Posted By Phillipe Following a recent incident on a set of upward moving escalators, does anyone have any experience of ideally locating the emergency stop buttons for use in an emergency. BS EN115 is general in its wording and states - "emergency stop devices shall be placed in a conspicuous and easily accessible position at or near to the landings of the escalator". This wording would suggest that it would be down to the operator to decide on their preference in conjunction with the installation company. I have seen them located in a number of positions over the weekend in various retail stores: - Pedestal on the landing - Attached to the front facing facade of the escalator, top and bottom - Foot level on the landing platform , top and bottom Various problems with all of their locations if you ask me in terms of accessing the stop button or accidental misuse. Any thoughts on this at all would be useful.

Posted By David A Cooper I have given evidence as an expert in a couple of cases on this subject. Ironically the advice is difficult. There was some info in PM34 but that is now obsolete and being redrawn and I am working on that committee. I will search out my reports, anonymise them and e mail them to you.

Posted By Mark Talbot Odd world. In Engineering companies, where long stretches of conveyor belts are used (very similar principal) you will often see a red cable alongside which if pulled activates the emergency stop. Very convenient, very reliable, very timely (no looking for buttons, no running to them). But of course that would lead to too many false stops by kids/drunks. Many escaltors on the Underground have buttons top, bottom, and along the length. I have seen quite a few accidents, and would love to see the red cable introduced. If it must be buttons, I would like to see them on the landing (top and bottom) and about 2m before the end - accessible by those on the escalator ... in case they are heading towards danger.