EMSD Inspects Taizoom Elevators After Non-Compliance Allegations, Orders Immediate Remedial Actions for Lift Deficiencies.

EMSD's inspections reveal serious deficiencies in lift replacement works undertaken by registered lift contractor at two estates

In response to the recent allegations of non-compliance by Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited (Taizoom), the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) takes the matter seriously and conducted surprise inspections on the lift works concerned. The inspections revealed serious deficiencies in lift replacement works carried out by Taizoom at two Tenants Purchase Scheme Estates, involving 9 lifts at Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong, of which the replacement was completed between February and July 2026, and 39 lifts at Pok Hong Estate in Sha Tin, of which the replacement was completed between May 2025 and July 2026. Regarding the fire resisting doorsets, including door frame components, although a fire resisting rating certificate was submitted, it was found that only the fire resisting doors were installed as required, but the corresponding door frame components were not installed, and the lift works were claimed to be completed.

The absence of these door frame components in the lifts concerned is a non-compliance, but the lifts can still operate safely. The EMSD has instructed Taizoom to review the lifts at the aforementioned estates and install the outstanding door frame components promptly, and bear all associated costs for the remedial measures. The repair works will commence shortly and are expected to be completed within a month. The EMSD will proactively contact the property management companies of the concerned estates to provide necessary assistance. The lifts will need to be suspended from operation during the installation of new door frames. The works will be scheduled during non-peak hours as far as possible, and it is anticipated that the installation for each lift will take around one to two days to complete. During the installation period, the EMSD will closely monitor the installation works and maintain close contact with the relevant property management companies. The EMSD will also urge Taizoom to ensure that all lift lobbies and building passages are free from obstruction during the installation works, implement appropriate fire safety measures, and minimise the impact on residents.

As preliminary evidence indicates that Taizoom is suspected of serious negligence or misconduct in carrying out lift works, the EMSD will take enforcement and regulatory actions in accordance with the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance.

Under the circumstances, the EMSD does not rule out the possibility of committing criminal offences involving fraud and the provision of false statements, and will refer the case to the Hong Kong Police Force for further investigation.

The EMSD will complete the inspection of all lifts installed by Taizoom throughout the territory within three days. The inspection includes re-examining the fire resisting rating certificates of fire resisting doorsets including their frame components, as well as checking if any door frame components are missing.

The EMSD has also commenced inspections of lift engineering works undertaken by other registered lift contractors, and no similar breaches have been found so far. As a precautionary measure, the EMSD will require other registered lift contractors to conduct similar inspections on the lifts they have installed and submit inspection reports to the EMSD. The EMSD will also conduct random checks, and all related work is expected to be completed within a month.

The EMSD has commenced a comprehensive review, encompassing the installation of new equipment and lift modernisation, inspection and maintenance works, evaluation of site supervision system, as well as the registration, regulation, and approval systems under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance. Furthermore, the EMSD will enhance its inspections and spot checks on all lifts to improve overall works quality, with the review expected to be completed within the year. If any issues with lift engineering quality or deficiencies in the site supervision and inspection system are identified, immediate follow-up and improvement actions will be taken, along with strengthened inspections and audits of lifts.

Source: AI-found images

HA appeals to public for a patient requiring urgent liver transplant

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) today (October 15) made the following appeal regarding a patient whose condition requires urgent liver transplant:

A 13-year-old boy who requires an urgent liver transplant is currently hospitalised at Queen Mary Hospital and is in serious condition. The patient has been experiencing severe hepatic failure and developed severe complications including recurrent hyperammonemia and cholangitis. The patient is clinically assessed as requiring an urgent liver transplant and is listed at the top of the liver transplant waiting list for O+ blood group.

In response to the urgent appeal from the patient's family, the HA appeals to members of the public to proactively support organ donation and consider donating the organ of a deceased relative to rekindle the lives of others.

In view of the critical condition of the patient, in addition to proactively searching for a suitable liver locally, the HA will also seek assistance from the Mainland through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government as soon as possible. When a patient who is willing to donate an organ passes away and no suitable patient is identified to receive the organ on the Mainland, the cross-boundary organ donation and matching mechanism will facilitate a transplant in Hong Kong to bring hope to a critically ill patient.

The spokesperson emphasised that when a suitable liver is found, the HA will strictly follow the relevant organ transplant regulations and make an application with the authorities to ensure that all procedures comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements. The HA will arrange transplant operations that aim to save the patient's life as soon as possible.

For critically ill patients with organ failure, an organ transplant is often the only hope to extend their lives. When the families of deceased patients show a selfless act of love and donate the deceased person's organs to save dying patients, it not only gives critically ill patients the hope of life, but also eases the hardship of their families. The HA appeals to the public to pass on their great love, blessing and care to those who are still fighting for their well-deserved lives.

Source: AI-found images