Escalator Safety Tips
While escalators are among the safest forms of transportation in the world, accidents can occasionally occur as a result of unsafe riding practices.
NEII® and its members stress the importance of following these simple escalator safety guidelines to help ensure passenger safety:
When entering escalators:
- Watch the direction of the moving step and step on and off with extra care
- Take care if you are wearing bifocals or similar eyewear
- Hold children firmly with one arm or hold child's free hand
- Hold small packages firmly in one hand, but always leave one hand available to hold the handrail
- Grasp the handle as you step onto the moving step
- Do not step onto an escalator going in the opposite direction
- Do not take wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers, hand carts, luggage carts or similar items on the escalator
When riding escalators:
- Keep loose clothing clear of steps and sides
- Wear closed-toed and hard-soled shoes, and avoid wearing footwear made of soft-resin or other rubbery materials
- Stand clear of the sides of the escalator
- Face forward and keep firm grip on the handrail
- Reposition your hand slowly if the handrail moves ahead or behind the steps
- Don't climb onto or ride the handrail
- Do not let children sit on steps or stand too close to sides
When exiting escalators:
- Don't hesitate and step off promptly
- Make sure to step over the comb fingers; don't let your feet slide off the end of the escalator
- Immediately move clear of the escalator exit area; don't stop to talk or look around since other passengers may be behind you
Escalator Safety Presentation
- Leading the Way to a "New Measures" of Safety
Escalator Step/Skirt Index Safety Presentation
(Flash)
Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation
For more information about elevator and escalator safety education programs,
visit the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation Web site.