Professional Courses
Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.
Categories
Interactive Games
Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.
Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Step Width and Inclination
Unlock Audio Lesson
Let's start by discussing step width and inclination. Step width should ideally be at least 1000 mm, or even better, 1200 mm. Why do you think this is important?
To accommodate more people, right? It makes it easier for larger groups to use the escalator.
Also, it helps wheelchair users possibly use parallel surfaces!
Exactly! A wider step fosters comfort and accessibility. Now, what about the inclination?
Isn't it usually limited to 30 degrees?
Correct! And we must ensure it never exceeds 35 degrees to prevent strain. Remember the acronym 'WIS' for Width, Inclination, Standard!
WIS! That’s an easy way to remember it!
Great! So remember, a comfortable incline helps all users, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
Speed and Safety Features
Unlock Audio Lesson
Now, let’s talk about speed. The maximum speed for escalators is capped at 0.5 m/s. Why do you think that is?
So people don’t feel rushed and can hold on safely?
Yes! It reduces the risk of accidents!
Exactly! Safety is paramount. Alongside speed, we also have emergency safety features, such as emergency stop buttons at landings. What other safety features can you think of?
How about handrails?
And contrasting colored demarcations to indicate the edge of the escalator!
Absolutely! The color contrast helps avoid accidents, which is key in accessible design.
Handrails and Step Riser Height
Unlock Audio Lesson
Let's look at handrails. Escalators must have handrails on both sides that move with the steps. How does this feature help users?
It provides support! People can hold on while stepping on and off.
It’s also reassuring for elderly users.
Well said! Handrails are vital for stability. Next, let's discuss the step riser height. It must be uniform and not exceed 220 mm. Why is uniformity important?
To avoid tripping! If the height varies, it can cause falls.
Right! Consistency in step height also helps in creating a smoother user experience.
Designing for Usability
Unlock Audio Lesson
Think about the design standards discussed. How do they collectively enhance usability for everyone?
They create a safer and more comfortable environment!
And they encourage more people to use escalators rather than stairs or lifts.
Exactly! Implementing these standards promotes inclusivity and accessibility, essential elements in Universal Design.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
The General Design Standards discuss critical design parameters for escalators, including step width, inclination, speed, handrails, and safety features. These guidelines aim to enhance the usability of escalators, especially for the general public.
Detailed
General Design Standards
This section establishes key parameters for designing escalators and moving walkways to ensure their functionality and safety for all users. The standards include specifics like:
- Step Width: A minimum of 1000 mm is mandated, with 1200 mm being the preferred standard to accommodate varying user needs.
- Inclination: The inclination of escalators should generally be 30 degrees, never exceeding 35 degrees to prevent excessive strain on users.
- Speed: The maximum speed of escalators is limited to 0.5 m/s for safer transportation.
- Step Riser Height: The height of the steps must be uniform and not exceed 220 mm to eliminate trip hazards.
- Handrails: It is essential to include handrails on both sides of the escalator that move in sync with the steps to provide balance and support.
These guidelines promote public usability, especially for those facing mobility challenges, in alignment with Universal Design principles.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Step Width
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
- Step width: Minimum 1000 mm (preferably 1200 mm)
Detailed Explanation
The design of escalators includes a minimum step width of 1000 mm. However, it is preferred that they be designed to a width of 1200 mm. This larger width helps ensure that users have enough space to stand comfortably and reduces the risk of accidents when multiple people are using the escalator at the same time.
Examples & Analogies
Think of walking side by side with a friend on a narrow sidewalk versus a wider one. On a narrow sidewalk, it's difficult to move freely and you risk bumping into each other or losing your balance. A wider sidewalk, like the preferred escalator width of 1200 mm, allows people to walk beside each other more comfortably and safely.
Inclination
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
- Inclination: Typically 30 degrees, never more than 35 degrees
Detailed Explanation
The inclination of escalators is typically set at 30 degrees, which provides a good balance between usability and safety. The angle should never exceed 35 degrees to prevent difficulty for users, particularly those who may struggle with balance or mobility. A gentler slope makes it easier for everyone, especially the elderly or those with physical challenges, to use the escalators without fear of slipping or falling.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine riding a bike up a hill. If the hill is too steep, it becomes difficult and exhausting to pedal. But a gently sloping hill allows for an easier ride. Similarly, a less steep escalator is easier for people to use, making it safer and more comfortable.
Speed
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
- Speed: Not more than 0.5 m/s
Detailed Explanation
The design standards set the speed of escalators to not exceed 0.5 meters per second. This slower speed is crucial for safety, allowing users sufficient time to enter or exit the escalator without feeling rushed. It also helps in maintaining balance while using the escalator, especially for those who may have mobility difficulties.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a conveyor belt at an airport. If the belt moves too fast, it can be hard for passengers to step on or off safely. By keeping the speed manageable, everyone has time to get on and off without rushing, creating a smoother travel experience.
Step Riser Height
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
- Step riser height: Uniform, max 220 mm
Detailed Explanation
The height of each step, referred to as the riser height, must be uniform and cannot exceed 220 mm. Uniform step heights are important because they allow users to predict the height of each step as they ascend or descend. This consistency reduces the risk of tripping, especially for individuals who may have vision impairments or difficulty with balance.
Examples & Analogies
Think about walking up a staircase with uneven steps: if one step is much higher than the others, it can easily throw you off balance. Just like a staircase, escalators must have uniform step heights, so users can walk safely and confidently.
Handrails
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
- Must include handrails on both sides, moving in sync with steps
Detailed Explanation
Escalators are required to have handrails on both sides that move in sync with the escalator steps. This feature provides users with a stable support system as they step onto or off the escalator, helping to prevent accidents. The synchronized movement of the handrails helps users maintain their balance, enhancing overall safety, especially for those who may need extra support.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine holding onto a moving sidewalk at the airport. If you let go, you might feel unsteady, but holding onto the handrail gives you assurance and stability. Similarly, handrails on escalators provide that necessary support for users.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
-
Step Width: A minimum width of 1000 mm is crucial for accommodating users.
-
Inclination: Should typically be 30 degrees to balance usability and safety.
-
Speed: The maximum speed is restricted to 0.5 m/s for user safety.
-
Step Riser Height: Uniform height not exceeding 220 mm is essential to prevent tripping.
-
Handrails: Must move in sync with the steps for added user support.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
-
A public transportation station deploying escalators with minimum 1200 mm step widths for high traffic.
-
Shopping malls may implement a 30-degree inclination for escalators for user comfort.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
🎵 Rhymes Time
-
For a ride that’s just right, step width should be wide and slight!
📖 Fascinating Stories
-
Imagine a busy shopping mall with escalators. The design helps everyone, from children to seniors, travel up and down safely, thanks to wide steps and supportive handrails.
🧠 Other Memory Gems
-
Remember 'SIS' for escalator safety: Step width, Inclination, Speed.
🎯 Super Acronyms
H.A.S.T. - Handrails Always Supporting Transit!
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
-
Term: Step Width
Definition:
The horizontal measurement of escalator steps; a minimum of 1000 mm is recommended.
-
Term: Inclination
Definition:
The angle at which the escalator is set, typically around 30 degrees, not exceeding 35 degrees.
-
Term: Speed
Definition:
The rate of motion of the escalator, with a maximum of 0.5 m/s to ensure user safety.
-
Term: Step Riser Height
Definition:
The vertical distance between the escalator steps, which must remain uniform and no taller than 220 mm.
-
Term: Handrails
Definition:
Support rails positioned on both sides of the escalator, moving in sync with the steps.