CODE OF PRACTICE

FOR
THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
AND BUILDING WORKS
FOR
THE INSTALLATION AND SAFE USE OF
LIFTS AND ESCALATORS

2011

BUILDING AUTHORITY
HONG KONG

FOREWORD
This Code of Practice sets out the technical standards for building works carried out
or to be carried out to accommodate lifts and escalators for the guidance of Authorized
Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and other persons responsible for or interested in the
design and construction of buildings. It also provides guidance on the notices to be
displayed to warn occupants and users of buildings, where lifts and escalators are installed, of
the danger that may arise from using, operating and maintaining lifts and escalators.
As a general rule, compliance with the provisions promulgated herein may be deemed
to satisfy the requirements of Building (Construction) Regulation 9A. The Building
Authority may, however, accept other standards or provisions if he is satisfied that they are
capable of equivalent performance.
This revised edition of the Code incorporates various amendments made and
promulgated through the relevant Practice Note for Authorized Persons, Registered Structural
Engineers and Registered Geotechnical Engineers since its first publication in 1993.

First issue

This revision :

July 1993
November 2011

CONTENTS
Page

1.

General

1.1
1.2
1.3

Scope
Definitions
Application to service lifts

1
1
2

2.

Dimensions for lift installations

2.1
2.2
2.3

Minimum dimensions for lift installations

Modifications from the minimum dimensions for lift installations
Machine-room-less lift installations

2
2
2

3.

Lifts

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7

2
2
5
5
6
6
6

3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15
3.16
3.17

Liftwell enclosure
Liftwell inspection and emergency doors and inspection traps
Ventilation of a liftwell
Walls, floor and ceiling of a liftwell
Construction of the walls of liftwells facing a car entrance
Protection of any space located below a car or a counterweight
Well containing cars and counterweights belonging to several lifts or service
lifts
Lift pit
Exclusive use of a liftwell
Outside of a liftwell
Machine and pulley rooms
Machine and pulley room access
Structural strength and floor surface of machine and pulley rooms
Dimensions of machine and pulley rooms
Doors and trap doors to machine and pulley rooms
Other openings in machine and pulley rooms
Handling of equipment in machine rooms

6
7
7
8
8
8
9
9
10
10

4.

Service Lifts

10

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7

10
10
10
10
10
10
11

4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11

Liftwell enclosure
Liftwell inspection doors and inspection traps
Ventilation of a liftwell
Walls, floor and ceiling of a liftwell
Construction of walls of liftwells facing a car entrance
Protection of any space located below a car or a counterweight
Well containing cars and counterweights belonging to several lifts or service
lifts
Lift pit
Exclusive use of a liftwell
Outside of a liftwell
Machine rooms and enclosures

5.

Escalators

12

5.1
5.2
5.3

Machine rooms and driving and return stations

Steps and landings
Obstructions

12
13
14

Appendix : Sample of general note to be provided on general building plans

11
11
11
11

15

1.

GENERAL

1.1

Scope
This Code of Practice deals with building works related to lifts and escalators in general.
Standards on fire resisting construction for all building works including building works to
accommodate lifts and escalators are specified in Part C of the Code of Practice for Fire Safety
in Buildings. Electrical and mechanical standards are specified in the Code of Practice on the
Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators and the Code of Practice for Lift Works and
Escalator Works issued under the Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance. For firemens lifts,
some requirements of regulation 41B of the Building (Planning) Regulations and the standards
specified in Part D of the Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings may also be applicable.

1.2

Definitions

1.2.1

Escalator, lift and service lift have the same meaning as assigned to them respectively in
the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance, Cap. 327. Open air has the same meaning as assigned
to it in regulation 2(1) of the Building (Planning) Regulations.

1.2.2

For ease of reference, the above definitions are reproduced below.

Escalator means
(a) an inclined, continuous stairway which is driven by mechanical power and used for
raising or lowering passengers; and
(b) a passenger conveyor that is a continuous walkway which is driven by mechanical power
and used for the conveyance of passengers on the same or between different traffic levels;
Lift means
(a) a lifting machine or appliance having a car or platform the direction of movement of
which is restricted by a guide or guides; or
(b) a mechanized vehicle parking system,
but does not include an escalator;
Service lift means a lift having a rated load of not more than 250 kg and a car in which the
area of the floor is not more than 1 m2 and the height of which is not more than 1.2m;
Open air means a space which
(a) is vertically uncovered and unobstructed;
(b) is not less, in any horizontal dimension, than 1.5m; and
(c) where such space is enclosed on 4 sides, has a horizontal area of not less than 1 m2 for
every 6 m of the mean height of the walls enclosing the space.

-1-

1.3

Application to service lifts

The standards specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be adopted for all lifts to which Building
(Construction) Regulation 9A applies, except service lifts. The standards for service lifts are
laid down in paragraph 4.

2.

DIMENSIONS FOR LIFT INSTALLATIONS

2.1

Minimum dimensions for lift installations

The minimum dimensions of well, entrance, pit, machine room and headroom are
given in Table 1.

2.2

Modifications from the minimum dimensions for lift installations

If there are justifications to deviate from, or practical difficulties to comply with, the
minimum dimensions given in Table 1, then the requirements may be modified provided that
a registered lift engineer or a person authorized by a registered lift contractor confirms in
writing that
(i) the installations can be accommodated in the proposed lift wells and machine rooms;
(ii) any future maintenance, repair, major alteration, replacement, examination and testing of
the lifts can be carried out in the proposed liftwells and machine rooms safely and without
difficulty; and
(iii) the lift installations are in full compliance with the Code of Practice on the Design and
Construction of Lifts and Escalators issued under the Lifts and Escalators (Safety)
Ordinance.

2.3

Machine-room-less lift installations

The requirements on machine room minimum dimensions and overall headroom are not
applicable to machine-room-less lift installations if the concerned lift models are approved by
the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services. Particulars of the lift models used and
relevant approval shall be indicated on the general building plans.

3.

LIFTS

3.1

Liftwell enclosure
Each well shall be totally enclosed by imperforate walls, floor and ceiling, as defined in
paragraph 3.4 and in accordance with Part C of the Code of Practice for Fire Safety in
Buildings.

3.2

Liftwell inspection and emergency doors and inspection traps

3.2.1

Inspection and emergency doors, and inspection traps to a well, shall not be permitted except
on grounds of safety to users or the requirements of servicing.

3.2.2 Inspection doors shall have a minimum height of 1.4 m and a minimum width of 600 mm.

-2-

Table 1
Rated
load

No. of
Passengers

Rated
speed

630

680

*800

900

1 000

1 250

1 350

1 600

m/s
8

10

12

13

16

18

21

Well min.
dimensions

Car internal sizes

Width
Cw

Kg

Minimum dimensions for lift installations

Depth
Cd

Max.
Area
Ca
2

Height

Width
Ww

Depth
Wd

Clear
entrance
Width
Ew

Height
Eh

Pit
depth

Headroom

Ph

Sh

Machine room minimum

dimensions (see Note 5)
Area Width
Ra Rw
2

Depth
Rd

Height
Rh

Overall
headroom

Uh

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

1.0

1 100

1 400

1.66

2 300

1 800

2 100

800

2 100

1 700

4 450

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 250

1.5

1 100

1 400

1.66

2 300

1 800

2 100

800

2 100

1 700

4 650

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 450

1.75

1 100

1 400

1.66

2 300

1 800

2 100

800

2 100

1 800

4 850

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 650

1.0

1 400

1 250

1.75

2 300

1 800

2 100

800

2 100

1 700

4 450

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 250

1.5

1 400

1 250

1.75

2 300

1 800

2 100

800

2 100

1 700

4 650

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 450

1.75

1 400

1 250

1.75

2 300

1 800

2 100

800

2 100

1 800

4 850

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 650

1.0

1 400

1 350

2.0

2 300

1 900

2 300

800

2 100

1 700

4 450

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 250

1.5

1 400

1 350

2.0

2 300

1 900

2 300

800

2 100

1 700

4 650

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 450

1.75

1 400

1 350

2.0

2 300

1 900

2 300

800

2 100

1 800

4 850

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 650

2.0

1 400

1 350

2.0

2 300

1 900

2 300

800

2 100

2 800

5 650

15

3 200

4 900

2 600

8 450

2.5

1 400

1 350

2.0

2 300

1 900

2 300

800

2 100

2 800

5 650

15

3 200

4 900

2 600

8 450

1.0

1 600

1 350

2.2

2 300

2 100

2 100

900

2 100

1 700

4 450

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 250

1.5

1 600

1 350

2.2

2 300

2 100

2 100

900

2 100

1 700

4 650

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 450

1.75

1 600

1 350

2.2

2 300

2 100

2 100

900

2 100

1 800

4 850

15

2 500

3 700

2 600

7 650

2.0

1 600

1 350

2.2

2 300

2 100

2 100

900

2 100

2 800

5 650

15

3 200

4 900

2 600

8 450

2.5

1 600

1 350

2.2

2 300

2 100

2 100

900

2 100

2 800

5 650

15

3 200

4 900

2 600

8 450

1.0

1 600

1 400

2.4

2 300

2 400

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 800

4 300

20

3 200

4 900

2 700

7 200

1.5

1 600

1 400

2.4

2 300

2 400

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 800

4 300

20

3 200

4 900

2 700

7 200

1.6

1 600

1 400

2.4

2 300

2 400

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 800

4 300

20

3 200

4 900

2 700

7 200

1.75

1 600

1 400

2.4

2 300

2 400

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 800

4 850

20

3 200

4 900

2 700

7 750

1.8

1 600

1 400

2.4

2 300

2 400

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 800

4 850

20

3 200

4 900

2 700

7 750

2.0

1 600

1 400

2.4

2 300

2 400

2 300

1 100

2 100

2 800

6 000

20

3 200

4 900

3 050

9 400

2.5

1 600

1 400

2.4

2 300

2 400

2 300

1 100

2 100

2 800

6 000

20

3 200

4 900

3 050

9 400

3.5

1 600

1 400

2.4

2 300

2 400

2 300

1 100

2 100

3 650

6 300

20

3 200

4 900

3 250

10 400

1.0

1 950

1 400

2.9

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 400

22

3 200

4 900

2 700

7 250

1.5

1 950

1 400

2.9

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 400

22

3 200

4 900

2 700

7 250

1.6

1 950

1 400

2.9

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 400

22

3 200

4 900

2 700

7 250

1.75

1 950

1 400

2.9

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 850

22

3 200

4 900

2 800

7 850

1.8

1 950

1 400

2.9

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 850

22

3 200

4 900

2 800

7 850

2.0

1 950

1 400

2.9

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

2 800

6 150

22

3 200

4 900

3 150

9 500

2.5

1 950

1 400

2.9

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

2 800

6 150

22

3 200

4 900

3 150

9 500

3.5

1 950

1 400

2.9

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

3 650

6 300

22

3 200

4 900

3 350

10 400

1.0

2 000

1 500

3.1

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 800

22

3 200

4 900

2 800

7 800

1.5

2 000

1 500

3.1

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 800

22

3 200

4 900

2 800

7 800

1.75

2 000

1 500

3.1

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 850

22

3 200

4 900

2 800

7 850

2.0

2 000

1 500

3.1

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

2 800

6 150

22

3 200

4 900

3 150

9 500

2.5

2 000

1 500

3.1

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

2 800

6 150

22

3 200

4 900

3 150

9 500

3.5

2 000

1 500

3.1

2 300

2 600

2 300

1 100

2 100

3 650

6 300

22

3 200

4 900

3 400

10 400

1.0

2 000

1 750

3.56

2 300

2 600

2 600

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 800

25

3 200

5 500

2 800

7 800

1.5

2 000

1 750

3.56

2 300

2 600

2 600

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 800

25

3 200

5 500

2 800

7 800

1.75

2 000

1 750

3.56

2 300

2 600

2 600

1 100

2 100

1 900

4 850

25

3 200

5 500

2 800

7 850

2.0

2 000

1 750

3.56

2 300

2 600

2 600

1 100

2 100

2 800

6 150

25

3 200

5 500

3 350

9 700

2.5

2 000

1 750

3.56

2 300

2 600

2 600

1 100

2 100

2 800

6 150

25

3 200

5 500

3 350

9 700

3.5

2 000

1 750

3.56

2 300

2 600

2 600

1 100

2 100

3 650

6 300

25

3 200

5 500

3 650

10 600

Notes on Table 1
1. Refer to Figure 1 for annotations on the dimensions used in this table.
2. The dimensions specified in this table are also applicable to rated speeds lower or higher than those stated (i.e. lower than 1.0 m/s for all rated
loads; higher than 1.75 m/s for 630 kg, 3.5 m/s for 1,600 kg, etc. ). For intermediate loads and rated speeds, the dimensions are determined by
linear interpolation from relevant dimensions in Table 1.
3. Dimensions Cw and Cd may vary provided that the product of Cw and Cd does not exceed the area given in Ca
*4. For the rated load of 750kg, Ca (max.) = 1.9m2
5. For the design of machine rooms, select dimensions for Rw and Rd:(a) which are equal to or greater than those specified, and
(b) whose product results in an area which is equal to or greater than that specified for Ra.
6. For lifts having a rated load beyond 1 600 kg:(a) the car internal area Ca shall be increased by adding a maximum of 0.16m2 for each extra 100 kg rated load;
(b) the machine room area Ra shall be increased by adding 0.6m2 for each extra 100 kg rated load; and
(c) the value of the other dimensions shall not be less than that for a lift of 1 600 kg rated load and having the same rated speed.
7. As regards machine room minimum dimensions, the provision of sufficient machine room clearances is accepted as an alternative approach to
comply with the relevant requirements. If this alternative approach is to be adopted, a general note (sample at Appendix) should be provided on the
general building plans. The details should then be verified on site upon completion of works.

-3-

-4-

3.2.3 Emergency doors shall have a minimum height of 1.8 m and a minimum width of 500 mm.
In addition the emergency doors shall
(a) be located in a position readily accessible to rescuers; and
(c) bear on its outside face a notice in English and Chinese in letters and characters not less
than 25 mm high as follows
DANGER
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS PROHIBITED
LIFTWELL RESCUE DOOR
CLOSE AND LOCK THIS DOOR

3.2.4 Inspection traps shall have a maximum height of 500 mm and a maximum width of 500 mm.
3.2.5

When the distance between consecutive landing doorsills exceeds 11 m, intermediate

emergency doors shall be provided, such that the distance between sills is not more than 11 m.

3.2.6 Inspection and emergency doors and inspection traps shall be imperforate and shall not open
towards the interior of the well.
3.2.7 Inspection doors, emergency doors and inspection traps shall be provided with a key-operated
lock, capable of being reclosed and relocked without a key.
3.2.8 Inspection and emergency doors shall be capable of being opened from inside the well without
a key even when locked.
3.3

Ventilation of a liftwell

3.3.1

A well shall be suitably ventilated.

than those for the service of lifts.

It shall not be used to provide ventilation of rooms other

3.3.2 Openings shall be made at the top of a well, with a minimum area of 1% of the area of the
horizontal cross section of the well, ventilating to the open air either directly or via ducting or
the machine or pulley room, provided that in no case the ventilation openings shall be less than
0.15 m2 net free area.
3.4

Walls, floor and ceiling of a liftwell

3.4.1

The structure of a well shall be able to support at least the loads which may be applied by the
machine, by the guides at the moment of safety gear operation, or in the case of off-centering
of the load in a car, by the action of buffers, or those which may be applied by an anti-rebound
device.

3.4.2

In the case of hydraulic lifts the structure of a well shall be able to support at least the loads
which may be applied
(a) by the machine, the jacks and guides;

-5-

(b) by the buffers, any safety gear, clamping device or pawl device, at the moment of
application; and
(c) due to off-centering of loads in the car.
3.4.3 The walls, floor and ceiling of a well shall be constructed of non-combustible and durable
materials which do not assist the creation of dust and shall have sufficient structural strength.
3.4.4

The inner surface of all walls shall form a continuous vertical surface composed of smooth and
hard elements unless such surface is inaccessible from the top of a car or from the top of the
car via its adjacent installation such as a counterweight and structural supports.

3.5

Construction of the walls of liftwells facing a car entrance

Notwithstanding paragraph 3.4.4, below each landing sill over a vertical distance of 350 mm,
the wall of a well facing a car entrance shall be so constructed that
(a) the inner surface of such wall shall form a continuous vertical surface composed of
smooth and hard elements. This smooth surface shall extend at least 25 mm on both
sides beyond the full car entrance width. Plaster faced and glass walls are forbidden,
and
(b) where it is not practicable to provide a continuous smooth surface, any projection in
excess of 5 mm shall either be connected to the lintel of the door opening below, or be
extended downward and splayed, on its underside, to an angle of not less than 75 from
the horizontal plane for a distance of not less than 20 mm, by means of metal plates,
concrete or other similar material.

3.6

Protection of any space located below a car or a counterweight

3.6.1

Liftwells shall preferably not be situated above a space accessible to persons.

3.6.2 If an accessible space exists beneath a car or a counterweight, the base of the pit shall be
designed for an imposed load of at least 5 kPa, and
(a) either there shall be installed below the counterweight buffer a solid pier extending down
to solid ground, or
(b) the counterweight shall be equipped with safety gear.
3.7

Well containing cars and counterweights belonging to several lifts or service lifts

3.7.1

In the lower part of a well there shall be a partition between the moving parts (car or
counterweight) of different lifts or service lifts. This partition shall extend at least from the
floor of the lift pit to a height of 2.5 m above the floor of the pit, and across the whole depth of
the well.

3.7.2 If the horizontal distance between the edge of a car roof and a moving part (car or
counterweight) of an adjacent lift or service lift is less than 300 mm, the partition required in
paragraph 3.7.1 shall be extended through the full height of the well.
3.8

Lift pit

3.8.1 The lower part of a well shall consist of a pit, the bottom of which shall be smooth and
approximately level, except for any bases for buffers, guides and jacks and for water drainage

-6-

devices. After the building-in of guide fixings, buffers, any grids, etc., the pit shall be
impervious to infiltration of water.
3.8.2

An access door shall be provided to the pit if the pit depth exceeds 1.6 m and if the layout of
the building so permits.

3.8.3

Where an access door is provided it shall

(a) have a minimum height of 1.4 m and a minimum width of 600 mm;
(b) bear on its outside face a notice in English and Chinese in letters and characters not less
than 25 mm high as follows
DANGER
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS PROHIBITED
LIFTWELL
CLOSE AND LOCK THIS DOOR

3.8.4 If there is no other access a permanent means of access with suitable hand holds at an
appropriate height above the sill shall be provided inside the well, easily accessible from the
landing door, to permit maintenance personnel to descend safely to the floor of the pit. Such
means of access shall not project into the clear running space of any lift equipment. The
position of at least one hand hold in the lift well should be approximately 1.3 m above the sill
and not more than 0.9 m from the landing entrance opening.
3.9

Exclusive use of a liftwell

A well shall be exclusively for a lift. It shall not contain cables or devices, etc., other than for
the lift nor shall it be fitted with fire sprinklers.

3.10

Outside of a liftwell

3.10.1 Every landing entrance shall incorporate a sill of sufficient strength to withstand the passage of
loads being introduced into a car.
3.10.2 A slight counter slope shall be provided in front of each landing sill to avoid water from
washing, sprinkling, draining or entering into a well.
3.10.3 On the outside of a well at each landing level, as near as practical to the landing door or, where
there are two or more adjoining lifts, the landing door of one in every two lifts, there shall be
displayed a notice in English and Chinese in letters and characters not less than 15 mm high as
follows
IN CASE OF FIRE
DO NOT USE THE LIFT

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3.11

Machine and pulley rooms

3.11.1 The machine and its associated equipment shall be in a special room, comprising solid walls,
ceiling and door and/or trap. Provision of machine room is not required for machine-room-less
lift installations if the concerned lift models are approved by the Director of Electrical and
Mechanical Services. Apart from indicating particulars of the lift models used and relevant
approval in the general building plans, a clear and safe access shall be provided to the control
panels/cabinets for machine-room-less lift installations. Such access shall be from common
areas without necessitating entry into private premises.
3.11.2 Machine or pulley rooms shall be used only for accommodating the equipment necessary for
the operation of a lift. Provision of the following is, however, permitted
(a) machines for service lifts and escalators;
(b) equipment for air-conditioning or ventilating these rooms; and
(c) fire service installations and equipment as may be required by the Director of Fire
Services for these rooms.
Fire sprinklers, however, shall not normally be fitted in these rooms.
3.11.3 Machine rooms shall preferably be placed above a well.
3.12

Machine and pulley room access

3.12.1 Access to machine and pulley rooms shall be from common areas without necessitating entry
into private premises. A clear and safe access shall be maintained at all times and in all
circumstances. The access ways to the machine rooms and the entrances themselves shall be
at least 2 m high provided that door sills and edges with a height not exceeding 400 mm are
permitted.
3.12.2 Access for persons to machine or pulley rooms shall be effected entirely by way of stairs if the
difference in levels so requires. If it is impractical to install stairs, then ladders may be used
provided that the following conditions are satisfied
(a) the ladder shall be permanently fixed;

(b) if greater than 2 m in height the ladder shall be fitted with safety hoops or other suitable
fall arrest system; and
(c) adjacent to the top end of the ladder, there shall be a platform with railings and one or
more hand holds within easy reach.
3.12.3 Means of access shall be provided for hoisting of heavy equipment during erection and, if
need be, its replacement, so that this can be done safely, especially avoiding handling on stairs.
3.13

Structural strength and floor surface of machine and pulley rooms

3.13.1 Machine and pulley rooms shall be so constructed to withstand the loads and forces to which
they will normally be subjected. They shall be of durable material not favouring the creation
of dust.
3.13.2 Room floors shall be of non-slip material.

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3.14

Dimensions of machine and pulley rooms

3.14.1 The dimensions of machine rooms shall be sufficient to permit easy and safe access for
maintenance personnel to all components, especially the electrical equipment in the machine
rooms.
3.14.2 In no case shall the clear height of machine rooms for movement or working be less than 2.1
m. This full height for movement or working shall be taken to the underside of the structural
roof beams and measured from
(a) the floor of the access area;
(b) the floor of the working area.
3.14.3 The height under the roof of pulley rooms shall be at least 1.5 m.
3.14.4 When the machine room floor comprises a number of levels, differing by more than 500 mm,
stairways or steps and guard rails shall be provided.
3.14.5 When the floor of the machine room has any recesses more than 500 mm deep and less than
500 mm wide, or any channels, they shall be covered with steel chequer plate of 4 mm thick or
other equivalent materials having adequate strength to support the weight of maintenance
personnel.
3.15

Doors and trap doors to machine and pulley rooms

3.15.1 Access doors shall have a minimum width of 600 mm and a minimum height of 1.8 m for
machine rooms, and 1.4 m for pulley rooms. They shall not open towards the inside of the
room.
3.15.2 Access trap doors for persons shall give a clear passage of at least 800 mm x 800 mm, and
shall be counter-balanced. All trap doors, when they are closed, shall be able to support two
persons, i.e. able to resist a vertical force of 2 000 N at any position, without permanent
deformation. Trap doors shall not open downwards. Hinges, if any, shall be of a type which
cannot be unhooked.
3.15.3 Doors or trap doors shall
(a) be fitted with locks having keys which can be opened without a key from inside the room;
and
(b) bear on the outside face a notice in English and Chinese in letters and characters not less
than 25 mm high as follows

DANGER
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS PROHIBITED
MACHINE ROOM
CLOSE AND LOCK THIS DOOR

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3.15.4 Trap doors used only for access of material shall be locked from the inside only.
3.16

Other openings in machine and pulley rooms

3.16.1 The dimensions of holes in the slab and room floor shall be reduced to a minimum.
3.16.2 To prevent objects from falling through openings situated above a well, including those for
electric cables, ferrules which project at least 50 mm above a slab or a finished floor shall be
used.
3.17

Handling of equipment in machine rooms

One or more metal supports or hooks with safe working load notice, as appropriate, shall be
provided in a machine room ceiling or on beams, conveniently positioned to permit hoisting of
heavy equipment during erection and, if need be, its replacement.

4.

SERVICE LIFTS

4.1

Liftwell enclosure
Each well shall be totally enclosed by imperforate walls, floor and ceiling, as defined in
paragraph 4.4 and in accordance with Part C of the Code of Practice for Fire Safety in
Buildings.

4.2

Liftwell inspection doors and inspection traps

4.2.1 Inspection doors and inspection traps to a well shall not be permitted except for the purpose of
servicing.
4.2.2

Inspection doors and inspection traps shall comply with paragraphs 3.2.2., 3.2.4., 3.2.6., 3.2.7.,
and 3.2.8.

4.3

Ventilation of a liftwell
Where a well is ventilated it shall not be used to provide ventilation of rooms other than a
machine or pulley room.

4.4

Walls, floor and ceiling of a liftwell

4.4.1 The structure of a well shall be capable of supporting at least the loads which may be applied
by the machine, by the guides at the moment of safety gear operation and by buffer operation.
4.4.2 The walls, floor and ceiling of a well shall be constructed of non-combustible and durable
materials which do not assist the creation of dust and shall have sufficient structural strength.
4.5

Construction of walls of liftwells facing a car entrance shall comply with paragraph 3.5.

4.6

Protection of any space located below a car or a counterweight

4.6.1

Liftwells shall preferably not be situated above a space accessible to persons.

4.6.2

Where an accessible space exists beneath a well, safety gear shall be fitted to the car and/or
counterweight in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of
Lifts and Escalators issued under the Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance. The bottom of
the well shall be of sufficient strength to accommodate the vertical forces of safety gear

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operation and buffer loads.

4.7

Well containing cars and counterweights belonging to several lifts or service lifts shall
comply with paragraph 3.7.

4.8

Lift pit

4.8.1 A lift pit is not required except in the case of a service lift where the lowest serving level is at
or near floor level.
4.8.2 When a lift pit is provided, the bottom of the pit shall be smooth and approximately level and
the pit shall be adequately drained. If the pit depth exceeds 1 m, a permanent means of
access with suitable hand holds at an appropriate height above the sill shall be provided inside
the well, easily accessible from the landing door, to permit maintenance personnel to descend
safely to the floor of the pit. Such means of access shall not project into the clear running
space of any lift equipment.
4.9

Exclusive use of a liftwell shall comply with paragraph 3.9.

4.10

Outside of a liftwell

4.10.1 Every landing entrance shall incorporate a sill of sufficient strength to withstand the passage of
loads being introduced into a car.
4.10.2 On the outside of a well as near as practical to every landing door, there shall be displayed a
notice in English and Chinese in letters and characters not less than 25 mm high as follows
SERVICE LIFT
PERSONS ARE FORBIDDEN
TO ENTER THE LIFT CAR
OR ENCLOSURE

4.11

Machine rooms and enclosures

4.11.1 The machine and its ancillary equipment shall be accommodated in an enclosure within a
liftwell, or in a separate machine room.
4.11.2 For service lifts of a rated load of 150 kg and above, the machinery space floor area shall not
be less than 1.5 m x 1.5 m and the clear height shall not be less than 1.2 m. For service lifts
of a rated load below 150 kg, the machinery space depth shall not exceed 600 mm and the
clear height shall not be less than 800 mm.
4.11.3 The machinery space shall be soundly constructed, weather-proof and dry.
access by maintenance personnel to all equipment.

It shall be safe for

4.11.4 For service lifts of a rated load of 150 kg and above, the floor of the machinery space shall be
of adequate strength at every point to withstand the load of maintenance personnel and
equipment.
4.11.5 For service lifts of a rated load below 150 kg, either the requirements in paragraph 4.11.4 or
those listed below shall be followed

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(a) the maintenance personnel shall be able to reach every part of the equipment inside the
machinery space with his hands while standing outside the space, and
(b) rigid partition or wire mesh shall be provided to prevent any object from falling down
into the liftwell from the machinery space.
4.11.6 Machinery space shall be accessible for maintenance and inspection purposes.
shall comply with paragraph 3.12.2.

Such access

4.11.7 An access door to a machinery space shall

(a) for service lifts of a rated load below 150 kg, be not less than 800 mm in height and have
a width of 900 mm or the full width of the machinery space, whichever is the less;
(b) for service lifts of a rated load of 150 kg and above, be not less than 1.0 m in height and
have a width of not less than 1.2 m;
(c) be facing the machine and its ancillary equipment to allow installation and maintenance
work;
(d) be lockable; and
(e) bear on its outside face a notice in English and Chinese in letters and characters not less
than 25 mm high as follows
DANGER
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS PROHIBITED
MACHINE ROOM
CLOSE AND LOCK THIS DOOR

4.11.8 The machinery space shall not be used for purposes other than for the lift.
ducts, cables or devices other than those for the lift.

It shall not contain

5.

ESCALATORS

5.1

Machine rooms and driving and return stations

5.1.1

Where separate machinery space, and/or separate driving and return stations are provided, the
machines and associated equipment shall be in a special room, comprising solid walls, ceilings
and door and/or traps.

5.1.2

Separate machine rooms and separate driving and return stations shall be used only for
accommodating the equipment necessary for the operation of the escalator. Provision of the
following is, however, permitted
(a) machines for lifts or service lifts;
(b) equipment for air-conditioning or ventilating these rooms; and

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(c) fire service installations and equipment as may be required by the Director of Fire
Services for these rooms.
Fire sprinklers, however, shall not normally be fitted in these rooms.
5.1.3 Separate machine rooms and separate driving and return stations shall be of sufficient size to
permit easy and safe access for maintenance personnel to all the components, especially the
electrical equipment. In no case shall the clear height of such rooms and stations be less than
2.1 m.
5.1.4

Access for persons to separate machine rooms and separate driving and return stations shall be
effected entirely by way of stairs if the difference in levels so requires. If it is impractical to
install stairs, then ladders may be used provided that the following conditions are satisfied
(a) the ladder shall be permanently fixed;
(b) if greater than 2 m in height, the ladder shall be fitted with safety hoops or other suitable
fall arrest system; and
(c) adjacent to the top end of the ladder, there shall be a platform with railings and one or
more hand holds within easy reach.

5.1.5 Access doors or inspection traps to separate machine rooms or separate driving and return
stations shall bear on their outside face a notice in Chinese and English in letters and
characters not less than 25 mm as follows
DANGER
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS PROHIBITED
MACHINE ROOM
CLOSE AND LOCK THIS DOOR

5.2

Steps and Landings

5.2.1

An unrestricted area shall be provided at each landing of an escalator to accommodate

passengers. Such unrestricted area shall have
(a) a width of not less than the distance between the handrail centrelines of the escalator;
and
(b) a depth, measured from the end of the balustrade, of not less than 2.5 m, or not less than
2 m if the width of the unrestricted area is increased to at least double the distance
between the handrail centrelines.

5.2.2

A clear height of not less than 2.3 m shall be provided above

(a) the steps of an escalator at all points; and
(b) any unrestricted area provided in accordance with paragraph 5.2.1.

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5.3

Obstructions

5.3.1

Where any part of a building obstructs or may obstruct passengers riding on escalators, for
example, at floor intersections or on criss-cross escalators, protection against injury to persons
such as obstruction guards shall be provided in accordance with the Code of Practice on the
Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators issued under the Lifts and Escalators (Safety)
Ordinance.

5.3.2

The horizontal distance between the outer edge of a handrail of an escalator and any wall or
any part of a building likely to cause an obstruction shall under no circumstances be less than
80 mm.

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Appendix

Sample of General Note to be provided on general building plans

Lift Machine Room Clearances
(Refer to Note 7 on Table 1)
For the lifts (Nos. xxxxxxx) to be installed, the following machine room clearances will be
provided in accordance with the Code of Practice for Building Works for Lifts and Escalators
a.

a clear horizontal area in front of the panels / cabinets with depth not less than 0.7m and
width not less than 0.5m and the full width of the cabinet / panel.

b.

a clear horizontal area of at least 0.5m x 0.6m for servicing and inspection of moving
parts and manual emergency operation where necessary.

c.

access ways to these clear spaces, with a width not less than 0.5m or, in areas where there
are no moving parts, 0.4m.

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