According to "Southern Building," a publication of the Southern Building Code Congress, International (SBCCI), September/October 2000 issue, pp. 14-15, "From shopping malls to office buildings to airports, escalators transport more that 245 million people every day. In the United States and Canada alone, there are 33,000 escalators and moving walks currently in operation."
Southern Building further states:
To help reduce risk, manufacturers are building escalators with a number of safety features, including:
Brakes that automatically stop the escalator when, for any reason, the drive motor stops.
Automatic shut-off switches that stop the escalator or moving walk if the speed becomes either too fast or too slow.
Emergency stop buttons, located at the top and bottom of the balustrades, that stop the escalator in case of an emergency.
Self-restarting skirt pressure switches that identify when an object applies excessive pressure between the step and the escalator sidewall.
Combplate impact devices that detect objects that may become trapped.
Senior citizens account for 65 percent of escalator accidents, the majority of which are "trip and fall" accidents. Poor eyesight and lesser mobility and coordination may sometimes impact an individual's ability to safely use an escalator. In addition, individuals using walkers or wheelchairs or wearing bifocals may encounter safety issues and should consider the elevator as an alternative.
Southern Building provides the following safety tips:
Escalator Safety Tips
Do not ride escalators if you use canes, walkers, strollers or wheelchairs. Use elevators instead.
Mind small children. Hold their hand if they cannot reach the handrail, and help them on and off.
Keep children on the step immediately in front of you, and make sure they stand up and keep their feet away from the sides.
Do not allow children to ride escalators unaccompanied, and never allow them to play on or around escalators.
Wear shoes and securely tie shoelaces.
Stand in the middle of the step, facing forward. Do not ride escalators backwards.
Hold the handrail firmly to help maintain balance.
Do not lean against or place handbag or packages on the handrail.
Keep loose clothing away from steps and sides.
Step off promptly. Move quickly away from the exit area to avoid blocking riders behind you.
When riding on moving walks, stand to the right. Allow walking passengers to pass you on the left.