Chances are other people have also cleaned their shoes using the brushes that run the length of each escalator.
However, as you may have guessed, this is not why they are made. Buddy the Elf, a TikToker, claims that people who have never used an escalator before can find them extremely scary and dangerous. It’s possible that some of us even slipped and fell on one of the steep steps, requiring stitches.
As a result, every escalator you ride has additional dark nylon bristles attached. The bristles serve as a safety feature.
If you start sprinting, they probably won’t protect you from falling, but they will help prevent further accidents. Along with the balustrade skirt, escalator safety brushes also help prevent footwear and clothing from getting caught between moving steps.
Simply put, one would not want to experience sticking clothes if there were no brushes. In addition, it serves as a psychological barrier. One would quickly step back to avoid getting caught in their clothes or shoes once they felt their feet touching. “One of the biggest reasons for accidents on escalators is people getting their clothes and bags stuck in them when they stand too far to the sides,” says a TikTok account called “Unspoken Facts.”
Escalator floor brushes are not intended for display.
A viewer then commented: “My floor-length dress got stuck in the escalator and left an oil/grease stain on it that I could never get rid of.” After watching this. “Just the other day my husband helped a lady who got her skirt tied up on an escalator,” wrote another commenter.
A third person commented: “Escalators still scare me.” Even now, my kids make fun of me because I still use the stairs.” It turns out that before the 2004 A2 amendment, skirt deflectors like those found on escalators weren’t considered necessary. To be honest, practicality and caution were. Helping to alleviate some of the fears that people may have when using the escalator.
Safety advice for escalators
About 90% of escalator incidents involve seniors or children, and most accidents are caused by carelessness when getting on and off an escalator, according to the North Carolina Department of Labor. For a safe ride on the escalator, they recommend following these guidelines:
Before you get on, make sure the escalator is facing the right direction.
Always lift your feet and proceed with caution when entering or exiting an escalator.
Place yourself in the middle of the step. You should never slide or drag your foot along the edge.
Always hold on to the handrail and face forward.
Avoid sitting on the railing.
Never reach or lean on the escalator.
Quickly exit the escalator.
Never stop, stand, or play on the escalator as this could result in a dangerous pileup.
Never use an escalator to transport packages, a stroller, or a baby walker.
Be aware that mittens, scarves, drawstrings, and loose shoelaces can get tangled in escalators.
Avoid using escalators if you are barefoot.
When wearing flip-flops or rubber-soled shoes, be especially careful to stay away from the sides of the escalator.
When getting on and off the escalator, seniors should pay attention to their balance. The difference in movement makes it easier to lose balance.
Always hold children’s hands on escalators. Don’t let them play or sit on the stairs.
Follow the warning signs that are placed on the escalator.
Use the emergency stop button if necessary.
Usually, the buttons are located at the entrances and exits of the escalator.
In conclusion, although nylon brushes on escalators may appear to be only a decorative feature, they play a vital role in increasing safety. These bristles are designed to prevent accidents by minimizing the risk of clothing and personal belongings being caught by moving parts of the escalator. This useful feature helps mitigate potential injury and serves as a psychological deterrent to encourage users to stay away from the edges.
Despite these safety measures, escalator incidents are still prevalent, especially among children and the elderly. Correct use and awareness are essential to prevent accidents. By following the recommended safety guidelines – such as staying in the middle of the stairs, holding the handrail, and avoiding distractions – you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. A combination of these safety features and vigilant use can help ensure that escalator rides remain as safe and efficient as possible.