An escalator is essentially a moving staircase designed to make your ride as smooth as possible. In addition to its own safety-centric design, here a few tips on maintaining a safe ride whilst using an escalator.
1. Before Boarding an Escalator
- Confirm the direction of the escalator before stepping on it.
- Do not use a cane, and do not navigate a person with a walker or someone in a wheelchair on to an escalator.
- Do not step on an escalator barefoot, and ensure any laced shoes are firmly tied.
2. While Riding an Escalator
- Keep loose clothing clear of steps and sides.
- Do not rest your handbag or parcels on the handrail.
- Stand toward the middle of the step – away from the sides and face forward.
- Keep a firm grip on the handrail.
- Re-position your hand slowly if the handrail moves ahead or behind the steps.
- Pay attention. Do not day dream or gaze about while riding.
3. When Exiting an Escalator
- Step off promptly, and do not hesitate.
- Immediately move clear of the escalator exit area. Do not stop to talk or look around. Other passengers may be behind you.
Escalators have been designed with several features ensuring passenger safety. An escalator moves at half the normal walking speed of 90 to 120 feet per minute, and the moving steps are designed to move simultaneously with the handrail to help passengers maintain their balance. Furthermore, handrails extend several feet past the entry in order to help passengers adjust to the correct speed before stepping on the steps.
An escalator’s brakes and shutoff are automatically activated when it is detected that the speed is too fast or too flow. In addition, while riding an escalator, check for the emergency Stop button, which will be located at the top or bottom landings of an escalator’s handrail in the event that it will be needed.
