KUCHING: The record at the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) revealed that 1,400 lifts, 590 escalators and 30 dumbwaiters have been registered and installed in the state.
DOSH state deputy director Aguse Adi said from the record, many of these machines had not been upgraded and fitted with Emergency Battery Operated System (EBOPS), Landing Door Apron, Car Door Locking Device, Skirt Brush and Yellow Demarcation Line.
“We have given ample time to all the owners of the machines to schedule their upgrading period but their action has been slow,” he said before launching the Safety Campaign on the Use of Lift and Escalator at 100% Discount Store at Genesis Parade, Sungai Moyan, Batu Kawa, yesterday.
“It is the responsibility of the machinery owners to comply with the directive of DOSH,” he added.
Aguse said that DOSH would not issue any directive if there is no basis to do so.
He added that from the information gathered from other countries and from lift and escalator manufacturers, upgrading these machineries is a must to minimise untoward incidents.
He revealed that recently, DOSH held a dialogue session with firms that are competent in handling of the lifts and escalators.
“The outcome was that these firms would carry more safety campaigns especially for the general public who patronise the shopping malls or arcades.”
Aguse disclosed that there are 61 registered competent handlers in the country for lifts and escalators and they represented 17 firms that are competent in handling these machineries.
In their record out of the 61 persons, a total of 22 people are categorised as Competent Person Level I, nine Competent Person Level II and 30 Competent Person Level III.
In Sarawak, two persons are designated Competent Person Level I.
“If these competent persons can work together with all the lift and escalator owners, then DOSH can promote a more aggressive safety campaign such as this for the general public, he enthused.
Aguse disclosed DOSH and Malaysia Lift and Escalator Association (Melea) had issued guidelines on the safe use of lifts and escalators in 2010 where it detailed the job of the competent persons and competent firms in handling these machineries but still many owners do not know and ignore the guidelines.
“With such ignorance on the guidelines and whatever is decided, they would not be implemented by the owners,” he lamented.
Aguse reminded that the competent firm had the responsibility to ensure that the owner of the business know about the safety guidelines as it involved the responsibility of the owners and the users (public).
Later in the press conference, he revealed that many organisations in the state still do not comply with DOSH Act in the workplace even though they are slowly changing and willing to change to ensure a safer workplace.
The safety awareness programme on the use of lifts and escalators was organised by Genesis Parade and Trident Quantum.
It was attended by staff and tenant of 100% Discount Store at Genesis Parade and Trident Quantum and members of the public.