discovery of missing fire-resistant door frames in 48 lifts installed at two public housing complexes. The department determined that 338 buildings serviced by Taizoom were missing the crucial components required to contain flames and smoke within elevator shafts during a fire.

The department also mandated other registered lift contractors to undertake similar inspections on lifts they had installed over the past decade and submit their reports, which the department subsequently sampled. Of the 20 buildings within housing estates and 70 single-block buildings with lifts installed by contractors other than Taizoom, none have been found to have missing door frame components.

The department plans to prioritize installing the missing door frames in these buildings as swiftly as possible. All inspected buildings, regardless of whether they have installed the required door frame components, have been informed of the inspection results, which the department will oversee and cost upon completion. Police arrested a Taizoom director and two registered lift engineers on Friday, suspected of deception involving safety certificates allegedly certifying the completion of the work.