The escalator brushes or 'skirt deflector' is designed to minimise the risk of trapping objects between the steps and the side of the escalator, known as the escalator 'skirt'.

What are the fuzzy things on escalators for?

Passengers who stand too close to the skirt will feel the bristles and instinctively move away from the sides, making their ride safer. Because they make passengers aware of where they are standing, the brushes greatly reduce the probability of side-step entrapments or pinching.

Can escalators hurt you?

For many people, the scariest part about escalators is stepping onto that first step, or stepping off at the end. But safety experts say you could get seriously hurt while riding an escalator as well. The Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen found children may be at the greatest risk.