HONG KONG, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Institute of Housing ("HKIH") shows grave concern over the recent serious lift accident in a 40-year-old building in North Point, in which seven passengers were injured. While the causes of the accident remains to be investigated by the authorities, an on-site inspection discovered that all four suspension ropes were broken and unfortunately, the safety protection system did not function to stop the lift as it was designed to. It is the first time such mishap happened in Hong Kong.
HKIH believes that professional property management is crucial to prevent recurrence of similar accidents. A professional property manager can arrange proper and regular maintenance for all common facilities of the managed building, such as, lifts, escalators, fire services system, electrical and water system etc., in order to minimize the breakdown rate. All these common facilities have their own life spans, which are essential to the safety and daily life of all occupants and visitors of the building. Other than the routine maintenance, a professional property manager will proactively advise owners to budget some contingency funds for non-routine or emergency use.
However, effective management can only be achieved with full support from owners or Owners' Corporations (OCs). HKIH does not encourage owners and OCs to employ "cowboy companies" for purely cost concern as safety should come first, regardless of the possible liability to be incurred. HKIH advises when selecting competent lift maintenance contractor, owners or OCs should have a thorough understanding of the followings:
As the leading body for having substantial property management professionals in Hong Kong, HKIH advocates the stepping up of more strict monitoring and rating system by the authorities in assisting owners to make the right choice of lift contractors.
"HKIH emphasizes that proper and professional property management services are essential to avoid same lift accidents in future," said Ms. Cora Yuen, President of HKIH. "To keep members updated on statutory requirements of lifts and escalators, HKIH has always been arranging talks and seminars about the latest development of rules and regulations, so that Hong Kong residents can live in a safe environment."
About the Hong Kong Institute of Housing
The Hong Kong Institute of Housing was incorporated in Hong Kong on 29 November 1988. As at January 2013, the HKIH has over 2,500 members. Together, the HKIH's members are responsible for the management of not less than 70% of all the housing stock in Hong Kong. Members are engaged in the co-ordination and execution of housing services incorporating the design, provision, improvement, rehabilitation, management and administration of all types of housing. Apart from actively expanding local network, the HKIH is forging close links with property management associations and academic institutions in Taiwan, Macau and many parts of mainland China.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Jenny Suen / Mr Andy Hung
Tel: +852-2372-0090
Fax: +852-2372-0490
Mob: +852-9516-5341 / +852-9254-9250
Email: jenny@creativegp.com / andy@creativegp.com
