PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: SIGNAGE ON ESCALATOR & MOVING WALK HANDRAILS

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.

EHC GLOBAL Handrail Signage

For further information; please contact:

Patrick R. Bothwell  |  Director of Sales  |  EHC GLOBAL
Telephone: 1-905-447-6709
E-mail:  patrick.bothwell@drakaehc.com

ZenithOptimedia UK Testimonial

“We’ve been really impressed with the Handrail proposition and will be closely watching this media in the near future with the expectations being that many more brands in the UK will realise its full potential. To be able to communicate to consumers within such a close proximity to point of sale should not be underestimated.

The project has been handled with exactly the correct attitude by Publicis-Blueprint and I have been massively impressed with the guidance, attention to detail and feedback that we have had during and after the Dettol project. Results speak for themselves, but it hard not to be impressed with how they have taken this on.”

-James Berry, Trading Manager, ZenithOptimedia UK

Westfield London Shopping Centre Testimonial

“We worked with ADRail as part of our advertising for the grand opening of our latest Gym in Westfield London.  ADRail worked very closely with ZIP design, our creative agency, to ensure the best outcome for this promotion.  

ADRail installed our designs onto two external escalator units with care and precision and the marketing power of this installation was phenomenal, where a large volume of traffic engaged with the advertising.  

The work looked great and withstood the elements of the changing London seasons.  Handrail advertising is certainly something we will look at for future promotion.”

-Richard Hilton, Managing Director, Gymbox

“Activating the escalator handrails on the external escalator units at Westfield London has been an effective and interesting way of getting an important message across to our guests. 

The wraps look stylish and professional and our guests are intrigued and delighted by this media in a place they least expect it. 

All the people involved in installing the ADRail were extremely professional and made the process slick and easy. They are a pleasure to work with.”

-Lucy Thomas, Project Manager, Westfield London