Escalator Cleaning and Using
COVID 19 Escalator Cleaning and Use
With the spread of COVID, effective cleaning and disinfection on escalators and moving walkways has become more important than ever. Bacteria and dirt can be hidden and invisible. Shoes can transfer dirt to escalator steps and hands can leave marks and grime on handrails. Being mindful of the surfaces we touch is important not only for our personal safety but also for public health.
Use of escalators
Guidelines for using escalators and moving walkways during COVID are similar to our tips for using elevators. There are two basic principles:
- Keep your social distance
As elsewhere, it’s important to keep your distance, leave 5 escalator steps (or 2 meters on the escalator) between yourself and another user. - Be careful when touching the handrail
If possible, we recommend wearing gloves when touching the handrail. If you are unable to wear gloves, avoid touching your face and then thoroughly disinfect or wash your hands.
As a building owner, we recommend that you make a warning sign to remind users of the equipment to abide by these principles. One possible option is to add a blue safety foot sign or similar tape warning sign to indicate the placement of the feet. If you want, AmadaTECH escalator company can help.
Escalator cleaning
Cleaning lifting equipment should be a regular escalator maintenance activity for every elevator owner, building owner and facility manager, it can sometimes be overlooked. However, if there is a maintenance plan and the right equipment is used, cleaning the escalator is not difficult.
- How often should an escalator be cleaned?
The average escalator is once or twice a month, as long as the escalator has never been cleaned before and is not extremely dirty. - What extra cleaning should I do during the lockdown of the escalator due to COVID?
To help minimize the spread of infection, we recommend regularly wiping the handrails with a disinfected damp cloth or alcohol wipe. - Is there an easier way than constantly cleaning the handrails?
Yes! A UV disinfection unit installed on the inside of escalators and moving walkways will automatically kill 99.9% of bacteria. Installation is relatively simple for a qualified escalator engineer. - How do I clean an escalator?
Often escalator and/or escalator owners purchase specialized escalator cleaning equipment (or use a specialist cleaning company) that uses a “dry” method of deep cleaning. Dry cleaning involves a machine placed on elevator equipment while it is running. The movement of the escalator together with the cleaning machine helps to remove grounded dirt in the tread area that normal brushes overlook.
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