The safety design and emergency response mechanism of Moving Walk are the core elements to ensure the safety of passengers and the stable operation of equipment. Since moving walkways are usually located in busy public places, comprehensive and efficient safety protection measures must be designed for potential dangers and emergencies. The following are the main safety designs and emergency response mechanisms of moving walkways:
1. Emergency stop system
Emergency stop button: Moving walkways are usually equipped with multiple emergency stop buttons, which are distributed at various key locations of the equipment (such as entrances, exits, sides, etc.). In the event of an emergency, passengers can immediately stop the equipment by pressing the emergency stop button.
Automatic detection function: Modern moving walkways are equipped with sensor systems that can monitor the operating status of the equipment in real time. In the event of a malfunction or abnormality (such as foreign objects on the walkway, obstacles stuck, etc.), the system will automatically trigger a stop signal to ensure that the equipment stops quickly.
2. Safety barriers and railings
Guardrails: Guardrails are usually installed on both sides of moving walkways to prevent passengers from falling. The height and design of the railings meet ergonomic requirements, ensuring safety without affecting smooth passage.
Transparent protective barriers: Some modern moving walkways are equipped with transparent protective barriers to prevent passengers from accidentally falling and provide better visual effects.
3. Emergency power supply and backup battery
Backup power supply system: In order to cope with emergencies such as power outages, moving walkways are usually equipped with emergency backup power or backup batteries. In the event of a power outage, the backup power supply can ensure that the basic functions of the moving walkway (such as emergency stop, lighting, etc.) continue to work until normal power is restored.
Emergency lighting: The walkway of the moving walkway is usually equipped with an emergency lighting system, which can provide passengers with sufficient light to avoid falls or other safety issues when the power is cut off.
4. Overload and abnormality detection
Overload detection system: Moving walkways are usually equipped with an overload detection system. Once it detects that too many people pass by or the weight exceeds the standard (such as heavy objects placed on the walkway), the system will automatically sound an alarm and trigger an emergency stop. This system can avoid equipment failure or safety hazards caused by overload.
Abnormal object detection: The sensor system of the moving walkway can detect abnormal objects or obstacles on the walkway (such as people, objects or small animals, etc.). Once an object is detected entering a dangerous area, the device will automatically stop and sound an alarm.
5. Safety sensing device
Intelligent sensing system: Modern moving walkways are equipped with intelligent sensing devices that can sense passengers' movements, positions and whether they are standing in unsafe areas in real time. For example, the system can use infrared sensors or ultrasonic sensors to determine whether a passenger is close to the edge of the walkway, and issue a warning or automatically slow down to avoid accidents.
Anti-pinch function: The gap between the walkway and the fence of the moving walkway is usually designed to be wide enough to prevent passengers' fingers, clothes or other items from being pinched. Some equipment is also equipped with an anti-pinch protection device, which automatically stops the equipment once the sensor detects that a foreign object is approaching.
6. Passenger behavior reminders and warnings
Prompt signs and icons: At the entrance and exit of the moving walkway, clear safety signs and warnings are usually set up to remind passengers to keep a steady pace and avoid making phone calls or being distracted while walking. Especially for the elderly, children and people with limited mobility, the warnings can emphasize walking slowly or using handrails to help.
Audio/visual prompts: To improve safety, modern moving walkways will issue audio prompts (such as "Please stand firm", "Do not cross the edge", etc.) or visual prompts (such as flashing lights, display prompts, etc.) to remind passengers to pay attention to safety.
7. Emergency evacuation channels and operating instructions
Evacuation channels: If the moving walkway fails or an emergency occurs, the facility design must ensure that passengers can evacuate quickly and safely. There are usually spacious evacuation channels at both ends of the moving walkway to avoid congestion and chaos. The design of evacuation channels is particularly important in crowded areas such as subway stations and airports.
Emergency operation manual: Moving walkways should be equipped with emergency operation manuals or emergency operation guides for staff to refer to in the event of an emergency failure to ensure that the correct operating steps can be taken in the shortest time. The manual includes relevant measures such as equipment reset, troubleshooting, and personnel evacuation.
8. Regular safety inspections and maintenance
Regular inspections and overhauls: In order to ensure that the moving walkway is in good safety condition for a long time, regular safety inspections and maintenance must be carried out, especially detailed inspections of motors, transmission systems, sensors, walkways and other components to ensure that there are no looseness, damage or failures.
Technology upgrade: With the development of technology, the control system and sensor system of moving walkways will also be continuously upgraded. Equipment manufacturers need to release technology updates regularly to ensure that the equipment can cope with new safety requirements or potential risks.
9. Emergency response training and drills
Staff training: All staff who operate and maintain moving walkways need to receive regular emergency response training to ensure that they can respond quickly in the event of an emergency. The training content includes equipment failure handling, emergency evacuation, passenger guidance, etc.
Emergency drills: Some high-traffic places (such as airports and subway stations) also conduct emergency drills regularly to simulate equipment failures or emergency evacuation scenarios to ensure that staff can quickly and effectively implement emergency measures in real scenarios.
10. Rapid response and maintenance after equipment failure
Fault diagnosis and feedback mechanism: When a moving walkway fails, the equipment should have an automatic fault diagnosis function, which can quickly locate the source of the problem through the monitoring system and feedback to the maintenance personnel. The maintenance personnel can quickly rush to the scene and repair it, reducing the equipment downtime.
Quick repair service: Manufacturers or maintenance companies of moving walkways usually provide 24-hour quick repair service to ensure that the equipment can resume normal operation in the shortest time possible and avoid long-term shutdowns that affect public order.
These safety designs and emergency response mechanisms ensure the safe operation of moving walkways, reduce the risk of failures, and take effective response measures in emergency situations to protect the safety of passengers and the normal operation of equipment.