­Coalition Reminds Parents About Escalator Dangers

NORWALK — Chances are you probably used an escalator the last time you went to the mall with your child.

For many, the escalator is a convenience we do not think twice about — just get on at one end and off at the other. Although most of the time this is a routine if not mindless occurrence, the Fairfield County Safe Kids coalition is reminding parents and caregivers that escalators can also pose some serious risks to children.

On average more than 7,000 children each year are treated in emergency rooms for escalator-related injuries. About 75 percent of these injuries are related to falls, while the other injuries are related to hands, shoes, and feet becoming entrapped.

 Safe Kids of Fairfield County recently published the following safety tips to help children safe on escalators:

*Be aware that loose shoelaces, drawstrings, scarves, and mittens can get trapped in escalators.

*Always hold children’s hands on escalators and do not permit children to sit or play on the steps.

*Do not bring children onto escalators in strollers, walkers, or carts.

*Always face forward and hold the handrail.

*Avoid the edges of steps where entrapment can occur (This is a really important because most people think that mishaps occur at the top or bottom of the escalator and forget about the sides).

*Learn where the emergency shutoff buttons are in case you need to stop the escalator.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers/American National Standards Institute Escalator Committee set a voluntary standard for escalators. The standard requires:

*That the emergency shutoff buttons be at the top and bottom of each escalator. The button should be on the right side of the escalator when facing the stairs.

*That sidewalls be made of low-friction material so soft-soled shoes cannot get caught easily.

*That “skirt obstruction devices” (which sense the presence of a foreign object and automatically shut off the escalator) be at the top and bottom of the escalator.

*That side clearance at the edges of steps be no more than 3/16 inch.

*That warning signs be placed on escalators reminding parents to hold children’s hands and face forward.

*That each step have painted foot prints or brightly colored borders.

Remember to take a minute to think about safety could mean the difference between a fun outing or a day in the emergency room.

For more information contact Safe Kids Fairfield County at 203-853-7115.