Registration of lifts and escalators with the authorities; installation of automatic rescue device to aid passengers in the event of power supply failure; insurance; and compensation in case of death or injury: These are some of the provisions in the Lift and Escalator Bill, 2024, passed in the Uttar Pradesh assembly Saturday in a move to curb mishaps in lifts and escalators in urban areas in the state.
“Every ‘owner’ of any premises intended for the installation of a lift or escalator shall make an application in such form as may be prescribed, giving full particulars or information, to such officers authorised in this behalf by the State Government,” reads section 3 of the bill.
While the bill has been passed by both the houses, it is yet to be notified and rules yet to be made to implement its provisions.
According to the bill, ‘Owner’ means any person or body of persons or corporate body which owns or operates or maintains a lift or escalator, including the authorised agent on their behalf. If any alteration or addition is made to the existing lift or escalator, fresh registration will be a must.
“The owner shall submit every year a copy of the AMC (annual maintenance contract) for lift or escalator… to such officers as may be authorised on this behalf by the State Government… in private premises, the owner shall not be required to submit a copy of the AMC every year…,” reads section 5 (b) of the bill.
On the automatic rescue device, the bill states: “The device should be such that the lift or escalator reaches the nearest landing level, and the landing and cage doors open. The lift will have adequate lighting and two-way communication system for use by passengers and there will be an emergency bell inside the lift…”
According to other provisions, in the case of public premises, the owner must obtain insurance against any accident or disaster during the operation of the lift or escalator. However, no insurance will be required for lifts or escalators on government premises.
“In the event of loss of human or animal life or injury resulting from any accident during the operation of a lift or escalator, the owner shall… report the same to the District Magistrate or in-charge of the local police station… But it will be mandatory to inform within 24 hours of the accident,” reads section 12 (1) of the bill.
It further said that a separate log book of the accident history shall be maintained and displayed near the lift or escalator installed in the public premises. “In case of an accident, financial compensation will be paid to the family of the deceased or the injured person…The owner can recover compensation…from any person found liable for the accident…,” reads section 12(7) of the bill.
‘People will be held accountable’
According to Abhishek Kumar, president of NEFOWA, an organisation of home buyers, “Now the people will be held accountable for such incidents. People are feeling a sense of security.” AK Sharma, Minister of Energy and Urban Development, UP government, said in the House: “Responsibility will be ensured under this…This Act is a framework under which all matters will be addressed.”
Under the Factories Act 1948, the conditions of this Act will not be applicable on lifts and escalators installed in industrial areas or premises. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh already have a lift Act in place.
