A More Effective Way to Avoid Escalator Accidents Than Pressing The Emergency Stop Button

When the handrail escalator in the shopping mall fails, in order to avoid the risk of being involved in the escalator, what else can we do besides press the emergency stop button of the escalator?

Firstly, we need to understand how elevators work. Please see the image below:

Secondly, it is very important to know what are the safety blind spots in the escalator. We should try to avoid these safety blind spots when taking the elevator. The safety blind spots of escalators are mainly in the following places:

Elevator Board Clearance

When the elevator is moving, there is a certain gap between the upper and lower elevator boards, mainly because the elevator board needs to leave a certain gap for the free sliding of equipment functions.

Elevator Head & Tail

There is a safety blind zone at the head and tail of the escalator, especially when the elevator stops moving, there is still a certain distance between the head and the tail.

Turning Point

The turning point of the escalator is also easy to form a safety blind zone, especially the multi-layer turning point will form a relatively hidden gap.

Up & Down Corners

When the escalator turns up and down, there will be a relatively large gap at the corner, which is prone to danger.

(For example, the first area in the picture above is safe, the second area is very dangerous, and the third area is relatively safe! The first area can be stepped on, but the second area must not be stepped on as the bottom is empty and easy to get involved. Remember: don’t step on the second area marked with a cross in the picture!)

On & Off Zone

When the up-and-down zone of the escalator intersects, a short-term safety blind zone will also be formed.

In general, any gap or gap formed between any two moving parts of an escalator may constitute a safety blind zone. Users should take good care of them, pay special attention to the above-mentioned places, and put safety first.

Thirdly, if you find that there is a safety blind spot in the escalator, there are several things to do:

1. Do not put any part of your body into the gap. This includes hands, feet, clothing and loose items. A distance of at least 5 to 10 cm should be kept away from all gaps.
2. Do not use the escalator if the clearance is sufficient to pose a clear hazard. Look for other escalators or stairs.
3. Immediately notify nearby staff or security personnel. Tell them where the escalator is and what gaps you found.
4. If possible, take pictures of the gap from a safe distance. This helps staff understand issues and prioritize solutions.
5. The staff may immediately deactivate the escalator to check and fix the problem. Please cooperate with their instructions and do not insist on using this escalator.
6. If staff cannot be found, look for the emergency call button or information desk inside the building to report the problem. Unrepaired escalator gaps can cause injury.
7. After the report, avoid using the escalator until you see the staff repairing it or an announcement for safe use is issued.

In addition, when we take the escalator, we should keep in mind the seven safety rules for taking the escalator:

1. Before taking the escalator, make sure your shoelaces are fastened.
2. Try to stand in the middle of the steps, and make sure to leave quickly and steadily when you finish the ride.
3. When taking children on the escalator, you must always hold their hands. It is absolutely forbidden for children to play on the escalator.
4. It is forbidden to put children in strollers, walkers or shopping carts to take the ladder.
5. When taking the ladder, pay attention to the front and hold on to the handrail.
6. Avoid standing on the side that may be stuck.
7. In order to prevent emergencies, you should know where the emergency stop button of the escalator is.

By following these common sense safety tips and being aware of hazards, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury on escalators.