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The Essential Role of Escalator Brushes: Safety Features You Might Overlook

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Escalator brushes are:

  • Mounted just above the moving steps
  • Made of durable nylon or synthetic bristles
  • Designed to flex gently when touched (not to harm passengers)

Modern escalators come with built-in skirt deflectors or brushes, and older models often undergo retrofitting to comply with updated safety codes.


👟 Common Items Brushes Help Protect

  • Loose shoelaces
  • Long clothing (skirts, coats)
  • Rubber soles of soft shoes (like flip-flops)
  • Bags or purses hanging low
  • Small children who wander too close to the sides

🔁 A Small Feature with Big Impact

Escalator safety is often about layered defenses—visible signs, step demarcations, emergency stop buttons, and yes, these small bristle brushes. They work quietly in the background to help prevent accidents before they happen.


💬 Final Thoughts

So the next time you’re on an escalator, take a moment to appreciate those unassuming brushes at your feet. They may look like a minor detail, but they play a major role in keeping you safe. It’s a reminder that sometimes the smallest features are the most important—especially when it comes to public safety.


Want to learn more about how escalators work or other hidden safety features in everyday places? I’d be happy to dive deeper!