Elevator/Lift Safety in Bangladesh: Growing Concerns and Need for Regulatory Effectiveness

Many lift-related incidents that resulted in injuries and fatalities have occurred in Bangladesh throughout the last ten years. A number of events have been recorded in Dhaka, including a fire that broke out in a shopping mall in Uttara in 2016 after a lift mishap that left five people dead and more than 100 injured. One guy was died in a lift fall in Dhanmondi-15 in 2015, among other incidents. An RMG employee was also died in a lift accident at JL Sweaters near Tongi in 2014. Five persons were hurt in a lift accident and cable snap at the BDBL building in Karwan Bazar more recently. In addition, a youngster lost their life in 2018 after becoming stuck in a malfunctioning elevator at a residential building in Chamelibagh, Shantinagar.
In Bangladesh, lift accidents – such as the most recent one at the BDBL building – have serious and far-reaching effects. In addition to severe physical harm and untimely deaths, survivors frequently have severe psychological trauma, such as PTSD and anxiety, and long-term disability, which significantly lowers their quality of life and puts a great deal of stress on their family. Economically speaking – these accidents lead to high medical expenses – a large loss of earnings and productivity for those hurt, and major property damage. While building owners and management face significant litigation and compensation costs, possible increases in insurance premiums, and serious reputational harm, businesses experience immediate disruption.
Socially and legally – repeated mishaps undermine public confidence in building security – causing widespread fear and fervent demands for more stringent laws and regulations.
The Government of Bangladesh has established regulatory frameworks and an enforcement organization in recognition of the significance of occupational health and safety (OSH), which includes the safety of lifts and cranes. But as is frequently noted, the difficulty is in ensuring that these provisions are consistently and strictly implemented and enforced.

Bangladesh’s Laws Concerning Lift and Crane Safety

The fundamental legislative framework for occupational health and safety in Bangladesh is comprised of the Labour Act, 2006 (BLA, 2006) and the Labour Rules, 2015, which include particular requirements pertaining to lifting devices.
Important requirements under BLA 2006:

• Section 68: Cranes and other lifting machinery.
  In an establishment, the following provisions shall apply to all cranes and other lifting machinery, except hoist and lift namely: –
• The fixed or movable working gear, ropes, chains and anchoring or fixing appliances and every part thereof shall be-
  • of good construction with sound material and adequate strength,
  • properly maintained,
  • thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once in every 12 (twelve) months and a register shall be maintained containing particulars prescribed by rules, of every such examination;
• No such machinery shall be loaded beyond the working load marked thereon;
• While any person is working on the wheel-tract of a traveling crane in any place, where he is likely to be struck by the crane, effective measures shall be taken to ensure that the crane does not approach within 6 (six) meters of that place.

• Section 69: Hoists and lifts. –
• Every hoist and lift in every establishment shall be-
  • of good construction with sound material and adequate strength;
  • properly maintained;
  • thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once in every 6 (six) months, and a register shall be maintained containing such particulars, of every examination as may be prescribed by the rules.
• Every hoist way and lift way shall be sufficiently protected by an enclosure fitted with gates and the hoist or lift and every such enclosure shall be so constructed as to prevent any person or thing from being trapped between any part of the hoist or lift and any fixed structure or moving part.
• In every establishment, the capacity of safe working load shall be clearly written down on every hoist or lift and no load beyond such load shall be carried thereon.
• In every establishment, the cage of every hoist or lift used for carrying persons shall be fitted with a gate on both sides for riding and landing. The highest capacity of every hoist and lift shall be written legibly in Bangla.
• Every gate referred to in sub-sections (2) and (4) shall be fitted with interlocking or other efficient device to secure that the gate shall not be opened until the cage is landed, and that the cage shall not be moved until the gate is closed.
• The following additional requirements shall be applied to hoists and lifts installed or reconstructed in an establishment after the commencement of this Act, namely: –
  • where the cage is dependent on rope or chain, there shall be at least 2 (two) ropes or chains separately connected with the cage and shall maintain its balance, and every rope and chain shall be such that it may carry the cage together with its maximum load;
  • efficient devices shall be provided to support the cage together with its maximum load in the event of breakage of the ropes and chains;
  • proper automatic devices shall be provided to control the excessive speed of the cage.
• The Inspector General may, upon such conditions for ensuring safety as he may think fit, permit to continue the use of a hoist or lift which was installed in an establishment before the commencement of this Act without complying with the provisions of sub-sections (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5).

A government-designated or authorized individual or organization with relevant experience who is permitted to conduct these critical tests is referred to as a “Competent Person”, as defined by the Labour Rules.

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments’ (DIFE)

Bangladesh’s main agency for implementing the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, and the Labour Rules, 2015, is the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), which is housed inside the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The Primary Roles of DIFE in Safety:

• Inspections & Enforcement: To make sure that safety regulations are being followed, DIFE regularly inspects workplaces, particularly those utilizing lifts and cranes.
• Violation Identification & Action: They can point out safety flaws and urge legal action or closures for non-compliance, as well as issue warnings and fines.
• OSH Promotion: By providing guidance and information, DIFE strives to promote an occupational safety and health culture in addition to enforcing the law.
• Reach & Structure: With 31 district offices and its headquarters in Dhaka, DIFE serves establishments all over the country and is always expanding.
• Cooperation: To improve OSH regulations, DIFE collaborates with a number of institutions, such as the ILO.
• List of Competent Persons: They are in charge of recruiting and designating “competent persons” and organizations that have the authority to certify inspections of lifting apparatus.

QES Pvt. Ltd., which is a DIFE approved lifting equipment inspection service provider, we are committed to provide lifting inspection services with a strong emphasis on dependable equipment operation and uniform safety regulations. We provide genuinely value-driven solutions because of our extensive industry knowledge and successful track record. We proactively avoid accidents, ensure equipment longevity, and verify stringent regulatory compliance with our thorough and trustworthy inspections. We pledge to deliver precise outcomes, customized solutions, and reasonably priced services that foster enduring client trust.
Join up with the respected QES team to enjoy impartial third-party inspections, thorough compliance reports, and safe workflows. Take advantage of our expert equipment testing services, which provide accurate information and practical safety suggestions. We provide remote inspection services for convenience and round-the-clock inspection services to meet a range of operating requirements for more flexibility. Selecting QES entails working with a committed team that is devoted to provide the best lifting inspections possible while maintaining stringent regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is lift safety important in Bangladesh?

Lift safety is critical due to the increasing number of accidents in recent years. Proper maintenance and inspection help prevent injuries, fatalities, and costly damages.

2. What are the common causes of lift accidents?

Common causes include:

• Poor maintenance
• Mechanical failure (e.g., cable snapping)
• Overloading
• Electrical faults
• Lack of regular inspection

3. What does Bangladesh law say about lift inspection?

According to the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006:

• Lifts must be inspected by a competent person at least every 6 months
• Proper maintenance and safety measures are mandatory
• Load capacity must be clearly marked

4. What is a “Competent Person” for lift inspection?

A competent person is an individual or organization approved by authorities (like DIFE) with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to conduct lift and crane inspections.

5. What is DIFE and what is its role?

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) is the government authority responsible for:

• Enforcing safety laws
• Conducting inspections
• Taking action against violations
• Promoting workplace safety

6. How often should lifts and cranes be inspected?

• Lifts & hoists: Every 6 months
• Cranes & lifting equipment: At least once every 12 months

7. What are the risks of not inspecting lifts regularly?

Failure to inspect can lead to:

• Serious accidents and fatalities
• Legal penalties and fines
• Business disruption
• Increased insurance costs
• Loss of reputation

8. What safety features should a lift have?

A safe lift should include:

• Interlocking doors
• Emergency braking systems
• Load capacity indicators
• Speed control devices
• Protective enclosures

9. What happens after a lift inspection?

After inspection:

• A detailed report is provided
• Safety issues are identified
• Recommendations are given
• Certification may be issued if compliant

10. Can lift accidents impact businesses financially?

Yes, lift accidents can cause:

• High medical expenses
• Compensation and legal costs
• Operational downtime
• Loss of productivity and reputation

11. Why should I hire a professional inspection service?

Professional inspection ensures:

• Compliance with Bangladesh laws
• Accurate risk assessment
• Prevention of accidents
• Long-term equipment reliability

12. Do you provide certified lift inspection services in Bangladesh?

Yes, professional service providers like QES offer DIFE-approved lift and crane inspection services with certified reports, expert recommendations, and compliance assurance.