為提高升降機及自動梯的安全水平，新的《升降機及自動梯條例》（第618章）（《條例》）已於2012年4月頒布，以取代現行自1960年起實施的《升降機及自動梯（安全）條例》（第327章）。《條例》下並有兩條附屬法例，即《升降機及自動梯（一般）規例》和《升降機及自動梯（費用）規例》。《條例》的主要條文及相關規例已於2012年12月17日全面實施。  

《條例》引入的主要改善項目包括：

• 擴大規管架構的適用範圍至所有公共和私人的升降機及自動梯；對升降機及自動梯有管理權或控制權的人士（例如物業管理公司），亦按《條例》納入為升降機／自動梯負責人；
• 設立工程人員註冊制度以確認升降機及自動梯工人的技術能力，並提高升降機及自動梯工程師的註冊資歷要求；
• 提高罰則以達致所需阻嚇效果。觸犯《條例》可處的最高罰款額增至200,000元，最長監禁期為12個月；
• 透過各項措施以提高運作效率及執法成效，當中包括引入新「准用證」，列明扼要資料。

我們舉辦了一系列宣傳及推廣活動，以加強公眾及業界人士對《條例》各項規定的認識。此外，亦為升降機及自動梯負責人印製手冊，協助他們更深入了解各項新的法定要求。

New Lifts and Escalators Ordinance Commenced Full Operation on 17 December 2012

To enhance lifts and escalators safety, a new Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap 618) (LEO) was enacted in April 2012 to replace the existing Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance (Cap 327), which had been in place since 1960. Two regulations were also made under the Ordinance viz the Lifts and Escalators (General) Regulation and the Lifts and Escalators (Fees) Regulation. The main provisions and regulations of the ordinance commenced full operation on 17 December, 2012.  

Key enhancements introduced under LEO include:

• The extension of the legislative framework to cover every lift and escalator in the public and private sectors, and to include anyone responsible for the management/control of lifts and escalators (such as property management agencies) as the Responsible Person in LEO;
• A worker registration system to recognise the technical competence of lift and escalator workers, and upgrade the qualification requirements for registration as lift and escalator engineers;
• Increased penalties to achieve the necessary deterrent effect, with the maximum fine raised to $200,000 and maximum imprisonment to 12 months for offences of the LEO;
• The enhancement of operational efficiency and enforcement effectiveness through, among others, the adoption of a new, more concise “Use Permit”. 

A series of publicity and promotional activities were organised for the general public and industry practitioners to increase understanding of the LEO requirements. Guidebooks have also been published to help Responsible Persons better understand the new statutory requirements.