Escalators and Moving Walks are built to last, and have a longer lifecycle than most other transportation systems. Around half of the escalators in use today are over 20 years old and were installed with the safety devices which were available at the time.

New technological developments, Standards such as BS EN 115, and the increased public safety expectations have driven the state of the art for safety to a new level.

As the owner or operator of an escalator you have a legal duty of care to ensure that your escalator is safe for passengers to use. An escalator can cause injury if it is inadequately maintained, has insufficient safety devices, operated incorrectly or used improperly.

In addition to maintaining and operating the escalator correctly and using appropriate safety devices, you are also responsible for actively working toward achieving the safe behaviour of users. You must draw attention to safety notices and make provision for regular servicing and inspections.

Ideally, the servicing of the escalator and safety inspection intervals should be adapted to the volume of traffic using the escalator but must at least meet the current minimum requirements. Escalators should be maintained by a competent person with the necessary technical skills and knowledge at least once every six months.

Contact us to arrange for skilled SDV maintenance engineers to service your escalator, for professional safety training for owners and operators, or to ask about the latest safety devices for your installation.