Did you know that the first store to have an Escalator (or Moving Stairway as they were known then) was Harrods in London in 1898?
Since then escalators in Britain have been developed and adapted (often as a result of tragedy) to be the modern installations we take for granted today.
In this edition of Elevator World, Colin Craney, our SVMA Lift and Escalator Consultant takes a look at the history and evolution of Escalators as we know them and how the technological advancement may shape their future development.
“In 1979, a side of step entrapment injury to a child on a Birmingham department store escalator provided the initial impetus for the application of skirt deflectors, which was set out in HSE PM34 November 1983 and repeated in BS5656:1983; it became mandatory for new escalators in the UK ordered after 1 January 1984. Whilst initially resisted, it was eventual incorporated into EN 115:1995 by Amendment 2 2004 as a requirement for skirt deflectors on new escalators in Europe. PM34 also required that deflectors be fitted to existing escalators wherever reasonably practicable.”
To read more, click the article below:
Established in 2004, SVM Associates pride ourselves on our industry expertise, persistent attention to detail, personable working style and unique approach to all aspects of building services, including; Lifts, Escalators and Facade Access, Mechanical Electrical and Public Health and Facilities Management.
For more information or to talk to one of our expert team, get in touch today.
Colin Craney has 42 years of industry experience, initially in a number of field and management roles with Otis, followed by 17 years in consulting, currently for SVM Associates. Colin is a U.K. chartered engineer and a fellow of CIBSE, European engineer, chartered safety and health practitioner, accredited consultant on the HSE Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register and a member of the Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Colin is a barrister, having been called to the bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
