Walking on escalators can lead to accidents, which is why a major escalator manufacturer from Japan advises the public against this practice for safety reasons.
In Japan, escalator users typically stand to one side to allow those who wish to move quickly to pass. Some individuals on social media even assert that they have the “right to walk” on escalators.
In May, Hitachi Building Systems Co., a Tokyo-based escalator manufacturer and maintenance provider, announced the risks associated with walking on escalators, noting that from the outset, escalators were not designed for walking.
The varying height of escalator steps can cause pedestrians to trip or misstep.
The company has been warning customers about these dangers for some time. Kaichiro Koizumi, a public relations officer, stated: “It is essential to inform the public about the basic fact that escalators are not stairs.”
Walking on escalators can easily lead to accidents. (Illustrative image).
The manufacturer also warns about the risk of falling or causing injury to others when walking on escalators. Numerous accidents have been reported involving escalator users who do not adhere to safety rules.
According to a survey by the Japan Elevator Association based in Tokyo, among 1,550 escalator accidents reported from 2018 to 2019, 805 incidents were attributed to improper use, such as walking or not holding onto the handrail.
Railway operators also urge people to stand still on escalators and abandon the habit of leaving one side clear for pedestrians. They have launched a campaign to promote standing still on escalators at train stations and airports, where foot traffic is particularly high.
In October 2021, Saitama Prefecture became the first locality in Japan to mandate standing still on escalators, followed by Nagoya City and extending nationwide. Representatives from Hitachi Building Systems also believe that having people stand in two lines on escalators actually improves transportation efficiency.
The London Underground conducted a survey of escalators over 18.5 meters tall, revealing that the majority of the left side was underutilized, leading to congestion and long lines below. Additionally, an experiment in 2015 showed that standing on both sides of the escalator reduced congestion by about 30%.
Tips for Using Escalators
Maintain an Upright Posture and Look Forward
The safest posture when using an escalator is to be upright, standing on the right side of the escalator with your eyes looking ahead. Avoid bending down, playfully pushing each other, etc. By keeping your gaze forward, you can proactively identify and address any potential issues.
Illustrative image: Do not stand at the edge of the step.
Escalators always have safety yellow lines; stand between these lines instead of too close to the edge of the steps as that is where accidents are most likely to occur. You should also stand on the right side of the escalator or the left side in some countries like Japan to allow passage for those who need to overtake.
Avoid Standing Too Close to the Handrail
Always holding onto the handrail is a good way to maintain balance while using the escalator. However, do not stand too close to the handrail to prevent your fingers or clothing from getting caught in the gaps.
Be mindful of the gaps on the escalator, especially at the entrance, the handrail, and the spaces between steps. These small openings can entrap or pinch body parts such as feet or hands.
Know the Location of the Emergency Stop Button
A survey revealed that 61% of young respondents were unaware of where the emergency stop button was located on escalators, or they didn’t even know it existed.
Typically, the emergency stop button is located at the top and bottom of the escalator, to the right of the handrail. If you notice an incident occurring, quickly press this button to assist in emergency response.
Limit Carrying Multiple Items or Wearing Excessive Accessories
Carrying many items or wearing outfits with excessive accessories increases the risk of getting caught in the escalator or complicating your response during an emergency.
