PETALING JAYA: From carrying motorcycles and even a cow, to litter and urine, lifts have endured many bizarre forms of misuse over the years.
These were among complaints received by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
Its director-general Hazlina Yon said such acts, although uncommon, could damage lift components and affect their safe operation.
“Such misuse could damage the safety edge, a sensor that detects obstructions when lift doors are opening or closing.
“The impact from motorcycles or other heavy objects could leave dents on the safety edge and affect its ability to function properly,” she said.
Hazlina said at high-rise residential buildings, water from residents washing their homes or walkways could also seep into lift shafts and affect the components.
Hazlina also said holding the door open for too long could also cause damage to certain components and affect the smooth operation of the lift.
She said the department constantly monitored lift safety and carried out regular inspections to ensure the equipment remained fit for operation.
She stressed that lifts are very safe forms of transportation, equipped with multiple safety features designed to override or prevent failures.
On another matter, Hazlina said workers with health conditions or disabilities could request to work on the ground floor if a lift at their workplace was unserviceable.
She said this was provided for under Section 26A of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSH Act), which requires employers to ensure, so far as is practicable, the safety, health and welfare of their employees at work.
Industrial safety advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said poor maintenance and vandalism are among the main causes of lift malfunctions, which are especially common in low-cost high-rise flats.
“Poor maintenance and vandalism are very common in low-cost flats. Another cause of issues is overuse of lifts due to the high density of residents in such places,” he said.
Lee added that residents should treat lifts in their buildings with greater care as breakdowns could cause considerable inconvenience, particularly for the elderly, unwell or disabled.
He said the situation is worsened when building owners or joint management bodies fail to sign formal maintenance contracts with competent lift companies.
“If no lift maintenance company looks after the lift properly, technical issues will arise and damaged parts may not be replaced.”
Lee said insufficient funds could also contribute to poor lift maintenance with some buildings facing difficulties when residents fail to pay their fees.
“If everything complies with the regulations stipulated in the OSH Act, lifts will be in good running condition and safe for everyone using it,” he said.
