The Most Dangerous Escalator in Rome

Overview

This episode dives into the fascinating history, mechanics, and safety features of escalators, exploring their evolution from early prototypes to modern designs. It also examines the catastrophic 2018 Rome escalator accident, uncovering the human errors and negligence behind the disaster.

Notable Quotes

- If you run the numbers, out of 700 escalators, there'd be like three or four more dropping. Come on. – Renato Domico, ATAC Manager, on the chilling disregard for safety during a wiretap.

- You can put an elephant on the step and it won't break. – Escalator Engineer, emphasizing the robust design of modern escalators.

- Next time you're standing on an escalator, just place your hand next to you as you stand still, and you will watch as your hand slowly drifts forward. – Derek Muller, on the subtle speed difference between handrails and steps.

🚨 The Rome Escalator Disaster

- In 2018, an escalator in Rome's Republica station catastrophically failed, injuring 24 people.

- Investigators found multiple safety systems compromised: brakes were weakened, auxiliary brakes were sabotaged with plastic straps, and error logs were deliberately disabled.

- Maintenance records were falsified, pointing to systemic negligence by Metro Roma and Rome’s Transit Authority (ATAC).

- Wiretaps revealed a shocking lack of concern for public safety among ATAC managers.

🎢 The Origins of Escalators

- The first escalator, invented by Jesse Reno in 1896, was a theme park attraction at Coney Island.

- Early designs, like Harrods' 1898 conveyor belt, were unsettling for riders, requiring brandy and smelling salts to calm nerves.

- George Wheeler’s revolutionary design introduced rotating steps and overlapping tracks, solving key safety issues and forming the basis of modern escalators.

⚙️ How Escalators Work

- Escalators use a motor with a reduction gearbox to convert high-speed rotations into slow, high-torque movements.

- Steps flip upside down during their return journey, a design innovation by George Wheeler.

- Grooved steps interlock with comb plates at the top, preventing items from getting stuck.

🔧 Safety Innovations

- Modern escalators feature skirt brushes to prevent objects from getting trapped in side gaps.

- Handrails move slightly faster than steps to compensate for wear over time.

- Regenerative braking systems convert passenger weight into electricity, powering other devices and ensuring speed control.

🌍 Escalator Safety and Maintenance

- Properly maintained escalators are incredibly safe, with robust designs capable of handling extreme forces.

- Negligence in maintenance, as seen in Rome, can lead to catastrophic failures.

- Escalators are one of the most widely used transport systems globally, with over 100 billion trips annually in North America alone.