HSE - Safety Goodwe: ESW - 17 : WORK SAFETY AT ESCALATORS / MOVING WALKS

When Working At Escalaors / Moving Walks

Ensure that there are no persons on the escalator/moving walk.
Stop the escalator/moving walk.
Before work is begun, effective barriers shall be positioned at the entry and exit points of the escalator which will warn and guard against unauthorised persons from gaining access to the work area. The work area is defined to include the escalator/moving walk entry and exit floor plates and shall extend onto the floor space area sufficient to perform the work and accommodate necessary tools and equipment.

Appropriate safety signs shall be prominently displayed on barriers. The barriers shall be readily identifiable and shall be secured to guard against unauthorised displacement. The recommended barrier height is approximately 1 metre.

Turn off the main line switch and other power sources to the escalator, lock the main line switch in the “off” position (or otherwise secure to prevent any energy activation) and attach an appropriate lockout/ tagout device to the main line switch. Test and verify functionality of the lockout.

For each work activity which requires that power be maintained on the escalator, each company must establish written procedures toenable safe working conditions with power onincluding safe access procedures.

When Working in the Truss (Upper/Lower Landing and Inclined Section)

Never wear anything that could catch or tangle. Never carry tools in pockets.

If the balustrade is not in place and a fall hazard exists, fall protection must be used.

Ensure proper safe footing. Be observant for grease or oil that may present a slipping hazard.

Newly designed and currently manufactured escalators are often provided with an emergency stop button and inspection controls. All such controls shall be provided with direction and common buttons wired so that both the common and direction buttons must be depressed to operate the escalator/moving walk.
The escalator/moving walk must be operated only by inspection controls, unless a risk assessment has been formally documented and approved in accordance with company policy approved by the managing director or company owner.
If steps are removed:

Riding the escalator is not allowed, unless a risk assessment has been formally documented and approved in accordance with company policy approved by the managing director or company owner.
Walking on step-axles is not allowed. Entry and exit from the truss frame must be achieved by safe means such as a temporary walkway or temporary work platform.

For manual operation of the escalator, direction indication must be marked on the machine.
The step chain must be physically prevented from movement by two independent means (e.g. machine brake and auxiliary brake) if work is being performed in the truss.
If the effort required to lift a removable floor plate exceeds the weight of 16 kg or exceeds 20 kg for a hinged floor plate, then an approved lifting tool must be used.

When Working in the Pit (Lower Landing)

All pits must be equipped with an emergency stop switch which is easily accessible from the pit access and the pit floor. If more than one switch is present, they must be wired in series.
Adequate lighting must be provided to ensure safe entry/exit and safe working conditions. Control switches should be located close to each access point.
Entry into a wet pit is not allowed when there is any source of electrical power present. The fluid must be removed and the pit dried prior to the inspection or performance of any work, lockout/ tagout power prior to pit entry.
An electrical outlet should be readily available to accommodate the use of portable tools, lights and cleaning equipment. Ground fault circuit protection is required. All newly designed escalators shall incorporate ground fault circuit protection in all electrical outlets.

REQUIREMENT MAY VARY AS PER THE NATION / COUNTRY / STATE LOCAL RULES & REGULATIONS

HSE - Safety Goodwe