Escalators are designed and built in compliance with highly stringent standards of safety. Nevertheless, accidents still occur, the majority of which are caused by inadequate behaviour on the part of users.
Observe the safety guidelines
The next time you take an escalator, please observe these safety guidelines in order to reduce accident risks:
Hold firmly the handrail. If you loose your foothold, or if the escalator stops suddenly, holding the handrail will restrain you from falling down.
Keep facing in the direction of the ride, and do not touch the underside of the handrail.
Do not attempt to take the escalator against the direction of the ride.
Avoid carrying cumbersome objects which could block your view or could keep you from holding the handrail. Remember that escalators are designed to carry persons.
In a situation of emergency: use the emergency stop button at either end of the escalator, near the warning signs.
Do remain particularly watchful…
When young children accompany you. If they are too small to hold the handrail firmly, you must hold their hand. You must also see to it that they remain at a distance from the edge of the step and help them get off carefully at the end of the ride.
When you wear bifocal glasses.
If your movements are hampered or slowed down (difficulty in lifting your feet for instance).
Do not use the escalator…
When you need to move with crutches, with a walker (parapodium), in a wheelchair or with a stroller. These may cause accidents upon getting on or off the escalator. Take the elevator instead!
If it is not actually operating. This can make you dizzy and you may fall.
If you are barefoot or wearing tong sandals, flip-flops or Croc-type shoes.
If you wear ample and long clothes: these may get trapped between steps. Your clothes may get torn up, and moreover you risk falling down the steps and dragging others in your downfall.