EMSD Director Poon Kwok-ying said 720 lifts installed by Taizoom – about 90 percent of the total – had not been fitted with door-frame components required by law.
These include lifts in 11 blocks across two Tenants Purchase Scheme estates and in another 338 private buildings.
Poon said about 900 lifts in 480 buildings installed by other registered lift contractors had been sampled and inspected, and all were confirmed to have the required door-frame components installed.
He said preliminary evidence showed that Taizoom was suspected of serious negligence and misconduct in lift works, and the EMSD will continue its investigation.
Poon said a report was made to the police on October 16 because the incident is suspected to involve criminal acts of fraud and providing false statements. The police are conducting a criminal investigation.
Citing a fire consultant’s assessment, Poon said the vast majority of the lifts lacking door-frame components were old-style lifts that had been in operation for more than 30 to 50 years, and the buildings concerned were completed before 1990.
“At that time, the requirement for landing doors was 60 minutes of fire resistance, and there was no requirement for specific door-frame components,” he said.
“The new door panels installed by Taizoom passed the fire-resistance test under BS 476, Part 22, to a rating of at least 120 minutes. So, even without the missing frame components, the overall level of fire safety after the new panels were installed is not lower than it was before.
“Nevertheless, failing to install the required components is still unlawful. The EMSD has instructed Taizoom to carry out remedial work on the lifts in the affected buildings as soon as possible. Taizoom must pay all associated costs.”
The department has launched a comprehensive review and examination covering new lift installation and major alteration works, inspection and maintenance, and the registration regulation and approval system under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance.
It will also strengthen inspections and sampling, use digital records for works, and apply technology to enhance the overall quality of lift works. The review is expected to be completed before the end of this year.