If you regularly use the escalator, you will see that the two sides of the stairs will have 2 rows of stiff nylon fibers like a brush, extending along the escalator. So what does this brush bristles do?
Escalators are commonly used in many places, especially in commercial centers or high-rise buildings. If you have ever used this type of automatic ladder, you will notice that the 2 sides of the stairs will have 2 rows of thick and stiff nylon fibers, like a brush stretching along the ladder.
Many people believe that these 2 rows of brushes are for the purpose of cleaning shoes and sandals, so they often put their feet in to clean, without knowing the true purpose of this brush.
Many people still do not know the true effect of the bristles along the sides of the escalator. (Image: Getty).
Specifically, the stiff brush-like nylon fibers at the escalator are designed to reduce the risk of objects getting trapped between the steps and the side of the escalator . This part of the brush will cover and keep the user’s shoes, sandals, skirts, shirts… from getting stuck in the gap between the steps and the escalator wall, avoiding serious accidents.
This part of the brush when touching the user’s leg will make them feel uncomfortable or as a warning that they are standing too close to the wall of the escalator when moving, from which, the user will stand away from the brush part. This is for safety. In addition to this brush part, many escalators also have yellow or red painted lines on the edges of the steps, instead of warnings of dangerous locations so that users do not set foot there.
Some older generation escalators are not equipped with 2 hard nylon strips on either side of the stairs, but will be painted with painted lines to warn the user’s foot position.
Putting your feet too close to the side of the escalator can lead to dangerous accidents. (Photo: Reddit).
However, in reality, this part of the brush is more of a warning, rather than a real shield. Many people are still mistakenly thinking that this broom has the purpose of cleaning shoes and sandals; or even know its true effect, but still purposely put his foot in it while riding the escalator to get his shoes cleaned. This is a dangerous action, which can lead to serious accidents when using the escalator.
There have been many serious accidents involving escalators, in which the victims are mainly children. Many mischievous children, when riding the escalator, accidentally or intentionally put their feet close to the side of the escalator, causing their feet to get stuck in the gap between the escalator and the railing, which can cause the foot to be crushed by the escalator.
Not only foot-trapping accidents, careless escalators can lead to other accidents such as losing momentum leading to falls or if not paying attention, you can get your head stuck in the upper floor…
Therefore, users need to have safety knowledge when using escalators. Absolutely do not let children, the elderly or new users of the escalator go alone , but need someone to accompany them to assist, to avoid possible accidents.
And it should be remembered that the brush at the foot of the escalator is not intended for cleaning and cleaning shoes, but is a warning sign for users to put their feet in a safe position when using the escalator .