Background:
The Gujarat Lifts and Escalators Act, 2000, was enacted to ensure the safe installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of lifts and escalators in the state. The Act provides a legal framework for granting permissions, licenses, and authorizations while laying down technical standards and safety requirements. It also empowers inspectors to regulate operations, investigate accidents, and enforce compliance through rules and penalties. The supporting Gujarat Lifts and Escalators Rules, 2001 (amended in 2014), prescribe detailed procedures, forms, and technical standards aligned with the Bureau of Indian Standards, National Building Code, and the Indian Electricity Act.
Applicability:
This rule shall be applicable to every owner of a place intending to install lift/escalator or any alterations/additions in the state of Gujarat.
Compliance under the Rules in accordance with the Act
Every owner of a place intending to install a lift or escalator, or to make additions or alterations, must apply to the Chief Inspector before starting any work. The application shall be made in Annexure I for lifts and Annexure II for escalators. Each application must be accompanied by three copies of installation/alteration drawings and a declaration in Annexure III from the person entrusted with the installation or alteration work.
Every application for license to use a lift or escalator must be accompanied by the original receipt showing payment of the prescribed fee under Rule 16.
No lift or escalator shall be operated except under and in conformity with the terms and conditions of the license granted in respect of it.
The owner is responsible to have the lift or escalator maintained through a person holding authorisation under Rule 11. A declaration of acceptance by such person must be furnished in Annexure XI within one month from the date of grant or renewal of license.
No person shall be authorised to carry out erection and maintenance of lifts or escalators unless fulfilling the requirements of Annexure XIII and XIV, and Annexure XV for inspection and testing. Such authorisation is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
For every passenger and hospital lift in non-residential premises, the owner must appoint a Lift Attendant in writing. The attendant shall be on duty when the lift is in use, be educated up to 4th standard, physically and mentally fit, conversant with lift operation and rescue, and at least 18 years old. The name of the attendant must be reported to the Chief Inspector. In residential premises, an attendant is required only when the lift is in attendant mode.
If any accident in a lift or escalator results in or is likely to result in loss of life or injury, the owner or appointed agent must immediately inform the Electrical Inspector under the Electricity Act, 2003, and submit a detailed report in Annexure XVI within 48 hours.
The owner or appointed agent must submit a detailed accident report in Annexure XVI within 48 hours of knowledge of occurrence of fatal and other accidents to the Electrical Inspector under the Electricity Act, 2003.
Where a lift or escalator ceases to be used, the owner or agent must notify the Chief Inspector/Inspector/Assistant Inspector in writing. The lift/escalator must either be removed or maintained safely after disconnecting from power, with gates and doors locked to prevent entry, and comply with directions issued by the authorities.
Where the owner does not reside in the building, the name of the appointed agent under Section 14(2) must be communicated in writing to the Chief Inspector/Inspector/Assistant Inspector. Such an agent must be a resident of the same town or village.
All materials, fittings, appliances, etc., used in lift or escalator installations must conform to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Where standards do not exist, materials must be of approved workmanship and quality.
The provisions of the National Building Code of India relating to installations of lifts and escalators must be followed.
Every lift or escalator shall be of sufficient mechanical strength for its intended purpose, and must be protected, operated, and maintained to prevent danger.
All electrical works related to lifts or escalators shall comply with the Indian Electricity Act, 1910 and the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.
The factor of safety for any fabricated part of the lift or escalator shall not be less than five, with higher safety factors applicable as prescribed by BIS for specific parts.
Instructions in English, Hindi or Gujarati for restoring persons suffering from electric shocks must be affixed by the owner or agent in a conspicuous place in the lift or escalator machine room.
Every lift or escalator shall be inspected before license is granted and once every five years thereafter.
The owner of every lift or escalator must get it inspected once every year from the date of license grant and submit the inspection report in Annexure XVIII (for lifts) or Annexure XIX (for escalators) to the Chief Inspector.
Penalties & Punishments
Conclusion:
The Act mandates prior permission for installation or alterations, licensing for operation, periodic inspection and testing, accident reporting, and adherence to BIS, National Building Code, and electrical safety standards. By ensuring compliance, owners and operators can safeguard users, minimize risks, and meet statutory obligations under state law.
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