Escalators across Australia are a considerable investment for all types of buildings, whether it be residential, commercial or industrial. What’s exceptional about these machines is that they have made moving from one floor of the building to another so much easier and more convenient.

Escalators greatly reduce the discomfort of climbing staircases, too. They help residents of all ages to access any floor level with ease, especially when lifting heavy items. Particularly, they are most beneficial to old people.

Lifts and escalators have distinct characteristics and functions. Escalators are much better at moving people and things at a short distance. Shopping malls, department stores, hotels, convention centres and arenas are just some areas where escalators are put to good use. On the other hand, elevators are commonly found in high-rise buildings, government buildings, factories and industrial settings.

While lifts and escalators are an indispensable part of a mobile community, they can also become a liability if not maintained. To prevent any reliability issues, consider seeking the help of experts like EscaTEQ that provide quality cleaning solutions.

What Is Escalator Maintenance?

Regular check-ups, monitoring, repair and testing are all part of proper maintenance. It is especially an immediate need if you already detected issues. This is because escalators can become hazardous if they are not inspected. Even the smallest of issues can result in operating problems and cause injuries or accidents in the future.

When you install an escalator for your business, the best way to keep them running properly is to follow the escalator maintenance procedure. But this is not an easy task, let alone, creating an escalator maintenance checklist. This kind of task must be performed by trained professionals. Whether you require escalator maintenance or an elevator repair, getting the right service provider is vital for the safety of lifts and escalators. More importantly, regular maintenance provides safety to your customers and employees.

Potential Risks of a Poorly Maintained Escalator

When your escalator is running, it’s easy to assume that it doesn’t need much care or attention. But this should not be the case. On the contrary, there are potential risks if an escalator is overlooked or unchecked.

The hazards associated with the escalator machine creates liability risks for property owners and managers. One of the main hazards is entrapment due to the failure of deflectors and combs. Loss of balance can also lead to entrapment. Additionally, slips and trip hazards are very common due to sudden stopping or issues in the treads.

Other risks include:

• People carrying heavy items
• Transporting, such as trolleys and prams
• Escalator mechanical failure
• Damage to escalator.

Benefits of Escalator Maintenance and Repair

Because escalators present fatalities and injuries, it's important to include them in the maintenance priority list. Escalator cleaning, maintenance and repair offer the following benefits.

• Prevent Mechanical Breakdown

One of the reasons why you should clean your escalator is to prevent any mechanical breakdown. The treads and risers of an escalator can become dirty from dust, debris, food and liquid. Leaving them to accumulate in your machine can damage the underneath parts, especially the engine. This can cost you repairs and replacements if not immediately addressed.

• Decrease Spending

Escalator repairs can be very expensive. To prevent this, you can hire quality mechanics to perform regular checkups, cleaning and monitoring. This will reduce the cost of repairs and may even forgo replacements as fixing small issues will ensure the longevity of your escalator.

• Improve Safety

Escalators are installed for comfort and convenience. Regular maintenance, therefore, improves the safety of your customers, employees and clients. If your equipment is poorly conditioned, it may lead to a breakdown, which can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and those with a health condition.

How Often Should Elevators Be Serviced?

In Australia, the estimated period to service your elevator is every 12 months. However, depending on the traffic and usage of your elevator, you can perform twice or thrice every 12 months. This will ensure the good condition of the equipment and that it is operating correctly and efficiently.

Escalator Cleaning with EscaTEQ

If you need quality escalator cleaning products, EscaTEQ can provide them for you. Our escalator cleaning tools and systems make escalator cleaning easy. For more details about our products, you can call us on (03) 9460 5655 or email us at sales@escateq.com.au.