Apparatus and method for providing a safety barrier proximate to a hazardous region such as open support truss work of an escalator, comprising an extendable barrier member such as a chainmail panel, slidable on at least one support element securable to a support framework proximate to the hazardous region; wherein the extendable barrier member is movable between a closed and an open position allowing access to the hazardous region to allow for maintenance, and a closed position in which the barrier member provides a barrier over an opening of the support framework.