Safety Tips for Escalators & Elevators
In addition to buses and trains, safety on the CTA also includes escalators and elevators. Here are a few basic safety tips to keep in mind when riding an escalator or elevator:
Escalators
- Face the direction the escalator is traveling.
- Step on and off the escalator with care.
- Do not run on an escalator.
- Securely hold a child’s hand while on an escalator.
- Grab the handrail as you step on an escalator.
- Keep a firm grip on the handrail.
- Do not take wheelchairs, strollers, carts or similar wheeled objects on an escalator.
- Don’t wear soft soled, open toed or rubbery soled shoes when riding an escalator.
- Check for loose shoelaces or loose clothing before stepping onto an escalator.
- Keep your hands, feet and clothing clear of the side panels of the escalator.
- Do not sit on the steps or stand close to the sides of an escalator.
- Once at the end of an escalator, step off immediately.
- Do not let your feet slide off the end of an escalator.
- Move away from the end of an escalator area so that others behind you have room to exit.
Elevators
- Push the call button for your floor.
- Watch for the arrival of the elevator at your floor.
- Stand clear of the elevator doors and stand aside for others that may be exiting.
- If the elevator is full, wait for the next one.
- Don’t attempt to step into or stop closing doors.
- Push and hold the “door open” button if the doors need to be kept open.
- In case of a fire, always exit using the stairs.
- Once on the elevator, press the button for your floor and move to the back of the elevator so others may also board.
- If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the “door open” button.
- Once you reach your floor, immediately exit the elevator, but do not push anyone in front of you.
- Watch your step when boarding and exiting. The elevator may not be level with the floor.
- Never climb out of a stalled elevator and do not attempt to pry open the doors of a stopped elevator.
- In an emergency, use the “alarm” or “help” button, the telephone or intercom to call for assistance.
- Wait for help to arrive, but don’t try to leave an abnormally stopped elevator.