Section 5.5.2.1 of NFPA Standard 130 is hereby amended to read as follows:

5.5.2.1 Escalators may be permitted as a means of egress in stations, provided they account for not more than 25% of the required number and capacity of the means of egress at any one level and the following criteria are met:

(1)*The escalators shall be constructed of noncombustible materials

(2)*Escalators running in the direction of egress shall be permitted to remain operating

(3) Escalators running reverse to the direction of egress shall be capable of being stopped locally and remotely as follows:

(a) Locally by manual stopping device at the escalator

(b) Remotely by one of the following:

i. A manual stopping device at a remote location

ii. As part of a pre-planned evacuation response

(4)* Where provision is made for remote stopping of escalators counted as means of egress, where one of the following shall apply:

(a) The stop shall be delayed until it is preceded by a minimum 15-second audible signal, or warning message sounded at the escalator

(b) Where escalators are equipped with the necessary controls to deceleration a controlled manner under the full rated load, the stop shall be delayed for at least 5 seconds before beginning deceleration and the deceleration rate shall be no greater than 0.052 m/sec² (0.17 ft./sec²).

(5) Where an audible signal or warning message is used, the following shall apply:

(a) The signal or message shall have a sound intensity that is at least 15 dBA above the average ambient sound level for the entire length of the escalator.

(b) The signal shall be distinct from the fire alarm signal.

(c) The warning message shall meet audibility and intelligibility requirements.