Lerch Bates on new Escalator Safety Code

New edition of EN-115 Safety Code for Escalators and Moving Walks is of importance to owners, developers, insurers, architects, and facilities managers.

There is a 12 month transitional period, but after December 31, 2009 all escalators and moving walks manufactured or installed in the UK must comply with these new requirements.

In addition, the code recommends that existing installations be adapted accordingly.

Amongst many important changes there is a responsibility to design against and control risks of misuse, enlarged or enhanced barriers, balustrades and clear safety zones.

Building interface changes include safety signage, signals, emergency stop switches, reduced clearances from escalators to adjacent walls, and more extensive, "greener" planning requirements.

Some brake failures will also face mandatory investigation.

For the first time, moving walks which are intended to move shopping trolleys and baggage carts have a dedicated code Annex.

This will be of particular interest to retailers.

There are many other technical and safety-related changes invisible to the public that need to be addressed.

If you would like to discuss how these new requirements may impact your own specific situation, please contact Lerch Bates.

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