- Hold the handrail tightly
- Children and older people are particularly at risk
- Observe warning signs
In train stations, airports, or department stores – the easiest means of traveling between floors is normally a moving staircase, commonly known as an escalator. Although many people find traveling up or down this way perfectly normal, it is advisable to not become distracted and to hold on tightly, say DEKRA’s experts.
“The risk of injury on an escalator isn’t as small as many people think,” says Eva Adam-Krawitsch, Technical Manager Escalators at DEKRA. “It’s important to pay attention and take the warning signs seriously in order to avoid accidents and serious injuries.” The expert recommends considering the following aspects in particular:
• Don’t get distracted: “Don’t get distracted, even if your phone rings. Safety has priority on an escalator,” says Adam-Krawitsch. Keep an eye on other people and offer help if necessary. Hectic pushing and shoving can easily put others in danger.
• Stand safely: “Make sure you have one hand free when you step onto the escalator and hold the handrail tightly.” This will enable you to avoid falling if the escalator stops unexpectedly. Older people should take particular care because they can lose their balance more easily. When getting on and off an escalator, they should beware of any trip hazards and lift their feet slightly to avoid catching them on the comb plate and falling.
• Hold children by the hand: Children are particularly at risk when riding escalators. If they fall or play on the escalator, they could squash their fingers, get caught by their hair, clothing, or shoes, or fall to the bottom. It is best to carry small children and hold older children by the hand. Playing, running, and climbing are a safety risk because of the danger of falling and getting caught.
• Carry dogs: Care must also be taken to ensure that dogs do not get trapped or caught by their fur. It is better to carry smaller animals.
• Beware of loose clothing: Adults need to be careful as well. If they do fall, there is a risk of loose clothing such as scarves or jumpers, untied shoelaces, or even long hair getting caught and pulled in between the steps. Even adults may not be able to free themselves in the event of such an accident and they could be badly injured.
• Stand clear of the sides: Users should stand clear of the sides of escalators so that the toes of their shoes or their fingers cannot be trapped. If children or shorter people lean their heads on the side wall, they may suffer burns or their hair may be trapped.
• No strollers: Due to the increased risk of accidents, users should not board an escalator with a stroller, roller skates, skateboards, or similar sports equipment.
• Respect cordons: The DEKRA expert also warns against entering an escalator that has been cordoned off. “During maintenance work, it is often necessary to remove steps or hatches temporarily. This may result in trip hazards with a high risk of injury,” explains Adam-Krawitsch.
• Observe warning signs: All escalators have warning signs intended to ensure safety, usually icons installed at the top and bottom. These include the blue-and-white handrail icon or the stroller prohibited sign.
• What to do in an emergency: All escalators are equipped with red emergency stop buttons, which are installed at the top and bottom. The Europe-wide emergency services number is 112.
