Code Of Practice On The Design And Construction Of Lifts And Escalators -2021 Edition- Pdf ((full))

Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) , issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) in Hong Kong, became effective on October 1, 2022 . This edition

modernizes technical requirements to align with the latest international safety standards, specifically integrating EN 115-1:2017 for escalators Overview of Key Updates

The 2021 edition focuses on enhancing accessibility, passenger safety, and operational efficiency through several major modifications: Adoption of EN 115-1:2017 : A majority of the updates are located in Section E Part 4

, which now reflects the latest European standards for escalators, adjusted for local Hong Kong requirements. Enhanced Safety Measures Anti-climb Measures

: Requirements to discourage climbing over the outer edge of balustrades to prevent falls from heights greater than 15 meters. Guard Rails

: Maximum clearances of 75 mm between balustrades and adjacent walls to prevent children from falling into voids. Comb Depth

: Specific requirements for the mesh depth of combs into the grooves of escalator treads (at least 4 mm) to reduce trapping hazards. Accessibility and Comfort

: New design considerations aim to facilitate greater independence for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families with young children. Buildings Department Structure of the Code

The document is organized into six primary sections to provide comprehensive guidance for trade practitioners: : General Introduction and scope of application.

: References to related publications and international standards. : Definitions and interpretations of technical terms. : Symbols and abbreviations. : Detailed specifications for different equipment types: : Electric lifts suspended by ropes or chains. : Hydraulic lifts. Code of Practice on the Design and Construction

: Service lifts (where the car is not accessible to persons). : Escalators and public service escalators. : Specific requirements for Fireman's Lifts

, including dedicated power supplies and specialized operation modes. Implementation Details Effective Date : Mandatory for new installations gazetted after October 1, 2022 Availability : The full text can be purchased through the Publications Sales Unit

of the Information Services Department or viewed at the EMSD General Legislation Division. specific technical amendments for electric lifts or more information on the maintenance and works code requirements? EMSD : Code of Practice (805)

The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) is the primary regulatory document for lift and escalator safety in Hong Kong, issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). Key Details of the 2021 Edition

Effective Date: The code became fully effective on October 1, 2022, officially superseding the 2019 edition.

Core Standards: This edition adopts and adjusts international standards, most notably EN115-1:2017 for escalators, to fit local requirements.

Main Updates: Significant amendments were made to Section E Part 4 regarding escalator safety and technical specifications.

Scope: It sets out technical details, safety rules, and procedures for the design and construction of lifts, escalators, and associated machinery under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618). Related Regulatory Documents (2021)

The EMSD also manages several related "2021 Edition" codes that work alongside the Design Code: How to Obtain the Official PDF Beware of

Code of Practice for Lift Works and Escalator Works (2021 Edition): Focuses on installation, maintenance, and repair procedures.

Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Builders' Lifts (2021 Edition): Specifies safety requirements for temporary lifts used at construction sites.

Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Tower Working Platforms (2021 Edition): Governs the safety and construction of mobile/tower working platforms. Accessing the PDF

While the EMSD provides Circular No. 1/2022 detailing the updates, the full 2021 Design Code itself is typically a restricted document. It must be purchased through the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department or inspected at EMSD headquarters. If you'd like, I can help you find:

Specific safety requirements for a certain component (e.g., brakes or handrails).

Contact information for the Publications Sales Unit to buy the official PDF.

Excerpts or circulars regarding specific amendments made in the 2021 update. Code of Practice (805) - EMSD

The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition), often referred to as the "Design Code," is a mandatory regulatory document issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of the Hong Kong Government. It sets the technical standards, safety rules, and procedural requirements for the installation and commissioning of vertical transportation systems in the region. Core Purpose and Effective Date

The 2021 Edition was gazetted on December 31, 2021, and officially became effective on October 1, 2022. Its primary goal is to enhance the safety and reliability of new installations by harmonizing local requirements with the latest international standards, such as the European standard EN 115-1:2017 for escalators. Key Technical Updates in the 2021 Edition Government portals (e

Adoption of EN 115-1:2017: A major portion of the amendments focused on Section E Part 4, incorporating international escalator standards adjusted for local needs. Enhanced Escalator Safety:

Drive Chain Replacement: Drive chains for escalators with a vertical rise exceeding 15 meters must now be replaced at intervals not exceeding six years.

Brake Testing: Rigorous testing of the braking system is required at least every five years.

Anti-climbing Measures: Specific requirements for shelter walls (at least 1800mm high) and balustrade clearances (max 75mm) to prevent falls, particularly for escalators with a rise greater than 15 meters.

Lift Design and Stability: All components and structural members must conform to established principles of applied mechanics and strength of materials to ensure they are free from defects and suitable for their intended operating environment.

Emergency Communication: New requirements for acknowledgement lights in lifts for persons with disabilities, which must blink to notify users that an emergency call is active. Code of Practice (805) - EMSD


How to Obtain the Official PDF

Beware of third-party websites offering outdated or corrupt files. To get the authentic “code of practice on the design and construction of lifts and escalators -2021 edition- pdf” :

  1. Government portals (e.g., BD.gov.hk, HSE.gov.uk, LiftsEscalators.gov.sg) – Usually free to download.
  2. Standards organizations (e.g., BSI, ANSI, ISO) – May charge a fee for non-citizens.
  3. Professional bodies – CIBS (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) sometimes includes it in membership libraries.
  4. Local municipal offices – If you are a registered contractor, request a direct download link.

Do not rely on file-sharing sites; many contain outdated 2012 or 2005 versions mislabeled as 2021.

5.1 Braking System Integrity

7.3 For Maintenance Providers


3. Key Revisions and Innovations in the 2021 Code

The 2021 Edition introduces several critical changes designed to align the industry with current technological realities.

2. Enhanced Pit and Overhead Clearances

With the rise of machine-room-less (MRL) lifts, the 2021 code revises the minimum clearances for pit access and overhead buffers.

4. Key Technical Updates: Lifts (Part A)

The 2021 revision introduces critical changes to lift design to address specific failure modes.