When a Handrail Needs Replacement
A handrail should be assessed when its condition or operation begins to affect reliability, appearance or passenger confidence.
- Cracking, splitting, glazing or visible surface damage
- Exposed reinforcement or damaged handrail edges
- Stretching, poor tension or repeated adjustment
- Poor tracking or contact with surrounding components
- Slippage, speed variation or inconsistent movement
- Unusual noise, heat or vibration
Early assessment allows the work to be planned before deterioration causes an avoidable shutdown.
In-House Handrail Preparation
HEC uses dedicated in-house handrail preparation equipment. This gives us direct control over preparation and allows the work to be coordinated as one complete service—from the initial survey and measurement through to installation, adjustment and final testing.
The correct handrail is selected according to the equipment, dimensions, profile, operating conditions and manufacturer requirements.
Our Handrail Replacement Process
- Survey the escalator or travellator and assess the existing handrail system.
- Confirm the handrail profile, dimensions and equipment requirements.
- Prepare the replacement handrail using our in-house equipment.
- Remove the worn or damaged handrail.
- Inspect the track, guides, drive system and related components.
- Replace the newel rollers and install the new handrail.
- Set the tension, tracking and drive pressure correctly.
- Test repeated operating cycles before returning the unit to service.
Why We Replace the Newel Rollers
HEC replaces the newel rollers whenever we replace an escalator or travellator handrail. These rollers guide and support the handrail as it travels around the curved newel section at each end of the unit.
Worn, damaged, seized or incorrectly running newel rollers can place unnecessary pressure on a new handrail. This can cause marking, heat, poor tracking and premature wear. Replacing the rollers protects the new handrail and helps the complete system operate correctly from the outset.
Related Components Are Checked
A new handrail should not be fitted without considering the condition of the equipment driving and guiding it. Our inspection includes the handrail drive, pressure rollers, guides, tracks, tensioning arrangement and accessible supporting components. Any additional defects are recorded and explained before further work is undertaken.
Planned Work and Reduced Disruption
Where possible, handrail replacement should be planned before the existing handrail fails. HEC coordinates the handrail, access arrangements, safe working area and programme with the customer. At sites with several units, work can be prioritised according to condition and operational requirements.
Multi-Brand Support
HEC works on escalators and travellators from a range of manufacturers in shopping centres, supermarkets, transport facilities, commercial buildings, hotels, leisure facilities and other public-access locations.
To arrange an assessment or quotation, send us the site address, equipment details, photographs and any information about the handrail condition or recent faults.
Dublin: +353 1 291 6225 Cork: +353 21 234 0222 Email: sales@hecl.ie
Contact HEC about an escalator or travellator handrail
Project Photographs
Completed escalator and replacement handrail.
Close-up of the installed handrail following tensioning and tracking.
Newel rollers. HEC replaces these during handrail replacement because worn rollers can cause undue wear to the new handrail.
