Which of the following components is essential for escalator safety?

Safety brakes are critical components for escalator safety because they are designed to stop the escalator in the event of a malfunction or emergency. These brakes help ensure that the escalator can safely halt its movement, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries. They serve as a fail-safe mechanism, responding to various safety sensors or operational issues that may arise during use.

While control panels, handrails, and decorative lighting contribute to the overall functionality and user experience of an escalator, they do not play a direct role in its essential safety mechanisms. Control panels allow users to operate the escalator, handrails provide physical support, and decorative lighting enhances aesthetics, but safety brakes are the component that directly impacts the prevention of accidents and ensures the safe operation of the escalator system.