Hyderabad: In the wake of the tragic death of a 6-year-old boy who was trapped between a lift and the elevator shaft wall in Masab Tank, the Telangana Elevators and Escalators Contractors Association has said that around 80% of manufacturers in Hyderabad install substandard lifts.
Of the total 500 small and medium manufacturers, at least 400 are supplying lifts without essential safety protocols as residents opt for cheaper alternatives that cost half the price of branded units.
Suppliers refurbish old lift parts
It was found that these suppliers often refurbish old lift components, repaint them, add some new parts and install the system without essential safety features such as overspeed governors and clutches. This practice leads to problematic installations and potentially fatal accidents, all due to a lack of regulatory oversight.
The situation is worrying as there are no lift inspectors from the GHMC or the fire and emergency services in the absence of a Lift Act. This has led to unregulated lift installations without proper safety protocols and monitoring mechanisms, even as more than a dozen lift-related mishaps have occurred across the city in the last six months.
No lift inspector in Hyd
In fact, it is surprising to note that Hyderabad does not have a single lift inspector to carry out annual inspections of lifts, escalators and other systems, verify the condition of the equipment and test safety features such as emergency brakes and overspeed governors. These officers are essential in reviewing the operational efficiency of these lifts.
Whenever there is a tragedy, fire brigades respond to such emergencies to rescue those trapped in lifts. “In the absence of proper regulations, many operators fail to maintain proper standards of lift operation. With the increasing number of high-rise buildings, it has become essential to have uniform safety protocols and regulatory frameworks for lifts. Both MAUD and the fire brigade have previously urged the state govt to implement the Lift and Escalator Act, which would set definitive standards for lift manufacturers and building owners to follow. We will continue to pursue this matter with the state govt,” said GV Narayana Rao, director, state fire and emergency services.
The Telangana Elevators and Escalators Contractors Association has urged users to prioritise safety and schedule monthly inspections by experienced, reliable technicians with a proven track record. “Property owners must recognise their responsibility for the safety of the lifts in their premises. They must use only quality parts with warranties and avoid schemes that promote cheap technicians, cheap services or discounted parts. When purchasing either spare parts or complete lift systems, we advise them to choose suppliers with an established service record who offer comprehensive warranties,” said Gulam Mohiuddin Adil, vice president of the association.
Of the total 500 small and medium manufacturers, at least 400 are supplying lifts without essential safety protocols as residents opt for cheaper alternatives that cost half the price of branded units.
Suppliers refurbish old lift parts
It was found that these suppliers often refurbish old lift components, repaint them, add some new parts and install the system without essential safety features such as overspeed governors and clutches. This practice leads to problematic installations and potentially fatal accidents, all due to a lack of regulatory oversight.
The situation is worrying as there are no lift inspectors from the GHMC or the fire and emergency services in the absence of a Lift Act. This has led to unregulated lift installations without proper safety protocols and monitoring mechanisms, even as more than a dozen lift-related mishaps have occurred across the city in the last six months.
No lift inspector in Hyd
In fact, it is surprising to note that Hyderabad does not have a single lift inspector to carry out annual inspections of lifts, escalators and other systems, verify the condition of the equipment and test safety features such as emergency brakes and overspeed governors. These officers are essential in reviewing the operational efficiency of these lifts.
Whenever there is a tragedy, fire brigades respond to such emergencies to rescue those trapped in lifts. “In the absence of proper regulations, many operators fail to maintain proper standards of lift operation. With the increasing number of high-rise buildings, it has become essential to have uniform safety protocols and regulatory frameworks for lifts. Both MAUD and the fire brigade have previously urged the state govt to implement the Lift and Escalator Act, which would set definitive standards for lift manufacturers and building owners to follow. We will continue to pursue this matter with the state govt,” said GV Narayana Rao, director, state fire and emergency services.
The Telangana Elevators and Escalators Contractors Association has urged users to prioritise safety and schedule monthly inspections by experienced, reliable technicians with a proven track record. “Property owners must recognise their responsibility for the safety of the lifts in their premises. They must use only quality parts with warranties and avoid schemes that promote cheap technicians, cheap services or discounted parts. When purchasing either spare parts or complete lift systems, we advise them to choose suppliers with an established service record who offer comprehensive warranties,” said Gulam Mohiuddin Adil, vice president of the association.
