Background
The Karnataka Lifts, Escalators, and Passenger Conveyors Act was enacted to regulate the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of lifts, escalators, and passenger conveyors within the state. The Act ensures that owners obtain necessary permissions, adhere to safety norms, and maintain proper records. Its purpose is to safeguard public safety, prevent accidents, and enforce accountability on owners and operators.
Applicability
The Act applies to every owner of a place intending to erect, install, or operate a lift, escalator, or passenger conveyor in Karnataka. It governs the process of obtaining permissions, licenses, accident reporting, and maintenance obligations.
Compliance Requirements under the Act in Accordance with the Karnataka Lifts, Escalators and Passenger Conveyors Rules, 2015
Every owner intending to install a lift, escalator, or passenger conveyor must apply for permission in Form A1 (for lifts) or Form A2 (for escalators/passenger conveyors) to the authorized officer under Section 13(2) of the Act. Every application must be accompanied by: (a) computer print or blueprint of drawing drawn to scale 1:100 of installation in quadruplicate, signed by applicant and registered person; (b) copy of building plan approved by competent authority certified by notary; (c) copy of khata certificate along with latest tax paid receipt; (d) MOA & AOA (for company), partnership deed (for partnership) along with tax details & Authorization Letter on Rs. 100 stamp paper; (e) original Treasury challan for fee payment; (f) Declaration in Form-A3 from the registered person responsible for installation/erection. Permission is granted in Form-A4 and valid for one year. Non-compliance may lead to fine up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months or both; continuing contravention attracts additional fine of ₹100/day.
Any accident involving a lift, escalator, or passenger conveyor must be reported by owner/agent to the authorized officer, Commissioner of Police, and District Magistrate within 24 hours via phone. The installation must not be interfered with and cannot resume operation without written permission. Detailed report in Form K with registered person’s report to be submitted within 48 hours. Non-compliance may lead to fine up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months or both.
If a lift, escalator, or passenger conveyor is no longer in use, the owner must either dismantle it with permission or disconnect from power and maintain safely, informing Inspector and Chief Inspector. All gates and doors must be locked to prevent unauthorized access. Non-compliance may lead to fine up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months or both.
Lifts, escalators, or passenger conveyors must be tested and maintained quarterly by a registered person, with a register maintained for each inspection. Annual testing and maintenance report must be submitted to the authorized officer or inspector. Non compliance may lead to fine up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months or both.
License transfer may be allowed upon application with title deed, encumbrance certificate, Khata certificate, and fee payment as per Annexure 4 to the Chief Inspector. Non-compliance may lead to fine up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months or both.
Penalties & Punishments
U/s 19:Whoever contravenes any of provisions of this Act, rules or conditions of a licence or registration or a direction given by such officer as the Government may authorize under this Act or the rules shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or simple imprisonment which may extend to six months or both.In the case of a continuing contravention with a further fine which may extend to one hundred rupees, for every day after the first during which the breach has continued.
Rule 16: If the licensee has contravened any of the provisions of the Act or rules or any of the conditions of the licence or directions given to him, the Chief Inspector of Lifts, Escalators & Passenger conveyors, may after giving reasonable opportunity of being heard, suspend or cancel the licence of lift or escalator or passenger conveyor for such period as he thinks fit or cancel it.