Why Escalators Have Brushes on the Sides …Most People Don’t Know the Real Reason
Escalators are everywhere—in shopping malls, airports, train stations, and office buildings—quietly carrying millions of people between floors every day. But if you’ve ever looked closely, you may have noticed something unusual: small brushes lining the sides of the steps.
Many people assume these brushes are there to clean shoes or simply decorate the escalator. In reality, they serve a very important safety purpose.
The Real Purpose of Escalator Brushes
These side brushes are known as skirt deflectors. Their main job is to prevent accidents and injuries caused by items getting trapped between the moving steps and the side panels.
Here’s how they help keep riders safe.
1. Preventing Entrapment
Escalators have a narrow gap between the moving steps and the fixed side panel, called the skirt panel.
If shoes, clothing, or other objects get too close to this gap, they can become trapped, potentially causing serious injuries.
The brushes act as a protective barrier, gently pushing shoes and clothing away from the dangerous edge before they can get caught.
2. Encouraging Safer Riding Behavior
The brushes also work as a psychological safety cue.
When passengers feel the bristles lightly touching their feet or clothing, they instinctively move away from the sides of the escalator. This subtle reminder helps keep people standing in a safer position toward the center of the step.
Why These Brushes Became Standard Safety Features
Early escalators did not always include skirt deflectors. Over time, however, a number of accidents occurred when shoes, loose clothing, or personal items became trapped in the gap between the steps and the side panels.
As a result, safety organizations began introducing stricter design standards.
One important regulation was BS EN 115‑1 escalator safety standard, a European safety guideline for escalators and moving walkways. Later amendments to this standard made skirt deflectors mandatory to improve passenger safety.
Today, these brushes are a common feature in modern escalator design around the world.
Common Myths About Escalator Brushes
Despite their safety purpose, many misconceptions still surround these brushes.
“They’re for Cleaning Shoes”
This is probably the most common myth. Some people intentionally rub their shoes against the brushes, thinking they’re meant to remove dirt.
In reality, doing this can actually increase the risk of getting caught in the escalator’s edge.
“They Help Children Keep Balance”
Some believe the brushes are designed to help children stand steadily on escalators. This is incorrect.
Encouraging children to touch or lean on the brushes could lead to hands, clothing, or shoelaces getting trapped.
“It’s Safe to Stand Next to Them”
Standing close to the brushes might feel natural, but the center of the escalator step is the safest place to stand.
Keeping some distance from the sides helps prevent accidents.
Real Safety Risks Escalator Brushes Help Prevent
Although escalators are generally safe, accidents can happen when objects get caught near the skirt panel.
Examples include:
- Loose shoelaces getting pulled into the gap
- Long clothing or scarves becoming trapped
- Small items like bags or toys slipping into the side
The brushes reduce these risks by acting as both a physical barrier and a warning signal.
Final Thoughts
The small brushes along the sides of escalators may look insignificant, but they play a crucial role in keeping passengers safe.
By gently guiding riders away from the edges and preventing objects from entering dangerous gaps, these simple bristles help reduce accidents and injuries every day.
So next time you step onto an escalator, remember: those little brushes aren’t for cleaning your shoes—they’re there to protect you.
You’ve just read Why Escalators Have Brushes on the Sides. Why not read All Four of My Siblings Left Me Out of Their Weddings