After the crocs scare, I got loads of emails from Moms all over the world, with similar stories of escalator dangers and tragedies – like a boy who lost part of his arm when his jacket got caught.
I also realized that apart from the little picture warnings some escalators (not all) have printed on them, many of us parents dont know the basics on escalator safety.
Heres what we all should know about escalator safety, which applies to moving walks as well:
The Way To Go
* Face forward on the center of the step with feet slightly apart and without touching the stationary sides.
* Hold the handrail.
* Watch your step when entering or leaving the escalator, and step off (don’t slide off) quickly.
* If your hands are full with packages or luggage, choose a nearby elevator instead. Balancing packages on the steps or on the handrail may cause injury to yourself or other passengers.
* Never ride an escalator barefoot.
* Keep hands, feet and clothing clear of moving parts.
* Be particularly careful with loose clothing such as scarves, coats and their belts, long skirts, wide pants, untied shoelaces, and when wearing soft rubber shoes or boots, open-toed shoes, sneakers or high heels.
* Passengers using bifocals should pay particular attention as they enter or exit the escalator.
* Recognize your limitations. If you feel uncomfortable riding, or experience difficulty boarding or exiting an escalator, use the elevator instead.
Rules of the Ride
* Don’t strike side panels with hands, feet or objects.
* Don’t place items on the handrails or steps.
* Don’t use an escalator for freight.
* Don’t walk up the “down” escalator or down the “up” escalator.
* Don’t use an inoperative escalator as a stairway.
* Don’t run up or down the steps.
If you’re using a stroller, wheelchair, crutches or any kind of car or wheeled vehicle, follow the signs to the nearest elevator. Escalators were never intended to accommodate these vehicles safely.
Originally posted on March 6, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
