Escalator Safety Tips

      About 90 percent of all escalator incidents involve senior citizens or small children. The N.C. Department of Labor inspects all escalators throughout North Carolina to ensure their mechanical safety, but most accidents stem from carelessness while getting on and off. Please follow these helpful tips when using an escalator.

• Check the direction of the escalator before you board.
• Always pick up your feet and step carefully on or off the escalator.
• Stand in the center part of the step. Never drag or slide your feet along the edge.

• Always face forward and hold the handrail.Do not sit on the handrail.

• Do not lean against or reach over the sides of the escalator.
• Exit promptly from the escalator.Never stop, stand or play at an escalator landing; this can cause a dangerous pileup.
• Do not board an escalator with a baby stroller, walker or packages.

• Be aware that loose shoe laces, drawstrings, scarves and mittens can get trapped in escalators.
• Do not ride an escalator if you are barefooted.
• Take extra precaution to avoid the sides of the escalator when wearing flip-flops or rubber-soled shoes.
• Senior citizens should pay particular attention to balance while getting on and off an escalator. It is easy to lose your
• balance because of the difference in momentum.
• Always hold children’s hands on escalators and do not permit children to sit or play on the steps.
• Make sure you obey caution signs posted on the escalator.
• Use the emergency shutoff button if needed. The buttons are usually located at the entrances and exits of escalators.