Lifts need better safety measures, foolproof or not

The design of lift sensors must take into consideration that there are no objects at the doors before they close completely (“No guarantee multi-beam sensors would prevent lift accidents, says BCA”; Nov 10).

The Building and Construction Authority, together with lift maintenance companies, must look into this to ensure that such an unfortunate accident does not recur.

The sensors must be better equipped, with more sensing strips running down both sides of the lift, and there should be a slight delay before it closes so that everyone is safely inside. These features can enhance overall lift safety.

The findings showed that the lift doors’ protective devices were not designed to detect objects less than 10mm thick. This must be addressed, for the sake of safety. The doors should open immediately when an object obstructs the sensors’ path.

Multi-beam sensors may not be foolproof, but safety measures must be improved, perhaps via a mechanism to force the doors open should the sensors malfunction.

An automated warning that the doors are closing could be programmed into the lift.

Also, all lifts should be maintained and serviced regularly to ensure they are working at optimum levels and that all safety features are in working order. Older blocks of flats with older lifts should either be maintained more frequently or upgraded.

It is timely that the authority will be reminding the public about lift safety procedures. The elderly and pet owners, especially, should be made aware of the steps they can take to prevent such mishaps.

Stringent safety standards must be adhered to and communicated to the public. Town councils must also take lift complaints seriously and conduct further investigative checks. If such issues are not resolved quickly, they could prove to be safety hazards.