Elevators are used on a daily basis by citizens living in high-story buildings, but how safe are they?
In 2020, the State Inspectorate for Market Surveillance examined 463 elevators, pointing out that an alarming figure of 233 elevators did not meet safety requirements.
Julian Llupo, head of the Directorate of Product Safety, says a handful fail to fulfill criteria.
“These are engines, and since we do not know who the manufacturers are, then we can proclaim that the installation is dangerous”, said Llupo.
There are varying figures on how many elevators Albania has, indicative of the informality reigning in this area. Official data estimates over 10,000 elevators currently at use, but ground experts believe there are more than 15,000, with some installed by companies that have ceased to exist.
Although there is a law, enacted after efforts from the State Inspectorate for Market Surveillance, there are thousands of uncertified elevators throughout the country, while only 1,200 are registered near the Inspectorate.
“Unpublished” examined some of the reasons behind elevator failures that led to fatal incidents in Albania.
The main reason is maintenance, as many avoid commissioning.
Another matter of concern is that the majority of companies that install the elevators have declared bankruptcy, making it increasingly difficult to find parts in case of malfunctions.
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