INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
public awareness about the safe use of escalators as well as enhancing understanding and responsibility of the owner to ensure that the escalators are safe before use . In addition , DOSH could take stronger enforcement measures against owners to ensure escalators are in a safe condition for use .
A lift and / or escalator is a machine designed for the purpose of transport and it should be used in the way that it has been designed for . Responsibility is on the users to be more careful and cautious when using them . For example , users of an escalator must supervise their children so that they stand in the correct position where their feet are always in the designated area , between the yellow demarcation lines , and they adhere to instructions
Figure 1
and procedures provided by the owner .
Parents also have to play their role in educating their children on what they can and can ’ t do when using a lift and / or escalator , especially in busy premises such as shopping complexes , malls and other attractive places . If all these measures can be practiced by the owner and the user , accidents could be avoided . In addition , the use of soft shoes or slippers by children should be properly monitored by their guardians , as they are more easily pulled or snagged by a moving escalator . DOSH , either at its headquarters or state level has organised several promotions , campaigns and events which aim to promote awareness among the public on the safe use of lifts and escalators . For a number of years now , the department in collaboration with The Malaysian Lift and Escalator Association ( MALEA ) and also the owners of shopping malls have organised awareness programmes on safety in the use of escalators .
The most important thing to do now is for all the relevant parties including owners , authorities and the public to work together to solve these issues . From DOSH investigations and findings , most incidents could have been prevented if the lifts and escalators were properly used , operated and maintained . The public also should be aware of the danger of using these machines and take reasonable care especially with their children when using escalators . As far as lifts and escalators are concerned , the standards of design and construction should meet and comply with Factories and Machinery ( Electric Passenger and Goods Lift ) Regulations , 1970 and international standards such as EN81-1 and EN115-1 .
However , public safety does not solely depend on codes or standards . Again , it is the question of operation , maintenance and proper use of the equipment . DOSH has been putting all its efforts into minimising any ‘ unsafe conditions ’ by looking into design , ensuring maintenance by qualified personnel and inspecting the machinery regularly . DOSH urges the public as users of lifts and escalators to be more disciplined when using them by following any instructions or signage provided to prevent ‘ unsafe behaviour ’.
32 VOL 71 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2017