October 15th, 2013
An open letter to all Authorities Having Jurisdiction, Maintenance Contractors, Consultants, and Equipment Owners in the United States and Canada:
The topic of signage on escalator & moving walk handrails has been one of considerable discussion over the past several years.
ASME A17.1-2010/CSA B.44-10, section 6.1.6.9.2, specifies that no “additional signage” shall be permitted within the “safety-zone” of the escalator. Similar language can be found in 6.2.6.8.2 pertaining to moving walks. The same paragraph goes on to define the Safety Zone as an area that extends 118” (3m) horizontally outward from the newel and cautions that additional signage should not impede traffic flow. ASME A17.3 – 2011 only addresses mandatory Caution Signs and contains no language regarding Additional Signage.
Various interpretations of the “additional signage” wording have in the past lead to acceptance of handrail signage in some jurisdictions and refusal in others.
The purpose of this communication is to provide an update on code revisions, address perceived safety concerns, and open a channel for feedback and additional requests for information.
Late 2011; the A17 Escalator and Moving Walk Committee unanimously approved revisions to sections 6.1.6.9.2 and 6.2.6.8.2 and the creation of 6.1.6.9.3 and 6.2.6.8.3. These changes specifically permit handrail signs or graphics on escalators and moving walks providing that they do not distract, impede passenger flow, or impair the operation of safety devices. At their May 9 2012 meeting, the A17 Standards Committee approved these revisions for publication in A7.1 – 2013.
The benefits of simple motion indicators on handrails have been widely known for decades; they provide better visual cues of speed and direction of travel for escalator passengers, especially for children and the elderly. With today’s evolved print technology it is now possible to provide handrail motion indicators in full-color and in high-resolution; resulting in opportunities to convey safety, directional, or other information to the riding public in a tactile and interactive way.
In a world where we are bombarded with distractions handrail signs and graphics direct passenger focus to the escalator; improving the frequency of handrail holding and of natural steps both on & off the escalator.
Pilot installations on four escalators in the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority demonstrated how handrail signage can be used to positively reinforce the mandatory Caution Signage required in 6.1.6.9.1/ 6.2.6.8.1. and to further mitigate accident risks.
There are presently two types of handrail signs and graphics; one designed to be changed regularly on-site, the other a permanent addition to the handrail. Both have undergone rigorous testing in aggressive laboratory environments and with extensive world-wide field installations.
Temporary installations are accomplished with the addition of a durable composite thermoplastic film; engineered specifically for field-application to escalator and moving walk handrails. Stringent procedures and quality guidelines ensure that handrails must pass inspection prior to application and daily unit start-up and shut-down procedures are supplemented with additional inspection requirements.
Further information is available to all upon request and feedback based on your experiences with handrail signs and graphics is most welcome.
The cooperation of all Authorities Having Jurisdiction in granting any required variances until such time as A17.1 -2013 has been adopted is a step forward in improving Passenger Safety on Escalator and Moving Walks and is sincerely appreciated.
For further information; please contact:
Patrick R. Bothwell | Director of Sales | EHC GLOBAL
Telephone: 1-905-447-6709
E-mail: patrick.bothwell@drakaehc.com
