Uttar Pradesh set for big leap in lift, escalator safety
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on December 25 approved the draft Uttar Pradesh lift and accelerator bill, 2023, paving the way for new regulations on the matter.
The CM issued a set of fresh directions to officials, instructing them to ensure «safety and proper maintenance of lifts and escalators installed in multi-storey buildings, especially at public places».
As per the bill, it will be mandatory to install an auto rescue device in a lift/escalator mandatory so that in case of an outage or any other fault, passengers trapped inside reach the nearest landing, and the door opens automatically.
Also mandatory will be emergency bells, CCTV cameras, adequate lighting and communication system in lifts and escalators mandatory for communications with people outside.
«The safety of lifts is very important. For this purpose, it is necessary to strictly ensure adherence to prescribed procedures for construction, quality, built-in safety features, installation, operation and maintenance of lifts and escalators,» the CM instructed.
Yogi's statement generated high interest in light of frequent reports of mishaps involving lifts in urban residential complexes, which have become regular occurrences in a number of apartments in places such as Noida.
According to an official release, complaints are received about lifts and escalators installed in public places with high footfall, regarding their design as well as improper operation and maintenance .
The CM regretted that at present there is no law in this regard in the state.
