Escalator Safety

Escalator Safety Tips

NEII and its members stress the importance of adhering to proper escalator safety guidelines. While escalators are among the safest forms of transportation in the world, accidents can occasionally occur as a result of unsafe riding practices. Therefore, it is important to abide by the following safety rules:

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 go in the opposite direction of the escalator.
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

Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation

For more information about elevator and escalator safety education programs, visit the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation Web site.

Click on one of the images below for interactive training on Escalator/Elevator safety.