Code Of Practice On The Design And Construction Of Lifts And Escalators 2021 Edition Pdf Link -
The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) is an official document issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of Hong Kong. Official Links and Availability
Direct Download (Addendum DC03): You can access the latest amendments via the Addendum No. DC03 PDF.
Purchase Full Copy: The complete 2021 Edition is not typically available as a free full-text PDF download due to its status as a saleable publication. It can be purchased at the Information Services Department (ISD) Publications Sales Unit.
Official Resource Page: The EMSD maintains an official publications index where all current codes, including the 2021 Edition effective from October 1, 2022, are listed. Key Content & Updates
International Standards: The 2021 Edition primarily updates Section E Part 4 to adopt the latest international standard EN115-1:2017 for escalators, adapted for local Hong Kong requirements.
Scope: It sets out technical details, safety rules, and procedures for the design and construction of lifts, escalators, and associated machinery to ensure compliance with the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618).
Target Audience: It is designed for trade practitioners, including registered contractors and engineers.
Note on Related Codes:If you are looking for the code regarding the installation and maintenance rather than design, refer to the Code of Practice for Lift Works and Escalator Works (2021 Edition), which is available for free download. Code of Practice (805)
The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) is the primary technical standard for lift and escalator installations in Hong Kong. Approved by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), this edition came into full effect on October 1, 2022, officially replacing the 2019 version. Access and Downloads
While some related safety documents are available as free PDFs, the full Design and Construction Code (2021 Edition) is typically a priced publication. The Code of Practice on the Design and
Official Purchase: Physical copies are available at the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department. Related Free PDF Downloads:
Code of Practice for Lift Works and Escalator Works (2021 Edition): Focuses on maintenance, installation, and examination procedures.
Circular No. 1/2022 Summary: Provides a high-level overview of the 2021 amendments, particularly regarding escalator standards. Key Highlights of the 2021 Edition
The 2021 update introduced several critical technical adjustments to align Hong Kong standards with modern international benchmarks:
International Alignment: The majority of amendments apply to Section E Part 4, where the code adopts the latest international escalator standard, EN115-1:2017, adapted for local requirements.
Safety Enhancements: Updates include revised requirements for escalator safety components and adjusted dimensions for building works to accommodate modern lift designs.
Regulatory Context: The code operates under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Chapter 618), ensuring that Registered Contractors and Engineers adhere to strictly defined safety and construction benchmarks. Related Specialist Codes (2021 Updates)
The EMSD also released specialized 2021 editions for other vertical transportation equipment, which are available for download:
Builders' Lifts (2021 Edition): Covers lifts used specifically on construction sites for workers and materials. Code of Practice on the Design and Construction
Tower Working Platforms (2021 Edition): Technical standards for safe operation and construction of mast-climbing platforms. Code of Practice (805) - EMSD
Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) is a critical regulatory document issued by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD)
of the Hong Kong Government. This edition serves as the primary technical benchmark for ensuring the safety and reliability of vertical and inclined transportation systems across the region. 機電工程署 Core Objectives and Implementation
The primary objective of the 2021 Design Code is to enhance safety standards and align local requirements with international advancements. It provides comprehensive technical details, methods, and safety rules for trade practitioners involved in the installation and commissioning of lifts and escalators. Effective Date : The 2021 Edition officially became effective on October 1, 2022 , superseding the previous 2019 version. Regulatory Framework : It is issued under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618)
, which emphasizes a principle of shared responsibility among owners, contractors, and engineers to maintain public safety. 機電工程署 Key Updates in the 2021 Edition
A major highlight of this edition is the modernization of escalator safety standards. 機電工程署 International Alignment
: The 2021 Code incorporates the latest international standards, specifically EN 115-1:2017
, adapted for Hong Kong's specific urban density and usage patterns. Escalator Safety : Significant amendments were made to Section E Part 4
, focusing on enhanced safety features and technical specifications for escalators. Accessibility Morning routines: Oil pulling, turmeric drink, yoga, chai
: The code continues to mandate specific provisions for users with disabilities, such as distinct audible and visual signals and acknowledgement lights within lift cars. 機電工程署 Professional Guidance
For practitioners, the code is often used in conjunction with the
Code of Practice for Lift Works and Escalator Works (2021 Edition)
, which focuses on the procedural requirements of maintenance, repair, and examination rather than just initial design. 機電工程署 PDF Access and Resources
While technical addendums are available for download, the full 2021 Design Code is a priced publication. 機電工程署 Official Publication Page EMSD Codes of Practice Purchase Information : Copies can be bought through the Government Bookstore
or the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department. Summary Circular : A brief overview of the 2021 updates can be found in the EMSD Circular No. 1/2022 specific safety requirements for escalator modernization or explore the licensing requirements for engineers under this code?
AI responses may include mistakes. For legal advice, consult a professional. Learn more EMSD : Code of Practice (805)
This write-up details the regulatory background, key changes introduced in the 2021 edition, the scope of application, and where to find the official document.
Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition)
E. Wellness & Daily Rituals
- Morning routines: Oil pulling, turmeric drink, yoga, chai ritual
- Ayurveda for seasons (dinacharya, ritucharya)
- Mindful living: Digital detox through temple visits, nature walks, seva
B. Modernization and Technology
- Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS): Provisions have been updated to facilitate the use of remote monitoring. This allows for real-time data collection on lift performance, predictive maintenance, and immediate fault reporting.
- Traffic Control: Updated requirements for lift traffic control systems to better integrate with building management systems (BMS).
4. Escalator Demarcation Lines
For escalators, the 2021 edition clarifies the “Safety Zone” at entrances and exits. It mandates yellow demarcation lines and improved brush guards to prevent shoe or clothing entrapment—a common cause of injuries in transport hubs.
2. Lifestyle Content Buckets That Perform Well
4. Weaknesses / common criticisms
- No public draft consultation – Some engineers find sudden changes without industry feedback.
- Limited guidance on modernizations – Focuses heavily on new installations.
- Escalator step illumination – Less prescriptive than some European codes.
- PDF formatting – Often scanned with limited searchable text (varies by source).
