Pupils of SJK Chung Hua and Woodlands International School learning the safe use of the escalator.
SIBU: The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Sarawak has inspected a total of 471 escalators across the state as at end of November this year.
According to DOSH Sarawak, thus far a total of 26 notices had been issued under Section 39 (3), compelling immediate rectification by building managements and escalator owners on various non-compliances regarding escalator safety.
DOSH Sarawak deputy director Mut Sagai warned that the department would not hesitate to issue notice and stop-work order to building managements and premises owners who did not keep escalators under their care in good working order.
The department, however, revealed that so far for this year, no further action had been taken for non-compliance.
To ensure the safety of the public, DOSH operations division will ensure that every escalator is inspected and issued Certificate of Fitness every 15 months and any complaint or problem related to escalator safety is addressed immediately.
It is mandatory for building managements and owners to engage and have a contract of service with competent firms registered under DOSH to carry out preventive and corrective maintenance.
An escalator cannot be operated if there is no competent firm servicing the escalator and this requirement is outlined under Section 29A of Factory and Machinery Act, 1967.
Section 29A stipulates that no person shall manufacture, fabricate, test, install, maintain, dismantle or repair any machinery which is prescribed unless a written authority has been issued by the chief inspector.
The maximum penalty imposed under OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) is RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.
Under FMA (Factories and Machinery Act) the maximum penalty is RM100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.