Escalators are an essential part of everyday life. But accidents on escalators often happen and are out of your control, especially if escalator cleaning or maintenance is not regularly done.

For example, if the escalator mechanism malfunctions, you can get injured. However, these injuries could be prevented if you are paying attention and following safety precautions. Stick through the end of this article to know basic safety tips to keep you and your family safe while using an escalator.

How Can Escalator Accidents Be Prevented?

Getting On and Off the Escalator

Most injuries that occur on escalators happen at the point when people are getting on or off these devices. So, when you are getting on an escalator, make sure you enter in a single file. If there is a crowd of people boarding, don’t cut the line or get on at the same time as someone else. You or the other person could lose balance and fall. Wait your turn and safely distance yourself from others as you enter the escalator.

Direction of the Escalator

Another thing to keep in mind is to check the direction of the escalator. Be aware of the direction other people are travelling, how the stairs are moving or any sign that indicates the escalator’s direction. This may seem like a simple matter, but some people get confused and accidentally board an escalator moving in the wrong direction.

Watch Your Step

You must watch your step when stepping on or off an escalator. To avoid trips and falls, avoid getting caught on the stairs and watch where you are going.

When disembarking from an escalator, watch your step and move quickly. Once you’ve reached the endpoint, prepare to disembark and be cautious where you are going. Move away from the escalator as quickly as possible, so you do not block others.

Practise Safety Precautions While on an Escalator

There are a few things to keep in mind while riding an escalator. First off, it is a good idea to grip the handrails to prevent accidental falls. Even if you have excellent balance, someone could bump you and cause an accident. To prevent this, hold on to the handrail firmly.

You must also consider the type of escalator you are riding. Some escalators are narrow and do not allow passing. Other escalators are wide, allowing for two lanes of traffic—one for people who want to stand still and one for people who want to climb up. Keep to the correct lane, so you do not delay others on the escalator.

How Do You Ride an Escalator Without Falling?

• Check the escalator's direction before you board.
• Pick up your feet and step on or off an escalator carefully.
• Avoid dragging or sliding your feet along the edge.
• Face forward and hold the handrail firmly.
• Never sit on the escalator’s handrail.
• Avoid leaning against or reaching over the side of the escalator.
• Exit quickly once you reach the endpoint.
• Avoid loitering, standing or playing at an escalator’s landing because this can cause a dangerous pileup.
• Never board the escalator with a baby stroller, walker or heavy packages.
• Check for loose shoelaces, drawstrings, scarves and mittens that can get caught in escalators.
• Never ride an escalator barefooted.
• If you’re wearing flip-flops or rubber-soled shoes, avoid the sides of the escalator.
• Senior citizens and people with mobility issues should pay close attention to their balance while getting on and off an escalator. They could easily lose balance due to the differences in momentum.
• Do not permit your children to sit or play on the steps, and always hold their hands while on the escalator.
• Make sure you follow safety precautions during escalator cleaning and maintenance work.
• Press the emergency shut off button if needed. These buttons are usually located at the escalator’s entrances and exits.

How Safe Are Escalators?

Following the guidelines under Australian Standard AS 2250.10-2006, all EWP units, including scissor lifts, boom lifts and escalators, must be inspected every 10 years from their date of manufacture.

It is crucial for business owners and establishments to comply with the standard for installing, commissioning, maintaining, escalator step cleaning, inspecting or testing elevators and escalators. Technicians handling escalators and those involved in the escalator cleaning procedure must likewise follow these standards.

You must also validate the level of compliance required from your type of business or establishment.

Escalators with wear and tear, slippery surfaces and objects caught in the combs may have an increased risk of slipping, tripping and falling accidents. These types of accidents have become one of the primary health and safety risks for businesses and industries. Injuries from falls, in general, are estimated to cost Australians more than 2.36 billion in a year.

In the case of escalators, slips, trips or falls result from errors related to the use of this equipment. Walking or running on the escalator and taking a pram are some of the typical causes.

For this reason, owners must highlight the risks associated with using these devices. While escalators help you to conveniently and safely get around, it would be best if you observe appropriate precautions at all times. If an incident on an escalator occurs where someone has been caught in the stair combs, hit the stop bottom at once located at the top or bottom of the escalators and wait for help. Escalators that have been stopped due to safety concerns can only be turned on again after approval from a Technical Safety BC safety officer confirming the system has been serviced and can work again.

Furthermore, escalator cleaning with proper escalator cleaning procedure and escalator cleaning machine can also help keep the escalators clean and well-functioning.

Escalator Cleaning with EscaTEQ

Escalators get dirty, which can lead to accidents and malfunctioning of the machine. If you want to make escalator cleaning safe and easier, use EscaTEQ products and technology.

Our escalator cleaning equipment meets all of our client’s requirements and demands. We also ensure that our escalator cleaning supply can complete every job fast and safely. For more details about our products, call us on (03) 9460 5655.