Article 41-Escalator Hazards Due to Neglecting Ergonomic Principles in Machinery Design
Escalator Hazards Due To Unprincipled Machinery Design
In this article, we intend to describe hazardous situations arising from unprincipled machinery design. Not considering the ergonomic principles could end in hazardous situations as follows:
Escalator Hazards Due To Neglecting Ergonomic Principles For The Passengers
There are always some ergonomic dimensions that must be considered to provide safety for the passengers; otherwise, neglecting such dimensions when designing the machine could cause serious hazards. Such dimensions consist of the height of the balustrade, width of the handrail, etc. For example, the vertical height in the inclined section, from step nose or pallet surface to the top of the handrail, must be according to the required standard.
Another principle regarding ergonomic dimensions concerns the handrail frame and how it is positioned. For instance, the way the handrail frame and their guides on the balustrades are enclosed must follow the principles so that the chance of fingers or hands entrapment and pinching is reduced as far as possible. In addition, the distance between the center lines of the handrails must not exceed the standard distance between the skirting.
Escalator Hazards Due To Deficient Lighting In Working Places
The first point regarding the electric lighting and the socket outlets is that they must be independent of the power supply for this purpose we can use a separate cable or a branch cable taken from before the main switch. Also, the supply of all phases must be possible to break via a separate switch.
Another point concerns the installations of electric lighting in driving and return stations and machinery spaces inside the truss, which must be provided through a portable lamp permanently available in one of these places. There must be an emergency lighting installed so that a safe evacuation of the staff who work in machinery spaces is possible.
Lighting intensity and the type must be according to the required standard so that it is supplied at a safety extra-low voltage. Also, providing one or more socket outlet is necessary.
Escalator Hazards Due To Lack Of Enough Space In Working Areas
Another issue that could cause hazards is the lack of enough space in machinery spaces. In case the dimensions of machinery spaces are not sufficient, working on equipment, especially the mechanical equipment, could be hazardous for the staff. According to standard, there must be a sufficiently large standing area, especially in driving and return stations inside the truss, which is free from all kinds of permanently installed parts, except the authorized areas in corners.
Escalator Hazards Due To Lack Of Proper Lifting Equipment For Carrying Heavy Loads
Carrying heavy machinery parts requires suitable lifting equipment; otherwise, the load could fall and cause serious hazards and cost well. Suitable attachments for lifting (e.g. eyebolts, handles) must be applied in case a part such as the controller cabinet is to be carried or lifted for repair and maintenance purposes.
Moreover, to move complete escalators, sub-assemblies or components, which require equipment to be moved or lifted, the following ways must be applied:
- Equipping the escalator or components with fittings for movement by a lifting device, or
- Designing the escalator or components in a way that such fittings can be attached (e.g. threaded holes), or
- Shaping the escalator or components in a way that the lifting device or transportation means can be easily attached
