Hong Kong orders lift contractors to review doors installed over past 10 years

Hong Kong authorities have ordered all lift contractors to review the design and construction of landing doors installed over the past 10 years, after a government investigation found missing fire-safety components in lifts in at least 78 private buildings and two public estates.

The director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department issued the order in a letter on Saturday following inspections into lift contractor Taizoom Elevator that revealed “serious deficiencies”.

The company is under intense scrutiny after it was found to have installed fire-resistant doors without the required door frame components at numerous estates across Hong Kong. A source previously said that police had arrested the company’s director and two lift engineers.

“[The] Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s recent inspections reveal serious deficiencies in the major alteration of lifts undertaken by a registered lift contractor,” said chief engineer Kwan Kar-mun, who issued the letter for the director.

“Although a fire-resisting rating certificate was submitted, it was found that only the fire-resisting doors were installed as required, but the corresponding door frame components were missing, and the lift works were claimed to be complete.”