EHC brushes off entrapment worries
01 July 2011
EHC Global, a manufacturer of escalator handrails, says it offers an ideal solution for reducing side-step entrapments with its EHC D-Flector safety brushes, designed to gently remind passengers to keep a safe distance away from the small gap that causes entrapments.
The brush is suited to a wide range of escalators and moving walkways, while meeting global escalator safety code requirements including EN115 and EN115-2, A17.1, and B44 escalator safety codes, while maintaining a sleek, unobtrusive appearance on escalators.
“Suited for almost all ranges of escalators, D-Flector kits are available in black or silver profiles. They are sleek but durable, and add a beautiful finished look to escalators,” says a spokesman for the company. “The brushes are installed in less than half the time of other deflector devices because of its revolutionary flexible brush spine and the easy-to-use installation kit. The innovative flexible brush spine allows for quick and easy installation onto escalators, making code compliance easier for service companies, transit authorities, and escalator maintenance managers.”
A major obstacle for installing safety brushes on escalators around the world has been the difficulty and the tremendous time it takes to install them. EHC’s D-Flector has solved this problem. This deflector device is suited to a wide range of escalators and moving walks, the spokesman says.
EHC has profiles to fit a wide range of escalator models with no on-site bending required. D-Flector’s small profile ensures a sleek, unobtrusive appearance on the widest range of escalators and moving walks.
Explaining what a side-step entrapment is, the spokesman says: “A side-step entrapment occurs when limbs or clothing gets caught in the gap between the edge of an escalator and the side wall adjacent to the steps.”
The majority of victims of escalator entrapments are children, he adds.
“Escalator safety code changes in major markets around the world require the installation of deflector devices designed to reduce side step entrapments,” the spokesman says. “The newest and very important code is EN115-2 published in 2010. This upgrade of the European norm EN115 just shows once more the importance of safety standards for existing escalators. It is to be considered as a basic rule for the maintaining and improvement of the safety of existing escalators and as new European state of the art. In response to the safety codes, EHC has developed this innovative escalator deflector device (sometimes also referred to as skirt guards or safety brushes) designed to minimise the risk of side step entrapments.”
The D-Flector comprises a brush section, which is an innovative non-metallic brush that slides easily into the brush holder – it can be easily removed and inserted to facilitate maintenance; a brush holder, which is a rigid aluminium profile with an anodised finish; and end caps, which constitute a low-friction, black plastic design secured by a tamper-proof screw and alignment tab; and the alignment insert, which is slotted to aid installation at the bridges section ends to help ensure perfect alignment.
EHC Global established itself as the world leader in the design and sale of escalator handrails more than 30 years ago. Since then, it has introduced many new products such as escalator safety brushes, urethane rollers and engineered polymer products. Other products launched by the company into new markets include radiation detection systems for the steel industry and custom handrail designs for the advertising industry.
“EHC Global makes the most durable handrails and can supply any location in the world. EHC handrails are approved by, and supplied to, every major escalator manufacturer,” says the spokesman.
Its product range includes rubber and thermoplastic polyure-thane handrails.
“The core construction of EHC’s TufFlex rubber handrail sets the industry standard for dimensional stability and cost-saving, trouble-free operation on the most punishing drive systems, while its robust and revolutionary NT 3000 thermoplastic polyurethane handrails hold the advantage of superior resistance to delamination, drive slippage, dust and vandalism,” he says.
Among its product range are ColourRail offered in a wide colour spectrum, providing building proprietors and architects wide opportunities for interior design integration, life-long colour stability and diverse aesthetic possibilities; and AMRail, which affords permanent antimicrobial protection, thus maximises handrail hygiene while increasing passenger comfort, safety and peace of mind.
“From industry-leading innovation to worldwide sourcing and manufacturing expertise, EHC Global offers unmatched efficiency in versatile product performance. By bringing ideas to life for several industries with safe, environment-friendly products, EHC also enhances operating and living conditions,” says the spokesman.
EHC Global has a number of companies worldwide, right from Canada to Japan and to Barbados. All global manufacturing facilities of the company are ISO9001 certified while the corporate head office in Canada is ISO14001 certified.
