Contrary to popular belief, escalator brushes are not actually for cleaning your shoes
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Escalators have brushes along the sides for several important reasons:
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Safety Barrier: The brushes act as a gentle reminder to keep feet, clothing, and other objects away from the gap, reducing the risk of entrapment
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Prevents Items from Getting Stuck: They help prevent loose clothing, shoelaces, or bags from getting caught in the moving parts of the escalator
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Reduces Debris Buildup: The brushes help sweep away dust, dirt, and small debris that could otherwise accumulate in the gaps, ensuring smoother operation
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Minimises Side-Step Riding: Some people tend to stand too close to the edge of the escalator. The brushes create a psychological barrier, discouraging unsafe positioning
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Protects Escalator Mechanism – By preventing objects from entering the side gaps, the brushes help protect the internal mechanics from damage
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Aesthetic and Functional Design: The brushes blend with the escalator's design while serving an essential purpose
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Psychological Comfort: The presence of brushes reassures passengers by subtly indicating that the escalator is designed with safety in mind.