A file photo shows an old elevator in Fangzhuang, Fengtai district of Beijing. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

Authorities in Beijing are going to examine and assess some 3,000 aging elevators across the capital city by the end of November and launch an emergency response team to help those in need who may encounter elevator troubles.

Beijing Municipal Quality Supervision Bureau says the check will be focus for elevators in old neighborhood and buildings. After assessment, there will be repair, renovations, or replacements according to the safety checks.

A one-hour emergency response mechanism will be established and an information network will be built to link all rescue teams together. The authority plans to set rescue team in each square kilometer. Once malfunction, the network will send alert to the nearest rescue team to provide help.

The move comes after several tragic accidents due to malfunctioning and maintenance problem.

Currently, elevators in the city are required to be examined thoroughly every six months; however, the potential safety hazard of old elevators cannot be eliminated only by checks and repairs.

The municipal government also plans to find and subside repairs in old neighborhoods so that dangerous elevators can be replaced.