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)
The official Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) was issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This edition was gazetted on December 31, 2021, and officially came into effect on October 1, 2022. Key Updates in the 2021 Edition
International Alignment: The majority of updates are in Section E Part 4, which now adopts the international standard EN115-1:2017 for escalators, with specific adjustments for the local Hong Kong environment.
Safety Requirements: It sets out the technical standards, methods, and safety rules for the design, construction, and installation of lifts and escalators to ensure compliance with the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618).
Effective Dates: This 2021 edition replaced the previous 2019 edition, which ceased to be effective as of October 1, 2022. Accessing the Document
While the full PDF is primarily available for purchase through the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department, relevant summaries and related circulars can be found on the EMSD Code of Practice page. For other specific codes issued in 2021:
Code of Practice for Lift Works and Escalator Works (2021 Edition): Provides guidance on maintenance, repair, and examination procedures.
Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Builders' Lifts (2021 Edition): Focuses on lifts used for carrying builders and materials at construction sites. EMSD : Code of Practice (805)
Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition)
is the primary technical standard in Hong Kong for the safety, installation, and engineering of vertical transportation systems. Issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD)
, it replaced the 2019 edition and became fully effective on October 1, 2022 機電工程署 Key Technical Updates in the 2021 Edition The Code of Practice on the Design and
The 2021 update harmonizes local requirements with modern international standards, specifically focusing on enhanced passenger and worker safety. CIBSE Hong Kong Region Escalator Safety Standards : The most significant amendments are in Section E Part 4 , which now adopts the latest international standard EN115-1:2017 Drive Chain Requirements
: For long escalators (vertical rise >15m), all drive chains must be replaced at intervals not exceeding unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. Brake Testing
: Regular brake testing is now mandated at intervals not exceeding five years Modernization Focus
: The code supports the use of advanced safety components like unintended car movement protection, ascending car overspeed protection, and double braking systems. Standard Design Specifications
The code sets out rigorous physical and mechanical requirements for all new installations: Standard Requirement Lift Passenger Weight Each passenger is calculated at a standard weight of Lift Interior Height Clear height inside the lift cage must be at least Escalator Speed 0.5 to 0.65 m/s (up to 1.0 m/s for deep systems like subways). Escalator Inclination Standard angle of (35° allowed for rises <6m at lower speeds). Threshold Clearance Max horizontal distance between lift cage and landing is Regulatory Context Compliance with this code is mandatory under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618) Target Audience
: It is designed for Registered Lift/Escalator Contractors, Engineers, and Authorized Persons. Enforcement
: The EMSD conducts surveillance checks to ensure maintenance work aligns with these design standards. Related Documents
: For day-to-day operations and maintenance tasks, trade practitioners should refer to the
Code of Practice for Lift Works and Escalator Works (2021 Edition)
The full official document is available for purchase from the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department. 機電工程署 for older lifts or the technical specifications for a particular type of installation? Code of Practice (805) - EMSD Overview A practical guide to the Code of
Elevating Safety: A Guide to the 2021 Code of Practice for Lifts and Escalators
The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) is the current gold standard for vertical transportation safety and engineering. Published by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), this code became effective on October 1, 2022, officially superseding the 2019 version.
For property owners, developers, and engineers, staying compliant with this edition is essential for ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency. What’s New in the 2021 Edition?
The 2021 update harmonizes local standards with the latest international EN standards to enhance accessibility, safety, and comfort. Key highlights include:
Enhanced Safety Safeguards: New requirements aimed at better protecting both passengers and workers during operation and maintenance.
Aged Lift Modernization: Includes stricter surveillance and "special maintenance" requirements for older lifts lacking modern safety features like unintended car movement protection.
Escalator Drive Chain Requirements: Tightened criteria for drive chain replacement to prevent flow-back incidents; chains must now be replaced according to strict discard criteria or at least every six years for long rises over 15 meters.
Worker Competency: Alignment with the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618), emphasizing a registration system for trade practitioners to ensure high skill levels. Scope and Application
The code applies to all lifts and escalators governed by the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance. It covers a wide range of technical specifications, including:
Structural Building Works: Guidance for Authorized Persons and Registered Structural Engineers on accommodating lift and escalator installations. Do not rely on file-sharing sites
Specialized Equipment: Dedicated sections for service lifts, vehicle lifts, and "public service escalators" that operate under high-traffic conditions (e.g., in public transit stations).
Fireman’s Lifts: Specific design requirements to ensure reliable operation during emergencies. Why Compliance Matters
Adhering to the EMSD Code of Practice ensures that building works meet the statutory requirements of the Building (Construction) Regulations. Beyond legal compliance, it fosters a safer environment by addressing common hazards like shearing, crushing, and fire. Accessing the Document
While summaries provide a glimpse, professionals should refer to the full text for detailed technical specifications. The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) is available for purchase through the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department. What is ASME A17.1 safety code, and why is it important?
The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) is a proactive regulatory update that prioritizes passenger safety through redundancy and advanced detection systems. By mandating additional braking on escalators and refining door protection on lifts, the Code addresses the most common causes of vertical transportation accidents.
Stakeholders are advised to procure the full official PDF from the EMSD website or relevant local authority portals to ensure all technical appendices and diagrams are referenced correctly during the design and construction phases.
A practical guide to the Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 edition), summarizing scope, key technical requirements, compliance pathways, design considerations, common pitfalls, and practical implementation advice for designers, contractors, building owners and regulators.
For the first time, a code of practice on lift design includes provisions against cyber threats. Modern lifts with remote monitoring or destination dispatch systems must have encrypted communication channels to prevent unauthorized access to the machine room.
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” :
Do not rely on file-sharing sites; many contain outdated 2012 or 2005 versions mislabeled as 2021.