Escalator steps have grooves to fit into comb plates, prevent debris buildup, and enhance safety by improving traction and alignment.
When you visit a shopping mall or an airport, you’ve probably used an escalator.
Escalators are convenient, but they can also seem a little intimidating.
While riding one, have you ever noticed the grooves on the steps and wondered why they’re there?
Most people don’t think about it, but those grooves are an important safety design.
At first glance, you might assume the grooves are there to stop people from slipping.
While this is partly true, it’s not their primary purpose. The real reason is much more interesting and practical.
How do the grooves on an escalator work?
As the escalator steps move, they reach the top or bottom where they slide into a comb-like plate.
The grooves fit perfectly into this comb, creating a smooth transition.
This design prevents objects from getting stuck between the steps and the floor.
Without these grooves, items like bags, shoes, or even parts of clothing could get caught, which might cause the escalator to stop working or lead to accidents.
The grooves also serve another purpose. If liquids spill on the steps, they collect in the grooves, preventing the surface from becoming slippery.
This reduces the risk of someone slipping while using the escalator.
Safety brushes prevent items from snagging.
If you’ve ever noticed the small brushes along the sides of an escalator, you might have wondered what they’re for.
These brushes aren’t just for cleaning—they’re another safety feature.
They are designed to keep items like clothing, bags, or even shoelaces from getting caught between the escalator steps and the side panel, called the skirt.
Interestingly, these brushes also work in a psychological way.
If you feel something brushing against your leg, you instinctively move away from it.
This simple reaction helps keep people safe by preventing their belongings or clothes from getting too close to the moving parts of the escalator.
The safety brushes became mandatory in 2004 under British and European standards.
This shows just how important they are in making escalators safer for everyone.
Why do these features matter?
Escalators are used by millions of people every day. Without these safety features, accidents could happen more often.
The grooves and brushes may seem like small details, but they play a big role in protecting passengers.
For example, without the grooves, there would be a higher chance of something getting stuck in the mechanism, which could cause it to break or even injure someone.
Similarly, without the safety brushes, loose clothing could easily get caught, leading to dangerous situations.
A smart design ensures escalator safety.
Escalators might seem simple, but their design involves a lot of thought and engineering.
Every feature, from the grooves to the brushes, works together to make them safer and more efficient.
While many of us take these machines for granted, they are actually full of clever details that make our daily lives easier.
So, the next time you step onto an escalator, take a closer look at the grooves and brushes.
They might not seem like much, but they are there to protect you and make your journey smoother.
It’s a reminder that even small design features can have a big impact.