Originally Posted by
LondonAussie
Agree, stopped escalators are just stairs, but when I asked I was told the steps are too far apart to be used as stairs.. Unless the escalator is running, then it's ok if you want to use them as stairs while they're moving. Perplexes me.
I was as perplexed as you when we were directed not to use the stopped escalator in a hotel and were instead directed to emergency stairs and lifts.
I got a reasonably cogent explanation from a technically minded duty manager, hinging on the step dimensions and visual cues making the escalators awkward and therefore potentially dangerous for static use. Escalator steps are higher than those of a staircase (allowing a steeper, more space efficient staircase), and deeper (allowing users to stand comfortably) coupled with the slatted design of the step surface that our brains are conditioned to interpret as a moving surface.
The hotel's rule book was that static escalators had to be closed off, I suppose on the insistence of their insurers.
I've had years to experience the effects of the confusing visual cue, witnessing the occasional stumble as strangers to Manchester airport's approach to maintaining its facilities step onto the (static) travelators on the elevated walkways between station and terminals.