Safety is major concern in escalator design from both the passenger's perspective and the operational integrity of the escalator system and its setting. It is important for designers and specifiers to be aware of escalator installation requirements and available safety features from manufacturers.

Fire protection of an escalator floor opening may be provided by adding automatic sprinklers or fireproof shutters to the opening, or by installing the escalator in an enclosed fire-protected hall. To limit the danger of overheating, adequate ventilation for the spaces that contain the motors and gears must be provided.

Manufacturers offer some or all of the following as either standard or optional features:

Operational safety enhancements:

1.  Control & Annunciator. A microprocessor controller is designed to work in conjunction with other safety devices to provide correct information processing and proper escalator control. Escalator faults are identified by the controller and illuminated in a display on the control cabinet.

2.  Escalator brake. A permanent magnet ceramic brake is designed to gradually stop the escalator and hold it stationary under full load. The closed-loop brake circuit is designed to meet current ASME Code deceleration rate requirements and operate in conjunction with a velocity feedback

6.  Pit stop switch. All escalator machine spaces and areas where interior access to the escalator is allowed, are furnished with a stop switch.

7.  Reversal stop device. Protection against accidental or inadvertent reversing of an escalator operating in the UP direction is monitored by a directional feedback encoder. This device, when activated, turns off the motor and activates the brake, bringing the escalator to a smooth stop. This device is designed to turn off the motor and activate the brake to stop the escalator when an object is detected entering the handrail inlet area.

9.  Step up thrust device is designed to detect obstructions in the lower curve area, which could cause a step to be elevated, thus impacting the comb plate. When this device detects a raised step, it will shut off the motor and activate the brake to stop the escalator.

11. Missing step device is designed to detect a missing step. When a missing step is detected, power to the motor is turned off and the brake is activated to stop the escalator.

12.  Step level device is designed to detect a step that is about to enter the comb area at a "lower elevation" than the comb plate. If a "low step" is detected, the escalator is turned off and the brake is applied to stop the escalator.

13.  Handrail entry device is designed to turn off the motor and activate the brake to stop the escalator when an object is detected entering the handrail inlet area.

14.  Comb impact device is designed to shut off the motor and activate the brake in the event that comb plate movement is detected horizontally or vertically.

16.  Skirt obstruction switch is designed to detect obstructions between the skirt and step at the point where the step approaches the upper and/or lower comb plate area. This device will shut down the escalator in the case of an entrapment.

17.  Broken step chain device. Installed on the lower end carriage, this device is designed to detect step-chain breakage or excessive step-chain sag.

Safety Features Typical safety features address both operational safety and passenger safety configurations. Source: KONE Inc.

18.  Energy saving control is designed to save up to 40% in energy costs, extend motor life and provide a smooth, safe start.

Passenger safety features:

3.  Skirt gap and stiffener. Installation of skirt stiffening channels is designed to provide uniform clearance between the step edge and skirt, reducing the possibility of entrapment between the step and skirt.

4.  Demarcation inserts. Installation of plastic demarcation inserts along the side and rear of step warn passengers of possible foot entrapment points and will not wear off after time like paint.

5.  Emergency stop buttons and alarm. The emergency stop button installed at a 45 degree angle increases accessibility in the event of an emergency.

8.  Step demarcation lights. Green fluorescent light fixtures beneath the steps at the landings are designed to signal the passenger that the end of the escalator is near.

15.   Safety signs. These signs are designed to caution and provide safety information to the passengers.

19.  Skirt brushes. These escalator skirt deflector brushes are designed to encourage safe escalator use by providing a subtle indicator to passengers riding near the step's edge.

20.  Deck guards. These plastic barriers are designed to prevent an object and people from getting wedged between the escalator handrail and a wall or another escalator.

21.  Yellow comb segments. Yellow comb segments define the end of a moving escalator step and the stationary aluminum comb plate while warning passengers to pick up their feet.

Changes in code have made many safety features mandatory. These are: the escalator brake (2), skirt gap and stiffener (3, emergency stop alarms (5), step demarcation inserts (4), handrail entry device (13), comb impact device (14) and skirt obstruction switch (16).

The only items not required by code are #8 and #18.