Reducing Risk On Escalators – Methods And Decision Factors

摘要

The worst recorded escalator accident led to 173 deaths and such accidents constitute aboutrn3% of all fatal risks in London Underground, but serious accidents are rare. US standards mandaternlower speeds, but our data suggests that this may not be justified: the safest metros in thernCoMET/Nova benchmarking groups have the highest speeds. Indeed, the level of trips and falls on onernrailway rose after the speed was reduced. The data suggests that the best ways of reducing risk lie inrnother directions, such as strongly encouraging or mandating the use of lifts (elevators) for those atrngreater risk on escalators, such as women with children, the elderly and those with heavy or bulkyrnluggage. Better signage on safe use of escalators is a factor, as is the provision of longer run-in andrnrun-out sections, guide rails or barriers and adequate space for travellers to clear the escalator easily.rnThese factors may help to explain the higher level of safety in the Hong Kong and Singapore metros.