Internal phones among updates lifts need, says BCA

SINGAPORE — An interlocking switch to ensure that lifts stop moving immediately when the doors are open, and a system that protects against unintended lift car movements, are among some features that the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has recommended that lift owners adopt to make lifts more reliable.

These recommendations are being studied by the various town councils, and Dr Teo Ho Pin, coordinating chairman for the 15 People’s Action Party (PAP) town councils, said that, on the whole, enhancements to lift features and maintenance could lead to higher service and conservancy charges, if adopted.

In response to TODAY’s queries, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) said that the BCA’s recommendations would also apply to the lifts at public flats. About a third of the lifts in Singapore are found in HDB blocks.

“The Ministry of National Development and HDB will be announcing the details next week,” the HDB said.

There are 61,000 passenger lifts in Singapore, according to the BCA, which is conducting a review of lift and escalator regulations, and recently introduced new requirements following a spate of serious life-related accidents. Releasing the recommendations on Friday (Sept 16), the BCA said the lifts, when properly used, maintained and inspected, “will continue to be safe for operation”.

But technological advancements may mean that some lifts are not equipped with the latest features. “In this regard, there is scope to modernise such lifts and to bring them on par with newer lifts,” said the BCA.

It noted that lift modernisation programmes are mandatory in Belgium and New York, while Finland and Hong Kong have guidelines for the voluntary modernisation of existing lifts.

The list of eight recommendations also include a telephone or other communication devices installed in the lift for people to call for emergency services, as well as a battery-operated device that will take the lift to the nearest landing in case of a power failure.

The BCA said the list is based on consultation with the industry, observations from lift audit checks, as well as findings from the recent lift incidents in Singapore and overseas.

The issue of lift maintenance has come under the spotlight, following at least five reported accidents in eight months, one of which resulted in the death of a 77-year-old man in May, after he fell while reversing his mobility scooter out of a lift that had stopped 15cm above ground level.

In July, more stringent lift maintenance standards took effect, holding lift owners and contractors to specific requirements, such as ensuring that lift car doors and landing doors are operational at all times.

Dr Teo said a lift review taskforce has been formed for the PAP’s 15 town councils to look into the new safety regulations, as well as these voluntary measures. When completed in November, the list of recommendations will be submitted to the HDB, he said. “We have 22,500 lifts with different age groups and design, so definitely, there’ll be some that need upgrading. But enhancing these lifts means there will be a cost, for servicing and maintenance,” he said.

The Workers’ Party-run Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, when contacted, said it is also looking at the list of recommendations.

Mr Quah Eng Hing, secretary of the Singapore Lift & Escalator Contractors & Manufacturers Association, said that lift owners may not adopt these recommended measures if they are not legislated.

“These features do make the lifts a lot safer, as many have old features built many years ago. Then there are new designs that come on board to prevent any uncertainty that happens,” he said. “But if they are only recommended, then companies might do it only if they have money.”

The lift industry is facing a labour crunch, with its resources for maintenance and replacement stretched. The BCA said it expects the number of lifts in Singapore to increase. Nevertheless, it added that it is looking into a “defined career progression pathway” for technicians and industry professionals to attract new entrants to the industry, among other efforts to build up manpower capabilities to support the sector.

It is also reviewing the possibility of implementing a structured methodology for preventive maintenance, and is also exploring remote monitoring and diagnostics, which can increase the productivity of maintenance works.