What is Periodic Inspection of Escalators and Moving Walkways?

Escalators and moving walkways are constantly operating pieces of work equipment in places with high pedestrian traffic, such as shopping malls, subway stations, airports, stores, and public buildings. The continuous movement of steps, platforms, handrails, brakes, and drive systems increases the risk of wear and tear, malfunctions, and failures in safety devices over time.

Periodic inspection is the review of this equipment by authorized technical personnel at specific intervals to ensure it is operating safely. The aim is to protect the safety of users and employees, prevent potential accidents and injuries, and ensure the continuous compliance of the equipment with relevant safety standards.

At AES Innovation, this inspection is carried out by a qualified mechanical engineer based on relevant legislation and standards, and the results are documented with a technical report.

Legal Basis and Current Legislation

The periodic inspection of escalators and moving walkways is carried out within the framework of Occupational Health and Safety legislation. The fundamental basis is the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment (Official Gazette 25.04.2013 / 28628). The annex to this Regulation sets out the requirements for periodic inspections of work equipment.

The regulation has been updated with the amendment published in the Official Gazette dated 23.12.2025 and numbered 33116. With this amendment, the expression used for the party conducting the periodic inspection has been clarified in practice to be the concept of "equipment inspection organization". Furthermore, it has been stipulated that the party conducting the inspection must register the contract via İSG-KATİP at least one day in advance; and that organizations accredited by TÜRKAK under TS EN ISO/IEC 17020 will be accepted during the transition period, with the compliance date set as 1/1/2027.

This content is for general informational purposes only; since legislative texts may change over time, the most current Official Gazette texts should be used as the basis for application.

• Work Equipment Regulation (Official Gazette 25.04.2013 / 28628)
• Updated with amendment number 33116 dated 23.12.2025
• ISG-KATIP contract registration: at the latest 1 day in advance.
• TURKAK 17020 transition acceptance; compliance date 1/1/2027

Important Note: This is not an elevator inspection.

The periodic inspection of escalators and moving walkways is often confused with elevator inspections. However, these two are legally and technically separate processes. Elevators are inspected by Type A inspection bodies authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Technology and also covered by Law No. 17020 in the elevator field, within the scope of the Elevator Periodic Inspection Regulation (Official Gazette 04.05.2018 / 30411).

Escalators and moving walkways are outside the scope of elevator regulations; they are subject to periodic occupational health and safety inspections under the Work Equipment Regulation and are inspected by a qualified mechanical engineer. In short, even though they are located in the same building, elevators and escalators are subject to different regulations, different authorizations, and different reporting procedures.

AES Innovation conducts periodic inspections of escalators and moving walkways under the Work Equipment Regulations, based on a technical report from an authorized mechanical engineer. This service is not a periodic elevator inspection, and AES does not perform elevator periodic inspections. Because these two services are often marketed together by elevator companies, the occupational safety and health (OSH) aspect of escalators is sometimes overlooked; a clear understanding of this distinction is crucial for the legal responsibility of the business owner.

• Elevator: Elevator Periodic Inspection Regulation (Official Gazette 04.05.2018 / 30411) + separate Ministry authorization.
• Escalator/moving walkway: Periodic occupational safety and health (OSH) inspection under the Work Equipment Regulation.
• Escalator inspections are carried out by a qualified mechanical engineer.
• AES does not perform periodic elevator inspections.

Main Security Elements Checked

During periodic inspections, the mechanical and electrical safety devices of the equipment are reviewed based on relevant standards. The main elements examined are summarized below.

• Braking system: functionality of the operating brake and, if necessary, the auxiliary braking device, and stopping distances.
• Comb plate: damage, wear and tear, and compatibility with the tread/track.
• Handrail and handrail: synchronization of the handrail with the step speed.
• Emergency stop devices: accessibility and correct operation of buttons.
• Steps and platforms: missing, broken, or uneven elements.
• Protective covers and housings: integrity against pinching and contact risks.
• Operation under load (load testing): safe behavior under load conditions.
• Electrical safety: grounding, protective devices, and electrical safety checks.

Applied Standards: TS EN 115 Series

The safety requirements for escalators and moving walkways are defined in the TS EN 115 standard series. Inspection work is carried out taking these standards into account.

TS EN 115-1 covers safety regulations for the construction and installation of escalators and moving walkways. TS EN 115-2 addresses the requirements for improving the safety of existing (in-use) escalators and moving walkways. Especially for equipment that has been in service for a long time, the improvement recommendations under EN 115-2 are important in terms of bringing the safety level closer to current expectations.

• TS EN 115-1: Safety of escalators and moving walkways — construction and installation
• TS EN 115-2: Improving the safety of existing escalators and moving walkways.

Combined Assessment of Electrical and Mechanical Safety

Escalators and moving walkways are equipment where mechanical and electrical/control systems work together. The safety of the braking and drive systems, as well as the correct functioning of motor power supply, grounding, protective devices, emergency stop circuits, and sensors, are crucial for safe operation.

AES Innovation's technical expertise in the electrical field provides a strong synergy in evaluating the electrical safety aspects of this equipment. Thus, the inspection addresses not only mechanical wear but also electrical safety elements holistically. This assessment is carried out within the scope of periodic inspections of escalators and moving walkways, based on a technical report by an authorized mechanical engineer.

Period, Who Did It, and Reporting

According to the Work Equipment Regulation, escalators and moving walkways are typically inspected at least once a year. However, more frequent inspections may be required depending on manufacturer specifications, usage intensity, and environmental conditions.

The inspection is carried out by a qualified mechanical engineer, and the organizational/registration requirements specified in the relevant legislation (such as OHS-KATIP registration) are observed. Following the inspection, a technical report is prepared containing the findings, measurements, evaluations, and necessary improvement recommendations.

This report serves as a record for the employer that both safe operation and responsibilities under occupational health and safety legislation have been fulfilled. Once identified non-conformities have been rectified, a reassessment can be conducted if necessary.

• Frequency: at least once a year (usage conditions may require more frequent use)
• Who does it: a certified mechanical engineer.
• Output: Authorized mechanical engineer's technical report

Registration, Documentation, and Closure

Periodic inspection records must be kept, including past equipment inspections, findings, and rectified nonconformities. Regularly maintained records facilitate the demonstration of regulatory compliance in the event of an audit and allow for the tracking of the equipment's safety history.

AES Innovation conducts periodic inspections of escalators and moving walkways under the Work Equipment Regulation, based on the TS EN 115 series, by an authorized mechanical engineer, and presents the results in a technical report. This scope does not include periodic elevator inspections.

Information note: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal opinion or a binding commitment. Legislative provisions are subject to change; current Official Gazette texts and regulations of relevant authorities should be considered in practice. For a specific assessment of your equipment, please contact AES Innovation.

Related Services

• DELETE
• Residual Current RCD

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service an elevator inspection?

No. Escalator and moving walkway inspections are not part of elevator periodic inspections. Elevators are subject to separate legislation (Elevator Periodic Inspection Regulation, Official Gazette 04.05.2018 / 30411) and separate authorization. Escalators and moving walkways, on the other hand, are subject to occupational health and safety periodic inspections under the Work Equipment Regulation and are inspected by an authorized mechanical engineer. AES does not perform elevator periodic inspections.

How often should escalators undergo periodic inspections?

Under the Work Equipment Regulation, inspections are generally carried out at least once a year. Manufacturer recommendations, usage intensity, and environmental conditions may necessitate more frequent inspections.

Who conducts the check and what is the result?

The inspection is carried out by a qualified mechanical engineer. The result is a technical report containing findings, assessments, and improvement recommendations. This is not an accredited inspection report, but a technical report from a qualified mechanical engineer.

Which standards are used as a basis?

Inspection is carried out based on the TS EN 115 series. TS EN 115-1 covers construction and assembly safety, while TS EN 115-2 covers improving the safety of existing equipment.

What is examined during the inspection?

The main components examined include the braking system, comb plate, guardrail and handrail speed synchronization, emergency stop devices, steps/tracks, protective covers, working under load, and electrical safety elements.

How did the recent legislative changes affect things?

The Work Equipment Regulation has been updated with amendment number 33116 dated 23.12.2025. Within this scope, the term 'equipment inspection organization' has been clarified for the party performing the periodic inspection, the requirement for registration of the OHS-KATIP contract at least one day in advance has been introduced, and it has been stipulated that TÜRKAK 17020 accreditation will be accepted during the transition period, with a compliance date of 1/1/2027.