The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition), published by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), officially took effect on October 1, 2022, replacing the 2019 edition. It provides comprehensive safety standards, technical specifications for installation, and procedures under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618). The full text is available through the EMSD website. EMSD : Code of Practice (805)
Introduction
The code of practice for the design and construction of lifts and escalators provides guidelines and standards for the safe and efficient installation of lifting equipment in buildings. The 2021 edition of the code aims to ensure that lifts and escalators are designed and constructed to provide safe and reliable transportation for users.
Scope of the Code
The code applies to the design and construction of:
Key Principles
The code is based on the following key principles:
Design Requirements
The code outlines the following design requirements:
Construction Requirements
The code outlines the following construction requirements:
Safety Features
The code requires the following safety features:
Inspection and Maintenance
The code requires regular inspection and maintenance of lifts and escalators to ensure that they remain safe and efficient.
Compliance
Compliance with the code is essential to ensure that lifts and escalators are designed and constructed to provide safe and reliable transportation. Building owners, architects, engineers, and contractors should ensure that they comply with the requirements of the code.
References
For more detailed information, refer to the 2021 edition of the code of practice for the design and construction of lifts and escalators. The Code of Practice on the Design and
Here is a link to download the PDF:
(I'm sorry, but I don't have direct access to the specific 2021 edition code; however, I can suggest searching online for the document using keywords like "code of practice for the design and construction of lifts and escalators 2021 pdf")
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I understand you're looking for the "Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators – 2021 Edition" in PDF format. However, I cannot directly provide or generate the PDF file itself, as that would involve distributing copyrighted material.
What I can do to help you obtain the document legally and efficiently:
Identify the issuing authority – This is likely from the Buildings Department of Hong Kong (or a similar jurisdiction, such as Singapore or the UK). The 2021 edition is often a Hong Kong Code of Practice.
Legal free access – Many government bodies provide these codes as free PDF downloads on their official websites. I suggest:
"Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators" 2021 site:bd.gov.hkIf you need a structured summary or a paper based on the code (for study or reference), I can write a detailed original paper that summarizes its key provisions, structure, and technical requirements. This would be a new, non-copyright-infringing document written by me.
Introduction
The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators provides guidelines and standards for the design, construction, installation, testing, and maintenance of lifts and escalators in buildings. The 2021 edition of the code aims to ensure that lifts and escalators are designed and constructed to provide safe and efficient transportation for users.
Scope of the Code
The code applies to:
Key Definitions
Design and Construction Requirements
A critical aspect of the 2021 Code is its move away from isolated local specifications towards global harmonization, specifically with European Norms (EN).
When tendering for Otis, Schindler, Mitsubishi, or TK Elevator, attach the 2021 edition PDF as a contractual requirement. Many standard products are built to EN 81-20 or -50; the Hong Kong code adds local demands (e.g., higher emergency battery capacity due to unstable mains).
The 2021 edition harmonizes with the BD’s Design Manual 2021 for barrier-free access. It specifies:
The 2021 edition is a mandatory or advisory legal document (depending on jurisdiction, often adopted by authorities like the Buildings Department or Labor Department in regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, or the UK) that updates previous versions from 2012 or 2018. It incorporates lessons learned from technological advances, accident investigations, and international harmonization with standards like EN 81 (European) and ASME A17.1 (American). Key Principles The code is based on the
Beyond safety, the 2021 edition introduces a non-mandatory but recommended section on energy efficiency (Appendix J). While not enforceable, it strongly encourages:
If you are applying for BEAM Plus certification (Hong Kong’s green building rating), following these recommendations from the code of practice PDF provides documented compliance.