At every metro station there are escalators – long moving belts that lift and lower streams of people.
This was reported by URA-Inform with reference to Ukr.media.
Many have noticed brushes with long bristles on the sides of the escalator, and since childhood there is a stereotype that they are intended for cleaning shoes. Watching how people shake sand and reagents off their shoes in winter, many begin to imitate this, believing that this helps to keep the station clean. However, this is a misconception: brushes on escalators are not created for shoes, but for the safety of passengers.
Brushes prevent accidents that can occur if, for example, an untied shoelace, a long dress or another item of clothing gets caught in the gap between the moving steps and the wall of the escalator. In such situations, the passenger risks getting seriously injured, and the escalator operator has to stop the mechanism to eliminate the consequences. The brushes act as a kind of protection, keeping passengers at a safe distance from the side panel and preventing such incidents.
It is surprising that the subway does not use loudspeakers to explain this important aspect. It would be useful to record an audio instruction to inform passengers about the real purpose of the brushes and dispel misconceptions. Many, having learned the truth, will be able to rethink their habits.
By the way, escalators with the same brushes are also in shopping centers, where they perform the same function: preventing clothes, accessories or other items from getting caught in the gap between the moving parts. Be careful and remember that these brushes are not a cleaning tool, but an important element of the safety system.
Recall that earlier it was reported why the USSR did not build houses higher than 9 floors: the answer will surprise many.