Escalators and Moving Walks Flashcards

An inspector is verifying the safety devices on a new escalator installation. According to ASME A17.1, what is the primary function of the skirt deflector devices?

Answer: To reduce the risk of entrapment by guiding objects away from the gap between the step and the skirt panel.

ASME A17.1 requires skirt deflector devices, often in the form of brushes, to minimize the potential for items like footwear, clothing, or other objects from getting caught in the gap between the moving steps and the stationary skirt panel. They act as a gentle physical barrier to deflect objects away from this hazard point.

A QEI is inspecting a moving walk in a large airport terminal. What is the maximum slope, at any point on the treadway, permitted by ASME A17.1 for any moving walk?

Answer: 12 degrees

ASME A17.1 specifies that the maximum slope of a moving walk shall not exceed 12 degrees at any point of the treadway. The rated speed of the moving walk is also dependent on its slope.

While observing an escalator, a QEI notices a passenger's shoelace gets caught on a slightly raised step tread, causing the front of the step to lift upwards as it approaches the upper combplate. Which safety device is specifically designed to detect this condition and stop the escalator?

Answer: Step upthrust device

A step upthrust device is a safety switch that detects if a step is forced vertically upwards. This condition could occur if an object is trapped underneath it. The device is designed to stop the escalator before the displaced step and the entrapped object can collide with the combplate, which could cause significant damage and injury.

According to ASME A17.1, what is the maximum rated speed for a standard escalator, measured along the centerline of the steps in the direction of travel?

Answer: 100 ft/min (0.51 m/s)

ASME A17.1, Requirement 6.1.4.1, states that the rated speed of an escalator shall not exceed 0.51 m/s (100 ft/min), measured along the centerline of the steps in the direction of travel.

Which of the following is the primary purpose of the anti-slide devices required on escalator balustrade decks?

Answer: To discourage people from sitting or sliding on the balustrade.

Anti-slide devices are protrusions mounted on the balustrade decks specifically to deter individuals, particularly children, from sliding down them. This unsafe behavior presents a significant fall hazard, and these devices serve as a physical deterrent.

During a test of the combplate impact device on a moving walk, the device must be activated and cause the unit to stop. According to ASME A17.1, this device must actuate when a horizontal or vertical force not exceeding a specific limit is applied at the point of the comb. What is this maximum force?

Answer: 400 N (90 lbf)

ASME A17.1 requires that the combplate impact device shall operate when a force not exceeding 400 N (90 lbf) is applied either horizontally or vertically at the center of the comb. This ensures the device will stop the escalator or moving walk upon impact from a trapped object or person before severe injury occurs.