Safety Tips for Escalator Riders

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Introduction
Riding escalators (and their cousins, moving walks) is easy to take for granted. Like walking or riding a bike -- you do it once and you never forget. But, are you always doing it properly and with safety in mind? And, what's more, are you instilling good safety habits in your children? Most of these guidelines apply to both escalators and moving walks.

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, ope-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.

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