REQUIREMENTS for external COATING of escalators

Escalator CoaTIng ConSIderaTIons

Escalator covers are critical components of escalators and moving walkways. When designing an escalator or moving walkway, manufacturers must pay attention to the safety requirements as well as the appearance of the escalator or moving walkway. The escalator coating is mainly made of various grades of stainless steel sheets according to the project requirements, which ensures appropriate appearance, easy cleaning and enhances the durability of the coating. Stair handrails (solid type), trusses, decks and floor plates on the platforms are covered with these stainless steel cladding sheets. Proper coating of escalator components provides better protection to the interior from factors such as water, snow, dust, etc. from the environment. The coating is also applied to the moving components of escalators,

The exterior surface of the scissors should be covered with appropriate panels called “exterior cladding”. For interior escalators and moving walkways installed in commercial centers or where appearance is important, we can use a variety of cladding materials such as various stainless steel sheets, glass, composite sheets or other materials to suit the customer’s taste.

Standard requirements for escalator coverings

According to EN 115-1:2017, all mechanical moving parts must be covered by walls or perforated panels (without gaps or voids). This does not apply to vents, steps and the passenger part of the handrail. When designing escalator cladding, the standard contains specific recommendations that are useful and practical and should be taken into account. These recommendations are as follows:

Gaps or openings in the cladding near moving parts at risk of contact should be less than 4 millimeters.
External panels must be able to withstand a force of 250 N at all points at right angles on a circular or square area of 2500 mm 2 without collapse.
Fasteners shall be capable of supporting a load of at least twice the dead weight of the panels.
Covers of mechanically moving parts may be opened in restricted access areas accessible only to authorized personnel and not posing a threat to the public.
Ventilation grilles shall be designed and located in accordance with EN ISO 13857:2008. However, a straight rigid rod with a diameter of 10 millimeters shall not pass through the ventilation grille housings or touch moving parts.
Safety devices must be provided on all external panels that can be opened for cleaning or maintenance.

Requirements for inspection hatches

Certain escalator coverings such as handrails, siding, decking, etc. are considered inspection hatches that have specific requirements beyond those listed above. It should be noted that portions of the handrail that can be opened for maintenance purposes, such as floor panels and skirts, are not considered inspection hatches. Some requirements for inspection hatches in accordance with EN 115-1:2017 are as follows:

Inspection hatches shall be perforated panels.
Inspection hatches shall have a safety contact.
Where inspection hatches consist of two or more parts, one safety contact shall be provided for the first panel and the remaining panels shall be so designed that they cannot be opened or removed without opening the first panel. If they can all be opened in any order, a safety device shall be provided for each panel.
Inspection hatches should be opened only with a wrench or suitable tool.
If an authorized person enters a location where an inspection hatch is considered a door, the inspection hatch should be opened from the inside and any locks should be ignored (e.g. floor plate in engine room areas).