People are discovering the scary reason behind the brushes on escalator sides, revealing an important feature many didn’t know about.
People often use escalators without giving much thought to their design features.
One detail that has puzzled many is the presence of brushes on the sides of escalators.
Recently, people have discovered the surprising and somewhat scary reason for these brushes, which play an important role in ensuring passenger safety.
Why do escalators have brushes on the side?
Escalators are a common feature in malls, airports, and various other public places.
They help people move between floors with ease.
The brushes on the sides of escalators are not there for cleaning purposes, as some might think.
Instead, they serve a crucial safety function.
Preventing objects from getting caught in the gap
The primary purpose of this is to prevent objects, especially loose clothing and footwear, from getting caught in the gap between the steps and the side of the escalator.
This gap, while small, can be dangerous.
Items like shoelaces, scarves, and long skirts can easily become trapped, posing a risk to the person wearing them.
These things act as a gentle reminder for people to keep their belongings away from the edges.
When people step onto an escalator, they often do not pay attention to where their feet are placed.
The moving steps can cause items to shift and get dangerously close to the sides.
If an item gets caught, it can lead to injuries or even cause the escalator to stop suddenly.
They help to keep these items from getting too close to the edge, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Preventing edge contact
Additionally, the brushes serve to keep people’s feet away from the edges.
When feet come into contact with the brushes, it creates a sensation that prompts people to move their feet inward, away from the danger zone.
This simple yet effective design helps to keep passengers safe without them even realizing it.
The design of the brushes is also intentional.
They are made of soft bristles that are firm enough to push items away but gentle enough not to cause any discomfort.
This ensures that the brushes can do their job without causing any inconvenience to the users.
While the primary function of the brushes is safety, they also help to keep the escalator clean.
The constant movement of the brushes can sweep away small debris that might accumulate on the steps.
However, this cleaning function is secondary to their main purpose of keeping passengers safe.
Many people are unaware of the importance of these brushes until they learn about the potential dangers they help to prevent.
People need to be mindful of their surroundings when using escalators.
While the brushes provide a layer of safety, being aware of potential hazards can further reduce the risk of accidents.