Hong Kong narrows lift fire frame failures to Taizoom
SCMP · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong authorities said on Thursday that inspections had not found missing fire-resistant lift door frame components in buildings handled by contractors other than Taizoom Elevator, after checks were widened beyond the company’s own projects. The update came after 338 buildings served by Taizoom were confirmed to lack the components, and a day before the Urban Renewal Authority said it had lost confidence in the contractor and would not recommend it under a subsidy scheme.
Key Points
- The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department began citywide inspections of lifts serviced by Taizoom on October 16, after missing fire-resistant door frames were discovered in 48 newly installed lifts at two public housing estates
- Authorities later confirmed that 338 buildings under Taizoom’s service lacked components meant to stop flames and smoke entering lift shafts during a fire.
- The department also ordered other registered lift contractors to inspect lifts they had installed over the past 10 years and submit reports, followed by official sample checks
- Latest results showed no missing door frame components in 20 housing-estate buildings and 70 single-block buildings where lifts had been installed by contractors other than Taizoom
- The Urban Renewal Authority said on Friday it had lost confidence in Taizoom’s services and did not recommend owners choose the firm for the Lift Modernisation Subsidy Scheme
Why It Matters
The government said it would now focus resources on installing the missing lift door frames in affected Taizoom-serviced buildings as soon as possible, with works supervised by the department and costs borne by contractors. For owners planning lift replacement or modernisation, the URA’s stance adds practical pressure on Taizoom while officials continue oversight and spot checks after remedial works are completed.