From Nov 1, escalator owners have to engage contractors registered with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to carry out maintenance of their machines every month. Contractors - who must register themselves before that date - should maintain escalators according to 10 specific outcomes:
•Safety signage and escalator's direction must be displayed clearly and prominently. The edge of each step must be marked with yellow lines. Each escalator must have sufficient lighting.
•There must be devices to prevent climbing and sliding, as well as to prevent passengers' feet from getting caught at the sides.
•The emergency stop switch, when pressed, must stop the escalator.
•The handrail must move in the same direction and speed as the steps, with a speed deviation of not more than 2 per cent. If a foreign object enters the handrail inlet, a safety switch must activate and stop the escalator.
•The escalator machinery must be kept clean and free of debris.
• The machinery must not have any oil leakage. Its moving parts must be sufficiently lubricated, and its brakes, when activated, must stop the escalator within a specified distance. All machinery must be securely mounted.
•The safety switch and sensor that detect problems, such as missing steps and open floor plates, must be working and cause the escalator to stop if activated.
•The escalator must stop if its steps exceed their rated speed by 20 per cent or more.
•Clearance gaps must conform to specific standards.
•In general, the overall wear and tear of all parts of the escalator must not affect its safe operation.
Rei Kurohi
