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The Dangers of Escalator Trolley Accidents and How it is Prevented |
Article Submitted by: Mesriani Law Group
Friday, 22 January 2010
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An inclined moving walkway is a type of escalator that is frequently used in airports and supermarkets to move people to another floor with the convenience of being able to bring a trolley, a cart or a baby carriage.
However, the danger of bringing a trolley through a walkway is that if not properly secured, the law of gravity takes over and the trolley can potential crash against anyone standing below.
To avoid escalator trolley accidents, airports and supermarkets employ any of the following means:
• Trolleys with automatic brakes that stops the cart once the handle is released
• Strong magnets on the escalator floors that hold the trolley in place
• Trolleys that have specially designed wheels that locks in on the grooves of the escalator floor to prevent movement
Escalators and walkways are considered as common carriers. It means that escalators are held on the same standard as other public transportation like taxis and buses.
Under the law, operators and owners of these escalators and inclined moving walkways are required to use the utmost care and diligence in keeping the passengers safe from the moment the riders step on the escalator until they exit.
The inclined moving walkway is operated by a slow conveyor belt and it gives riders the option to stand, similar to a normal escalator, or walk for a quicker journey.
There are actually two types of moving walkway and these are the:
• Pallet type walkway - This type is made up of a series of metal plates that were joined together to form a walkway. Most models have a metal surface while others have rubber so that the walkway provides more traction.
• Moving belt walkway - This type uses meshed metal or rubber to make up the walkway surface. It is then placed over metal rollers for continuous movement. This type may either have a "solid" or "bouncy" feel to it.
Like any other escalators, manufacturers usually place a number of safety features on the walkways to prevent any accident.
Some of those features are:
• Emergency stop button - Once pressed, it automatically stops the escalator. Used for emergencies, it is usually located at the end of each escalator.
• Handrail speed sensors - These are optical sensors that monitor the speed of the handrail compared to the walkway. If there is a significant difference, the escalator will automatically stop.
• Deflector Brush - This is a long continuous brush at the side of the walkway that deflects foreign objects away from the gap between the walkway and the skirt board.
• Safety instructions - Signs that are usually posted near the escalator entrance landing platform. These signs remind riders of safety precautions and tips on how to safely board an escalator or a moving walkway.
If you have been injured in an escalator accident, consult a personal injury attorney to know what charges you can file either against the owner of the establishment or the manufacturer of the escalator.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving product liability. For consultation visit our website at and avail of our free case analysis.
Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving product liability. For consultation visit our website at and avail of our free case analysis.
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