Overview
ISO/TS 8103-6:2017 - "Escalators and moving walks - Part 6: Safety parameters meeting the GESRs" defines global safety parameters (GSPs) to support the Global Essential Safety Requirements (GESRs) for escalators and moving walks. It complements ISO/TS 25740‑1 by providing guidance and criteria for mitigating hazards encountered during operation, use and work on these installations. The technical specification is focused on installations in permanent, fixed structures and covers a wide range of sizes, speeds, travel heights and environmental exposures (fire, weather). GSPs are advisory (not mandatory) and intended to facilitate a common international safety baseline while enabling innovation and trade.
Key topics
- Global safety parameters (GSPs): Guidance and quantitative parameters to achieve the safety objectives set out in the GESRs.
- Relationship to GESRs: Use of GSPs to demonstrate conformance with ISO/TS 25740‑1 global essential safety requirements.
- Risk assessment & reduction: Alignment with ISO 14798 methodology for hazard identification, risk analysis and corrective actions.
- Definitions & terminology: Clear terms for escalator/moving walk components, LCU (load carrying unit), hazardous situations, authorized/competent persons, etc.
- Implementation process: Guidance on how to apply GSPs in design, installation, operation and maintenance phases.
- Protective measures & safety objectives: Inherently safe design, protective devices, controls and maintenance practices to mitigate risks.
- Support material: Annex A (anthropometric and design data summary) and Annex B (figures) provide practical reference data and illustrations.
- Scope limits: Explicit exclusions (needs of users with disabilities, vandalism, construction/alteration/dismantling risks, and environmental fire risks).
Applications
ISO/TS 8103-6:2017 is practical for:
- Manufacturers and designers developing escalators and moving walks to meet global safety expectations.
- Safety and compliance engineers demonstrating conformance with GESRs and documenting risk mitigation.
- Building owners, facility managers and operators who need to understand recommended safety parameters for installation, operation and maintenance.
- Inspectors and regulators using GSPs as a benchmark for review and harmonization across jurisdictions.
- Consultants and architects integrating escalator/moving walk safety into building designs and lifecycle planning.
Related standards
- ISO/TS 25740‑1:2011 - Safety requirements for escalators and moving walks (GESRs)
- ISO 14798:2009 - Risk assessment and reduction methodology for lifts, escalators and moving walks
- ISO/IEC Guide 51 - Framework for product safety (used as an underpinning for this specification)
Keywords: ISO/TS 8103-6:2017, escalator safety, moving walk safety, global safety parameters, GSPs, GESRs, risk assessment, escalator standards, safety parameters.