The standard can be purchased in digital (PDF) or hardcopy format directly from the Singapore Standards e-Shop: : Singapore Standards e-Shop (Toppan Leefung) 2. National Library Board (NLB) Access For reference and research purposes without purchasing:
The 2021 Edition represents a significant evolutionary step from older iterations. It harmonizes local building mandates with international engineering standards, primarily focusing on strict safety metrics, structural integrity, and electrical failsafes. The primary objectives of the code are:
| | Details | |---|---| | Official Title | Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators (2021 Edition) | | Issuing Authority | Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), HKSAR | | Legal Basis | Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618), section 145 | | Effective Date | 1 October 2022 | | Supersedes | 2019 Edition (ceased on 1 October 2022) | | International Standards | EN 81‑20 and EN 81‑50 | | Purchase | Publications Sales Unit, Information Services Department (no free full‑text PDF) | | Gazette Notice (Download) | English / Chinese | | Official EMSD Webpage | https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/lifts_and_escalators_safety/publications/code_of_practice/index.html |
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. The standard can be purchased in digital (PDF)
: Updated formulas to calculate optimal ventilation and temperature control inside the lift well. 4. Maintenance and Building Information Modelling (BIM)
You can find the PDF and related addendums on the EMSD Code of Practice Index .
. For the official announcement, circular, and access to the document, visit EMSD Circular No. 1/2022 Code of Practice (805) - EMSD The primary objectives of the code are: |
The code provides detailed engineering and safety specifications for trade practitioners:
The 2021 updates often refine these requirements to align with broader disability discrimination ordinances. For instance, the placement of handrails, the contrast of buttons for the visually impaired, and the requirements for audible announcements in lifts are not merely aesthetic choices but mandated design features that ensure equitable access for all citizens. In this regard, the Code acts as a tool for social equity, ensuring that vertical mobility is a right, not a privilege.
Mandatory emergency stop buttons and comb plate impact devices. C. Maintenance and Examination released in 2021
The Code of Practice on the Design and Construction of Lifts and Escalators 2021 Edition is a vital document that provides guidelines and standards for the design, construction, and installation of lifts and escalators in buildings. The updated edition, released in 2021, aims to ensure that these vertical transportation systems are safe, efficient, and accessible for users. In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of the code, its importance, and provide a link to the PDF version.
The 2021 update streamlines safety requirements to keep pace with modern engineering practices. 2. Key Contents of the 2021 Edition