The lift incident at Fu Shin Estate in Tai Po was due to a failure of the counterweight pulley bearing, an Electrical & Mechanical Services Department inquiry has found.

Releasing the report today, department director Ho Kwong-wai said the failure had caused the dislodgement of all eight suspension ropes from the counterweight. Without the counterweight balance, the lift car started descending and gaining momentum. The activation of safety gear in the lift car then slowed it.

Registered lift contractors and engineers must inspect key components during routine maintenance and periodic examination, Mr Ho said, adding in normal circumstances, similar lift incidents should not happen.

More checks

He said the department has begun further investigation to find out whether there is any person or party liable under the law. Should there be sufficient evidence showing any offence, prosecution will be initiated.

The incident occurred in Shin Nga House on October 25. Tests showed the tensile strength of all eight lift suspension ropes complied with the manufacturer's technical specification and met international standards.

Examination of the lift's seven sets of broken suspension ropes showed the fracture surfaces generally had the characteristics of overstressing tensile failure, indicating the suspension ropes' quality complied with the safe operational requirement.

After the Tai Po incident, the department and the Housing Department inspected 517 similar Kone lifts in Hong Kong and all were found to be safe.

To prevent similar incidents, the report recommended registered lift contractors and engineers, during routine maintenance and periodic examination, should strictly follow the manufacturers' recommendations and the code of practice to ensure key components are in good working condition.

Mr Ho said although data did not show a rising trend of lift incidents in recent years, the department is reviewing and enhancing regulatory arrangements.

Since mid-November the department has strengthened its lift inspections and spot checks in private buildings. The proportion of audit checks is increased from one out of 10 to one out of seven, and the number of inspection team members from 16 to 24.

It is also consulting the lift contractors and worker representatives through an established working group to review and enhance safety.

To facilitate building owners and management agencies to properly procure lift maintenance service, the department has compiled a sample tender document here.

Click here for lift incident technical investigation report.