Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. How does the CDD (Controlled Descent Device) work? A. The HRES-CDD uses a drum type friction brake to regulate descent speed. As weight is applied to the cable a clutch engages the brakes and controls the rate of descent.
Q. Does the system run the same speed at all weights? A. No. The speed runs from a low of 2 feet per second with a light load, under 100 pounds, to a maximum of 4 feet per second at maximum load.
Q. Can more than one use the Responder 1 or Guardian? A. Yes, up to a maximum of 3 people. As long as the combined weight stays under 400 pounds. This is only recommended in extreme emergencies. The procedure for 2 or more users includes wrapping off the cable to provide a secure belay. The first user is suspended under the system; the second is clipped in with a short strap and karabiner. Both suits are rotated 90 degrees with the user in the back wrapping arms around the user in the front. The user in back is responsible for touching the building if necessary to stabilize.
Q. What is the cable made of? A. The CDD cable is a proprietary design wire rope consisting of a braided 7 strand stainless steel inner core, a neoprene wrap shrunk fit over the core to provide a moisture barrier and a high strength nylon outer jacket.
Q. What is the EVAC SUIT made of? A. The EVAC SUIT is made Para Aramid fiber, the same fiber used in Kevlar. It is extremely strong, lightweight, durable and heat resistant.
Q. What if the building doesn’t have balconies? A. HRES has a variety of solutions that enable our system to operate in buildings without balconies. If the building has windows the Responder portable system can be deployed inside an office, apartment, hotel room or other space and users can exit through a window. HRES has fixed mount units that can be mounted above or next to window openings or in exposed stairwells. You can modify windows to work with the system.
Q. What about buildings without balconies or windows? A. We have three options depending on the structure. We have systems that mount on the roof that can evacuate the occupants of the upper floors. HRES has systems that mount in elevator shafts. Rescue and escape openings can be created in the building.
Q. Are there a variety of storage containers for long-term indoor and outdoor storage? Are they available in colors? A. Yes, the system comes in a variety of storage containers from simple wheeled cases for indoor or protected storage to heavy duty, oil drilling platform rated fiberglass cases for long-term outdoor applications. We also offer custom decorator cabinetry on special orders. Colours are available. We also offer a soft case. Buyers who don’t opt for a case can store their unit in the original shipping container indoors long term. The units can also be stored in a safety cabinet on a balcony, next to a
Q. The Controlled Descent Device is “bi-directional” in operation… what does that mean? A. The rescue cable works in both directions in a continuous loop so that as one end reaches the ground - the other end comes back up automatically for reloading. There's no re-winding or retracting the cable. There's also no waiting between cycles because the system comes with two (or more) Evac Suits. When the first user reaches the ground, the second user, who is already in another suit, hooks up to the cable and descends to safety. Once on the ground the user exits the suit and leaves it attached to the cable so it can go back up for re-use.
Q. What about Wind Effect? A. To protect the user in high wind environments we have two safeguards. We offer an optional "tagline" which is a safety line that attaches to the suit and can be manned by someone on the ground. It is reasonable to expect help on the ground shortly after a high rise emergency begins to assist in the evacuation. The “tagline” can become a “guideline”, secured to an anchor on the ground to guide the suit straight down in heavy wind by clipping a carabiner through the loop provided on the leg of the Evac Suit and clipping to the guide line. Permanent guideline anchors on the ground can be created. The guideline anchors to the davit up top.
Q. Training / Operation / Maintenance: A. The system was designed to be safe and simple to use so that only minimal training is needed to set up the system and no training at all is required to use it once it's deployed. A training video / DVD will be supplied to customers. The system requires an annual maintenance inspection for quality and safety purposes.
Q. Do you offer a detailed printed Evacuation Plan based on the system? A. Yes, for a fee.
Q. Can the portable escape systems travel as luggage? A. Yes, but weight restrictions may impose an added fee. The Escape-Pak is designed for travelers.
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