An Introduction To The Lift Industry In Malaysia

The Lift Industry in Malaysia is a very regulated industry. The

government agency tasked with regulating the industry is the
Department Of Safety And Health [DOSH] under the Ministry Of
Human Resources.

Both the installation of new lifts as well as the operation of installed

lifts are regulated by DOSH.

INSTALLATION OF NEW LIFTS

Before any new lift is allowed to be installed in a new or existing

building, the owner must submit an application to DOSH for
“permission to install”. This is normally done on behalf of the owner
by an “REGISTERED Lift Competent Firm” that is registered with
DOSH.

This process is required under Regulation 6 of the Factories &

Machinery (Electric Passenger and Goods Lifts) Regulations 1970. As
part of the initial application process for “permission to install” a
new lift, the Lift Competent Firm must submit design details of the
lift using the prescribed form “First Schedule” together with
installation drawings and other design calculations. This application
must be done on behalf of the owner by a Lift Competent Person
(Grade 1) who is attached to the Lift Competent Firm that is
submitting the application on behalf of the owner. If the model of lift
to be installed has never been installed in Malaysia, then the Lift
Competent Firm must first submit an application for approval of that
model of lift. This process will require even more detailed
information including design details of many parts like the safety
catch, governor, traction machine etc.

For a new lift’s application using the First Schedule, once DOSH is
happy will all the information provided, they will issue a Letter to the
owner informing them that their application to install that lift is
approved and that they are to inform DOSH to inspect the lift after
the installation has been completed.

Under Regulation 30 of the Factories & Machinery (Electric

Passenger and Goods Lifts) Regulations 1970, once the new lift
installation has been tested and commissioned by the Lift Competent
Firm, then the Lift Competent Person of that firm will inform DOSH
to visit the site to carry out an inspection of the lift. As part of the
inspection process, the lift will be required to undergo a “drop test”
at full load and rated speed to check that the safety catch is
operating properly. Once the DOSH Inspector is satisfied with the
proper functioning of the lift then he will notify his office to issue the
inspection fees for the owner to pay. Upon payment of the
inspection fees, DOSH will issue a Certificate of Fitness valid for 12
months on the condition that the lift is maintain by a Lift Competent
Firm during this period.

MAINTENANCE OF LIFTS

For the operation of any lift in any building (excluding lifts in private
dwellings) the owner must ensure that the lift is maintained by a Lift
Competent Firm in accordance with Regulation 31 of the Factories &
Machinery (Electric Passenger and Goods Lifts) Regulations 1970
through a service contract that is not less than 12 months. Under
Regulation 31, the lift must be serviced once a month and inspected
by a Lift Competent Person at least once every 3 months and the Lift
Competent Person must record his inspection using the “Second
Schedule” form.

LIFT COMPETENT PERSONS

DOSH has issued some guidelines with regards to the qualifications,

responsibilities and examination requirements of Lift Competent
Persons. The three charts below give a quick summary of such
requirements:
Besides the Factories & Machinery (Electric Passenger and Goods
Lifts) Regulations 1970, DOSH also from time to time make reference
to other Local and International Standards. In Malaysia, the
Department Of Standards Malaysia [DSM] has published the
Malaysian Lifts Standards MS EN81-20 and 50:2017 which is adopted
from EN81-20 and 50: 2014. DSM has also published the Malaysian
Standard for Maintenance of Lifts and Escalators: Rules for
maintenance instructions MS 2698:2018. Besides these Malaysian
standards, DOSH also still makes reference and accepts older
standards like EN81-1. For escalators, the latest Malaysian Standards
is the MS1918:2019 which is adopted from EN 115:2017.

Prepare By
Soon SL
7th Dec 2020

Note: The above article is meant as a reference guide only. Readers

are advised to check for latest standards, regulations and updates
from respective authorities