Hyderabad: Despite recurring lift accidents, very little has been done to ensure safety or penalise the guilty, exposing residents to potential hazards. In the past six months alone, Hyderabad witnessed 10 lift-related accidents, resulting in 15 injuries and three deaths.
Even GHMC mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi experienced a close call two weeks ago when a lift collapsed in a building in Medipally, causing minor injuries to other occupants while she escaped unhurt.
Various governmental bodies, including GHMC, TGSPDCL and fire services, have preferred to distance themselves from the responsibility, stating that lift safety regulations do not fall within their jurisdiction.
While Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi have lift Acts, Telangana is yet to have one.
“Usually, fire service personnel respond to lift-related emergencies to rescue trapped individuals. But there are no standardised safety protocols or regulations. Our department is prepared to establish guidelines and conduct essential staff training if directed by the state govt. Given the rising number of apartments in the city, implementing a comprehensive lift Act is crucial. Such legislation would establish clear standards for both lift manufacturers and building owners to adhere to,” said Y Nagi Reddy, director general, State Disaster Response and Fire Services.
According to regulations governing lifts that are enforced across various states, any company or contractor involved in lift installation must secure govt approvals.
The installation process necessitates a preliminary site inspection by a designated departmental engineer, who evaluates whether the location meets the required specifications for lift installation. Following the installation, the same departmental engineer conducts a site visit to assess safety measures. Upon successful inspection, a clearance certificate is issued, which remains valid for a duration equivalent to that of an automobile fitness certificate.
“In the absence of a lift Act in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, people typically get different price estimates and select the lowest option for installation. Despite the presence of reputable companies and contractors in these states, customers often opt for cheaper alternatives, resulting in substandard installations that lack essential features such as safety clutches and speed governors. This compromises lift safety, creating potential risks of system failures at any moment. We request customers to thoroughly verify the track record of the company or contractor from whom they buy a lift,” said Gulam Mohiuddin Adil, vice president, Telangana Elevators and Escalators Contractors Association.
