Background
The West Bengal Lift, Escalator and Travelators Act, 2019, along with the Rules of 2022, was enacted to ensure the safe installation, licensing, operation, and maintenance of lifts, escalators, and travelators within the state. With the increasing use of mechanized vertical and horizontal transport systems in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces, the Act seeks to standardize safety measures, mandate qualified maintenance, and establish clear reporting mechanisms in case of accidents. It emphasizes accountability of owners, proper licensing, and the role of inspectors in monitoring compliance.
Applicability
(i) in any mine within the meaning of the Mines Act, 1952;
(ii) to which the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, apply;
(iii) in the premises of Central Government or its undertakings;
(iv) in the premises owned or controlled by the Public Works Department
of the Government of West Bengal;
(v) in any premises or any class or sub-class of elevating device as the State Government may, by notification, exempt.
Compliance requirement under the Act in accordance with the Rules
If an accident occurs during the operation of a lift, escalator, or travelator that results in or is likely to result in the loss of human life or injury, the owner of the premises or their appointed agent must immediately inform the Inspector of Lifts. Within 48 hours of gaining knowledge of the accident, a detailed report in Form XI must be submitted to the Inspector of Lifts, providing comprehensive information about the incident.
Every license for operating a lift, escalator, or travelator is renewable at intervals of a minimum of three years and up to a maximum of five years, provided the period is covered by an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) from a licensed Erector or Maintenance Agency, with supporting documentation submitted.
The owner of any premises must appoint a duly qualified and competent person or firm holding a certificate of registration for proper maintenance of the lift installation. The name of such person or firm must be communicated to the Inspector of Lifts, and in Kolkata to the Commissioner of Police, and elsewhere to the District Magistrate, within the time specified in the license.
The owner of a lift, escalator, or travelator must have it inspected and tested every six months by an authorized person under Section 10 of the Act. The inspection report must be submitted to the Chief Electrical Inspector, and an entry must be recorded in the log book in Form VI (for lifts) or Form XIII (for escalators or travelators).
Any change of the person or firm appointed for the maintenance of a lift must be notified to the Inspector of Lifts and also to the Commissioner of Police in Kolkata or the District Magistrate, depending on the location.
A separate and independent electrical isolating switch with protection must be provided exclusively for the use of a lift, escalator, or travelator, with proper earthing as per BIS standards.
Every lift suspended by ropes must be provided with safety gear attached to the lift car frame, preferably placed beneath the lift car platform. The safety gear must be capable of stopping and sustaining the lift car with a full contract load. Additional specifications for safety gears are detailed under Rule 36.
The equipment necessary for the installation of lifts must meet specifications and installation requirements as detailed under Rules 24 to 47, covering aspects such as lift wells, enclosures, pits, clearances, landing doors, locking devices, guide rails, buffers, counterweights, car frames, safety gears, machine rooms, sheaves, pulleys, suspension, controllers, wiring, testing, and other safety precautions.
Specifications for escalators are prescribed under Rules 50 to 67, addressing key elements such as angle of inclination, width, balustrading, handrails, step treads, comb plates, trusses, tracks, loading capacity, speed, driving machine, motor, brakes, chains, safety devices, machine rooms, lighting, access, testing, and other safety measures.
A person can work as a lift attendant only if they possess a 10th standard pass certificate, are aged between 19 and 60, are physically fit with good eyesight, and have relevant experience in lift operation. For those above 60 years, a medical fitness certificate is required, and authorization ceases at 65 years. Applications must be made in Form XVII with supporting experience certificates (Form XVIII) and successful completion of oral or practical tests.
Penalties & Punishments
Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or any rule made thereunder or any order passed under sections 11 and 12 by an Inspector of Lifts or an officer authorised by the State Government shall, on conviction, be punishable with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees and in the case of a continuing contravention with an additional fine which may extend to five hundred rupees for every day during which such contravention continued after conviction for the first such contravention.
Conclusion
The Act creates a structured framework that balances convenience with safety. By mandating licenses, renewals, inspections, and qualified maintenance personnel, it ensures operational reliability and minimizes risks to human life. Provisions such as accident reporting, safety gear requirements, and adherence to international standards for escalators and travelators further strengthen the safety net. For owners and operators, timely compliance is not just a legal necessity but also a safeguard for public trust and liability management.
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