CONTENTS: What Are Your Escalator Handrails Telling You?

CONTENTS:
What Are Your Escalator Handrails Telling You?
PRODUCT LISTINGS:
Dale Tolar & Associates, Inc. • ECS Corporation • EHC Global • Elevator World • PTL Equipment
DEMYSTIFYING
THE STEP/SKIRT
PERFORMANCE INDEX TEST
A DVD by NAESA International & EIWPF
A complete guide to understanding and measuring the
Escalator Step/Skirt Performance Index under ASME A17.1/CSA B44
This DVD is a visual presentation on the history, principles, and requirements of the Performance Index
Test complete with clearly labeled diagrams, animations, examples and footage depicting an actual test.
The presentation is broken up into modular units, allowing the user to explore topics based on level of interest. Each DVD comes with a Pocket Guide that details the Performance Index Test step by step.
Length: 65 Minutes
Regular: $175.00
Subscriber: $148.75
Focus on
Escalators, Moving Walks
S PE C I A L S E C T I O N
and Components
What Are Your Escalator Handrails
Telling You?
Ensure the safety of the riding public and the longevity of escalator handrails by watching
for these telltale signs.
by Patrick Bothwell
As with any wear item, handrail service life will vary greatly
depending on passenger loading, surrounding environment and
alignment. Inspections required by code are focused on
ensuring the safety of the riding public, rather than service
longevity or value for the building owner. These need not be
mutually exclusive. Regular handrail inspection will not only
keep the inspectors smiling, but, with a little interpretation, it
can save money in the long run and virtually eliminate the need
to expedite replacements. We will explore a number of the
more common signs of impending handrail trouble, identify the
problem and look at possible courses of action.
time to schedule a handrail replacement before the bulges get
to the size where they will trip the handrail entry switch. The
good news for those who have NT thermoplastic handrails
(ELEVATOR WORLD, December 2011) is that they will never
delaminate.
Cracked Lips?
Cracks in the handrail lip area can pose a real pinching
hazard and should be dealt with immediately. While lip cracks
Continued
Old and Wrinkled?
The rubber handrail surface will start to wrinkle and crack
with age and exposure to the elements. Over time, typically
seven to 10 years, the protective ingredients in the handrail
cover will be reduced, and, much like our skin, will start to
show its age. Aging can happen prematurely in aggressive
environments with high ultraviolet light or ozone present.
Cleaning or sanitizing with aggressive solvents or other
compounds will also take years off a handrail’s life. Use only
mild cleaning agents, preferably those designed for escalator
handrails. Rubber handrails can benefit from regular
application of rubber protectant.
Bubbles and Bulges?
Small bubbles, eventually forming into larger bulges,
indicate that the internal layers of the rubber handrail carcass
have delaminated. These layers of rubberized fabric have come
apart, leaving a pocket of broken-down rubber fragments and
air. When found within the first few weeks of operation,
delamination can be the result of a handrail-manufacturing
defect, but it is more commonly caused by excessive drive
pressure. If identified quickly, handrail setup can often be
adjusted to stop the delamination process from continuing,
and, on newer handrails, repairs can be possible. On older
handrails, bubbles and bulges are a good indication that it is
can result
from
age, theytoare
commonly
caused
by the
Age
and exposure
themore
elements
will wrinkle
and crack
surface. issues. Overly tightened handrails
handrailrubber
setuphandrail
and tensioning
will lead to cracking just as quickly as those left too slack.
August 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD
75
Optimal handrail tension lies somewhere in between and
will vary with different escalator models. A handrail
temperature of more than 5°C above ambient is a good
indication that tension is still in need of adjustment.
Dust Buildup and Frayed Fabric?
During the course of a handrail’s initial running-in
period, some dusting is to be expected. This is completely
normal, but excessive dust buildup is not. At the first sign
of excessive dusting, the handrail should be removed, and
the layer of sliding fabric should be inspected for irregular
wear patterns. Debris should be removed from the drive
path. More often than not, the wear pattern will give clues
as to where to look to remedy the issue before it leads to
irreparable handrail damage.
Conclusion
In the case of a shut-down escalator — either due to
breakdown or code-violation handrail replacement —
decisions are made in haste, with priority given to getting
the unit back into service. Too often, especially with
full-maintenance contracts, the choice is made to replace a
handrail using the lowest-cost option, often to the
detriment of a long and trouble-free service life. Taking the
time to piece together the handrail’s story is a sure way to
reduce costs associated with having to expedite shipment
of replacement parts when a unit is shut down.
Patrick Bothwell is director of Sales at EHC Global. He can be
contacted at email: [email protected].
This page, top to bottom: Bubbles and bulges indicate that the
internal layers of the rubber handrail carcass have delaminated.
Lip cracks are caused by handrail setup and tensioning issues.
Excessive dust buildup can fray the handrail’s fabric.
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www.elevatorworld.com • August 2015
Focus on
Escalators, Moving Walks
S PE C I A L S E C T I O N
and Components
PTL Equipment
ES1 - Stop Station
Easily accessible to concerned riders, our ES1
STOP STATION won’t be hard to find in an
emergency. This vandal-resistant unit allows for
ease of use while blending in with the decor
of the existing escalator. Equipped with a liftable cover and made of stainless steel, the ES1
exceeds ASME code requirements. Add our positive-stop pushbutton and self-resetting cover
and you’ve got the final touch and security to a
potentially life-saving device.
Contact PTL Equipment for additional information at 1-800-736-2120 or visit us at
www.ptlequipment.com.
The New ECS
EHC Global
The New ECS Corporation, under new ownership is making a major impact in the elevator
and escalator industry. Strategic personnel additions and key organizational and operational
changes have clearly made the New ECS a key
supplier to the industry.
The company has continued to revamp and
improve its operation with a variety of investments from people, to inventory, to systems, and
equipment. The most recent investment is a high
powered conveyer washer that improves the
power washing, the completion time for step refurbishment, and is much more energy efficient.
Centrally located in the Chicago area, ECS
can deliver products to almost any location in
North America quickly. Along with the incredibly
efficient refurbishment program, a new roller
production facility, a new robotic welder, a new
blasting machine, brand new steps, arguably the
widest selection of step chains in the industry,
an additional facility that now houses a 70%
increase in inventory levels, and onsite support
visits, the New ECS is quickly becoming the first
choice among service providers for parts and
solutions.
Contact Rick Milefchik directly at
309.752.8348.
Our easy-to-clean thermoplastic urethane
handrails provide diverse solutions for all customer requirements by combining unique aesthetics,
durability and ease of installation.
Superior vandalism resistance and smooth
tracking ensure optimum alignment as well
as longer operational life of handrail and drive
components.
NT requires less power to drive - making it the
most energy efficient escalator handrail available.
Manufactured in an ISO 14001 facility, NT handrails are recyclable and engineered to meet the
highest environmental standards.
For more information, contact EHC Global at
[email protected] or visit us at www.
ehc-global.com.
ECS Corporation
2741 S 21st Avenue
Broadview, IL 60155
www.escalatorparts.com
August 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD
77
Focus on
Escalators, Moving Walks
S PEC I A L S E C T I O N
and Components
EHC Global
Elevator & Escalator
Maintenance for Building
Managers, 2nd Edition
PTL Equipment
ES2 - Start Station*
EHC manufactures hundreds of polyurethane
roller designs for a wide range of lift and non-lift
industry applications.
RiteLine rollers are manufactured using
high-grade materials and are available in a variety of polyurethane tread options to provide
the optimum balance between durability and
performance.
High-quality bearings and hubs ensure reduction of noise and undesired vibration.
A wide range of customization options and
specialty design services are available.
For more information, contact EHC Global
at [email protected] or visit us at www.ehcglobal.com.
Of all the equipment in a building, vertical
transportation is the one and only mechanical/
electrical systems with which building occupants routinely have direct, physical contact.
For a building to be a successful venture, in
addition to providing a pleasant environment
for occupants, its mechanical and electrical systems must provide safe and reliable
service – particularly with respect to vertical
transportation. While the primary responsibility for maintaining the vertical transportation
systems rests with the maintenance specialists
and contractors, there are many aspects of
which owners and managers must be aware.
This manual has been developed to explore
the responsibilities of building owners and
managers, as well as maintenance providers, in
an effort to provide guidance in establishing
an adequate maintenance program that will
be a long-term benefit to building occupants
and the equipment that serves them. This
book will also assist building managers in
making informed decisions regarding upkeep
and regular maintenance of elevators and
escalators under their control.
Softback, 108 pages, Wt. 2lb.
When it’s time to restart your escalator, authorized personnel won’t fumble with our ES2 START
STATION. The same key unlocks the clear door and
activates the motion direction keyswitch,
and the door springs open for hassle-free access to
the button sub-plate. Built to last the stainless unit
resists abuse and normal wear, frustrating vandals
and providing years of reliable service.
Contact PTL Equipment for additional information at 1-800-736-2120 or visit us at
www.ptlequipment.com
PRINT and PDF:
Regular: $49.95
Subscriber
Discount: $42.46
To purchase this book, visit www.elevatorbooks.com or call Elevator World at 251-4794514 ext. 11 or ext. 19.
78
www.elevatorworld.com • August 2015
*Start and Combination Stations available in
designs to meet both NYC and National
Code requirements.
Focus on
Escalators, Moving Walks
S PEC I A L S E C T I O N
and Components
EHC Global
Loaded Gap/Comb Impact
Tool
PTL Equipment
ES3 - Combination Station
Make escalators safer with our D-Flector
Safety Brush. Designed to stringent quality and
durability specifications, D-Flector solutions are
available for all escalator and moving walk applications.
The flexible spine allows for simple installation
and removal for routine maintenance, saving
customers time and money.
• Quick installation
• Meets safety code requirements
• Slender profile provides an attractive
appearance
• Light weight for reduced shipping and
handling costs
For more information, contact EHC Global at
[email protected] or visit us at www.
The Tolar Impact Tool is a dual-purpose
product used to verify the stationary loaded gap
test as noted in ASME A17.2, 7.17.2 (b) (1)-(8) and
the comb-plate impact test A17.2, 7.7.2. The tool
checks both the vertical and horizontal forces for
setting comb and skirt switches. It also checks
distance at proper pressure to the step from the
skirt. It has a digital readout and is all aluminum
enclosed in a Pelican™ brand impact-resistant
case with load cells that can be removed for
annual calibration. The tool has an attachment
that will allow the test to be performed under
escalator skirt brushes so that the removal of the
brushes is not necessary.
The product was developed by Dale Tolar of
Dale Tolar & Associates Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas.
The 57-year veteran of the elevator industry was
inspecting a group of 50 new escalators at a new
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport terminal
several years ago with a skirt and comb impact
tool he found rudimentary and inaccurate. This
prompted Tolar and his son (a modernization
superintendent for a major company) to begin
development of a better tool intended to not
only rectify the problems they found in the
existing tool, but also be cost effective, simple to
use, robust and accurate.
Tolar has been a QEI since 1989 and worked
with ESCO and Otis. He owned Tarrant Elevator
Service of Fort Worth for several years before
selling it to Dover and becoming a full-time
inspector, first for Fort Worth and then for Texas,
for which he currently inspects.
For more information, contact Dale Tolar &
Associates, Inc. at (817) 925-0504 or dale@
Combining the best of both our ES1 STOP and
ES2 START stations, this all-in-one unit is
readily mounted in the curved newel deck via our
trim frame, or proudly secured via a custom
made pedestal adjacent to the handrail. Contact
PTL Equipment for additional information at
1-800-736-2120 or visit us at
www.ptlequipment.com
ehc-global.com.
daletolar.com
80
www.elevatorworld.com • August 2015
*Start and Combination Stations available in
designs to meet both NYC and National
Code requirements.