a. Definitions
Escalators are inclined moving stairways, in which the carrying surface remains horizontal, while moving people up or down between different levels (Figure 5.6).
They are typically used between levels where a large volume of people require a rapid means of transportation, whereas lifts generally necessitate waiting time and have limited capacity.
Moving walkways, also called travelators or passenger conveyors, where the moving surface is flat and parallel to the direction of travel, can be horizontal or inclined up to a maximum of 12°. They are used where there are substantial distances to be travelled horizontally or for a shallow change in level where a flat moving surface is acceptable.
b. Design issues Provision
Escalators are not suitable for wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs or people with assistance dogs, unless the dog can be carried. People may find escalators and moving walkways difficult and off-putting to use. They should therefore always be provided with an alternative, accessible mean of vertical access, preferably a lift or ramp.
The number and size of escalators required depends on the estimated traffic flow, particularly at peak times, with alternative arrangements for non-operational time for maintenance or replacement. Twin escalators, switchable between up and down, are preferred.
Location
Escalators and moving walkways are normally provided in internal environments. They should only be used externally if they are adequately covered to protect them from the weather. They are normally sited as part of main circulation routes, making it easy for pedestrians to board them.
Alternative accessible vertical access points such as lifts should be located adjacent or close by.
Signage
There should be clear directional signage indicating alternative step-free vertical access such as a lift. The direction of travel of the escalator or moving walkway should be clearly indicated, particularly when this can be changed to accommodate peak flows.
Care must be taken that signage and other visual displays do not cause a distraction at the access and egress points, slowing people down and causing potentially
dangerous congestion.
Access space/landings
There needs to be adequate space at landings to allow for queuing and safe
movement on and off the escalator or moving walkway, particularly for people who move slowly. Two of the greatest hazards are blocked egress and excessive travel speed.
Capacity/speed/dimensions
The capacity of escalators and moving walkways depends on their speed and
dimensions. Low-energy escalators that operate slowly and speed up upon application of body weight may present fall hazards and should be installed with warning signage.
A constant speed is preferable.
Angle of inclination
The inclination of escalators and moving walkways should be selected taking account of location and estimated levels of use.
An extended flat moving surface, depending on speed and angle of inclination, is required at the top and bottom to allow safe and easy access and to allow those with poor balance to adjust to the movement and the start and end of the inclination.
Visual, tactile and audible information
There should be a visual contrast to identify the moving surfaces, and visual, tactile and audible information should be provided at the top and bottom. Step nosings should contrast, even though this is not a legal requirement. The direction of
escalators needs to be indicated. This may be by coloured nosings to treads, indicator dots on the moving handrail or, in some cases, green/red traffic lights.
Handrails
Handrails are essential on a moving surface especially for people with poor balance, and handrail width and surface should take account of people who have limited grip or dexterity.
It is important that the handrail moves at the same speed as the escalator or moving walkway, as differences in speed can cause falls. Indicator dots on moving handrails can indicate the direction of travel.
Guarding
Guarding is required to minimize the potential for falls at changes in levels, to prevent blind and partially sighted people from inadvertently walking onto or bumping into a moving surface, and to prevent vandalism on inclined surfaces.
Lighting
Escalators and moving walkways should be well lit, particularly at access and egress points, so that people can identify the moving surface.
Emergency switches
There must be emergency switches, clearly visible and usable by everybody, to stop escalators and moving walkways if necessary. These should also be located in the middle of the escalator, as well as at top and bottom.
Cleaning and maintenance
Escalators and moving walkways require regular cleaning and servicing to ensure that they remain safe and in working order; see Chapter 8.
c. Specific recommendations
Escalators and moving walkways should conform to BS 8300:2009 and BS EN 115-1:2008 (Table 5.3).
Table 5.3: Recommendations for escalators and moving walkways
Category Issues Detailed considerations
Source if not BS 8300:2009
Escalators and moving walkways
Provision
Normally there should be at least two escalators/moving walkways at each location to serve traffic flows in each direction.
Stairs and lifts should always be provided as an alternative means of access.
Location Escalators and moving walkways should be on PARs, and located close to alternative step-free means of vertical access, such as a lift.
Signage
There should be clear signage indicating the alternative accessible route at the top and bottom of all escalators and moving walkways.
The direction of travel should be clearly indicated.
Directional signs, advertising and retail displays should not be located close to the top and bottom of the escalators or ends of moving walkways.
Escalator and moving walkways are required to display mandatory safety signs in accordance with BS EN 115-1:2008.
BS EN 115-1:2008
Access space/
landings
There should be an unrestricted area at the top and bottom of escalators and at the ends of moving walkways either with a width at least the distance between the outer edges of the handrails plus 80 mm each side and at least 2.5 m long from the end of the balustrade, or 2 m long if the width is increased to at least twice the distance between the outer edges of the handrails plus 80 mm on each side (note this provides about 60% more space). These lengths should be increased when there are cross pedestrian routes.
Where escalators or inclined moving walkways have a locking device for trolleys, the length of the unrestricted area should be increased to 5 m.
BS EN 115-1:2008 BS 5656-2:2004
Category Issues Detailed considerations
Source if not BS 8300:2009
Escalators and moving walkways
Capacity/speed/
dimensions
Capacity for escalators (no. people)
Minimum horizontal distance of level steps
Capacity for moving walkways (no.
people)
BS 5656-2:2004, BS EN 115-1:2008
Speed
(m/second) 600 800 1,000 1,000 1,400
0.5 2,250 3,375 4,500 800 mm 3,600 5,040 0.65 2,925 4,388 5,850 1,200 mm 4,560 6,350*
0.75 3,375 5,063 6,750 1,600 mm 5,400 7,560*
*maximum incline 6°
Headroom: 2.3 m, with 2.1 m clear outside handrails.
Angle of inclination
Escalators: the generally recommended maximum angle of inclination is 30°. 35° is permitted for vertical rises less than 6 m and where the speed is less than 0.5 m/s.
Moving walkways: the maximum angle of inclination for a wheelchair user is 6° (equivalent to a gradient of 1:9).
BS EN 115-1:2008
Visual, tactile and audible information
There should be visually contrasting surfaces at the top and bottom of escalators and the end of moving walkways.
There is no requirement for visually contrasting nosings (by painted bands) on escalator steps, but they are recommended. A visually contrasting demarcation line where the moving surface starts is also recommended.
An audible signal or pre-recorded message, indicating the start or finish of the escalator or moving walkway, is helpful: these are not normally supplied by the escalator manufacturer.
Handrails
Handrails should be 900–1,100 mm above the step nosing or surface of the moving walkway, and extend a minimum of 300mm at each end.
A flat-topped handrail with rounded sides and a width of 70–
100 mm is recommended.
BS EN 115-1:2008
Width (mm)
Category Issues Detailed considerations
Source if not BS 8300:2009
Escalators and moving walkways
Guarding
Where guarding connects to the end of an escalator or moving walkway it should be at least the same height as the escalator handrails, 900–1,100 mm. Where there is a potentially hazardous situation it is recommended that barriers are at least 100 mm higher than the handrails. The guarding should be 80–120 mm from the moving handrail.
Guarding is required under the open soffit of an escalator or inclined moving walkway where the clear headroom is less than 2,100 mm.
BS EN 115-1:2008
Lighting Escalators and moving walkways should have a minimum illuminance of 50 lux on their surface and 100 lux at landings.
Emergency switches
Emergency switches must not be more than 30 m apart on escalators and 40 m apart on moving walkways, with one at each end.
Cleaning and maintenance
Escalators require at least daily cleaning.
Escalators are required to be maintained in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards.