97% of escalator incidents due to improper use, says Building and Construction Authority
27 November, 2023
Most escalator incidents in the first 10 months of this year arose from user behaviour, and the most common was caused by the carrying of bulky items, said the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) on Monday (Nov 27).
A total of 632 escalator incidents were reported from January to October, with 97 per cent of the cases linked to improper use.
Less than 3 per cent - 16 cases - were a result of mechanical faults such as the handrail stopping while the escalator was still in operation.
The top cause was due to users carrying bulky items including prams, luggage and shopping trolleys, which accounted for 17 per cent of all cases.
Another 16 per cent were due to users moving on an escalator or not holding the handrail. About 12 per cent were attributed to the physical health conditions of the user who, for instance, might be feeling dizzy or unwell while using the escalator. About 11 per cent of incidents were a result of users being distracted, including from the use of mobile phones. The fifth most common cause - 9 per cent - arose from shoes or body parts getting trapped in the escalator steps, particularly among young children.
On the cases linked to the carrying of bulky items, more than half of the incidents involved users aged 55 and above, said BCA.
"This data underscores the need for more targeted initiatives to discourage individuals with bulky items from using escalators for their personal safety," it said.
BCA's group director for electrical and mechanical engineering group Teo Orh Hai said: "Making escalators safe for all users is a shared responsibility."
"Given the high rate of incidents linked to user behaviour, we urge everyone to be more aware and careful while using escalators."
With over 7,000 escalators across Singapore, BCA said it is "crucial for individuals to use them responsibly", especially during times of high-traffic like the upcoming festive season.
The agency advised users to be mindful when using escalators and avoid being distracted by mobile devices. Users should hold on to the handrail and stand within the yellow lines on the escalator steps.
Young children should be accompanied and supervised by adults, said BCA, which added that people should not be lingering at landing areas and standing too near to the sides of escalators as clothing or footwear could get trapped between the gaps.
"Users with trolleys, prams, luggage, carrying heavy items, who have limited mobility, are intoxicated or feeling unwell, should use the lifts instead," it advised.
"In the event of an escalator incident, the public is advised to press the emergency stop button and call for assistance immediately."
When users come across problems with an escalator, BCA said they can contact the building owner or managing agent as it is their duty to ensure the escalator is in working condition.
Regular maintenance and inspections are conducted as required by regulations, said BCA, adding that an escalator is immediately shut down if any risk is found.
BCA also said that it has been working to implement safety solutions and raise public awareness on safe use.
These include piloting the use of magnetic bollards on Frasers Property Singapore to discourage users from riding escalators with bulky items, especially prams and strollers.
It is also supporting an escalator safety workshop with Frasers Property Singapore, organised by escalator manufacturer Schindler. The workshop at Century Square on Dec 2 aims to educate young children about safe practices.
"We will continue to work closely with the community and our industry partners to raise safety awareness, in particular among the elderly and parents of young children, as every user's conscious effort is key to ensuring their own safety and that of others around them," said Mr Teo.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
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