Follow these tips for a safe escalator ride 4^th August 2022

How often are we stuck behind people scared to use the escalators, or are we the ones scared of escalators? Getting on the escalator can be daunting the first few times, but once you get the hang of it, it is easy and a more convenient way to traverse different floors. If you are worried about escalator safety, this article is just for you.

We will talk about everything you need to take care of around an escalator to make it easier and safer for you. Before understanding the safety measures, let’s examine some key points concerning an escalator.

How does an escalator work?
A set of interlocking steps looped around a pair of gears is made to rotate so that each step oscillates between different building levels.

What are the different parts of an escalator?
Inlet guards: A protective guard made of rubber that fits on the handrail to avoid fingers or other parts from getting caught in the handrail opening.
Operating panel: Switches that operate the functionalities of an escalator located near the boarding and landing parts of the escalator.
Sprocket: The wheels installed at the lower and upper parts attached to the steps are known as sprockets.
Truss: The support system of the entire escalator is known as a truss.
Balustrade: The part of the escalator that goes beyond the steps, including the guards, panels, handrails, and the deck board, is known as the balustrade.

What are the common escalator hazards?

1. Contacting the moving parts:
It is imperative to ensure that all the mechanical parts are adequately covered and are inaccessible to people. Little children tend to touch or hold the moving parts, crush their fingers, or scrape the surface altogether. Remember to hold on to the railings lined with the rubber casing and leave the railing as soon as you reach the standing deck on the escalator.
Don’t use phones or being distracted while on the escalator to avoid accidents. If you are with kids, be mindful and tell them beforehand about the dangers of touching the different moving parts of the escalator. Before getting on to the escalator, check that your shoe strings are tied properly to avoid getting caught between the steps.

2. Collision:
Leave a gap of at least one step between yourself and others on the escalator. Sometimes, people can take longer to get on or off the escalator, raising the chances of a collision. Never place your shopping bags on the stairs ahead or behind you.
This can create confusion and lead to a crash. If you have a lot of bags, it is best to keep them on the same level as yours so you can easily remove the bags off the escalator before getting down.

3. Step carefully:
Before stepping onto the escalator, ensure it is moving in the same direction you want. Step carefully onto the moving band. One key rule to remember is to avoid standing in lines on the escalator. These lines separate into different steps as you move forward and might lead you to topple over to the back.

These are a few things that you need to keep in mind before boarding an escalator. If you are with kids or older adults, hold their hands so that they can keep their balance. If you see elderly people trying to get onto the escalator, offer a helping hand. Escalator accidents are familiar sights in crowded areas but being mindful of your surroundings will keep you safe.

All that said, these situations can be completely unpredictable, and it is best to safeguard yourself in these circumstances with the best personal accident insurance policy in India. Personal accident insurance is the safety net you deserve to help yourself and your loved ones cover the costs of any accidents.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.