The brushes provide an additional reminder of the same principle.

Children Are Especially Important to Consider

Children can be more vulnerable to escalator hazards because they may be curious about moving components.

A child might want to touch the brushes.

They may place their fingers near the side.

They may sit on a step.

They may move around while the escalator is traveling.

They may also wear shoes with different shapes or materials that behave differently near moving surfaces.

That's why adults should supervise young children closely on escalators.

A good habit is to teach children:

Stand facing forward, hold the handrail, keep feet away from the sides, and don't play on the escalator.

The brush should be treated as a warning feature—not something to grab or play with.

What About Shoelaces?

Loose shoelaces are another reason to pay attention.

An escalator is a moving machine with multiple interfaces and mechanical components.

Anything loose around moving machinery deserves caution.

Before riding, make sure shoelaces are tied securely.

Keep clothing, scarves, bag straps, and other loose items away from the sides and step edges.

This is particularly important for children.

The safest approach is not to rely on the brush to protect you from every possible situation.

It's better to keep loose objects under control in the first place.

Why Should You Keep Shopping Bags Away From the Side?

Imagine carrying a large reusable shopping bag.

You step onto an escalator and allow the bag to hang beside you.

The bag may swing.

Its straps may move.

Its bottom may brush against the side panel.

That doesn't necessarily mean anything dangerous will happen, but allowing loose objects to hang near moving machinery isn't a good habit.

Hold bags securely.

Keep straps controlled.

Don't allow luggage, backpacks, clothing, or other belongings to extend toward the skirt.

The same principle applies to umbrellas, coats, and other bulky objects.

The Handrail Has a Safety Purpose Too

The escalator's handrail isn't simply there because standing on a moving staircase feels comfortable.

It provides stability.

Escalators move continuously, and passengers can encounter changes in balance when stepping on or off.

Holding the handrail can help reduce the risk of falling.

This is especially important for:

• Older adults

• Young children

• People carrying heavy objects

• Anyone with balance difficulties

• People using escalators while distracted

A simple rule works well:

Hold the handrail and keep your feet toward the center of the step.

What Happens at the Bottom and Top?

Another important safety point is the transition area.

As you approach the end of the escalator, the steps flatten and transition into the landing.

This is where passengers need to pay attention.

Don't stop at the end of the escalator.

Continue walking away from the landing so the people behind you have room to exit.

Keep your eyes forward.

Avoid using your phone while stepping off.

The escalator itself may be operating perfectly, but passenger behavior can still create congestion or falls.

Why Do Escalators Have Grooved Steps?

The grooves on escalator steps are another feature many people don't think about.

The ridged surface provides traction and interacts with the comb plate at the entrance and exit.

The grooves also form part of the mechanical geometry of the escalator step.

At the landing, the steps pass through a comb-like structure.