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RAPID & SAFE EVACUATION OF BUILDINGS:

The essential element of any Disaster Management regime is rapid and safe evacuation of buildings under threat from Fire, Earthquake and acts of terror.

Where the premises contain highly combustible substances, or toxic chemicals, the urgency for quick evacuation is even more important.

Fire Lifts, (if available), and the Fire Stairs are no solution, especially in high rise buildings.

The HERMES GROUP introduces to India the vertical FIRE ESCAPE CHUTE system that is already popular use in Europe, USA and many other countries. This offers and independent external escape option. Fire Escape Chutes operate on the principle of CONTROLLED SLIDING down a chute made of Fire Retardant material. The basic routine for use is similar to the inclined inflatable chute used for air craft evacuation on water.

Of the many systems in use, the Hermes Group selected and has an exclusive distribution agency agreement with AXEL THOMS for their patented SPIRAL descent chute, which is acknowledged as the safest and the most popular. It is preferred by discerning users and has been in the market for over 27 years.

Designed and built to strict quality standards, the system assures the user of a safe descent from any height at a descent rate of about 2 metres per second. At the lower end, suspended about 400mm above the ground for easy exit, is a thick foam cushioned seat composed entirely of fabric.

Systems already in operation are as long as 114 metres or equivalent to about 38 stories.

These systems are folded into small packages stored in a container fitted at a window on the outside perimeter of the building. Alternatively, these may be installed on terraces, or balconies. Thus there is no change in external appearance of the buildings where these are installed.

When the Escape Chute is to be deployed, the user opens the box and can deploy the chute within 40 seconds enabling evacuation to commence immediately the alarm is raised.

Entry is by one person at a time, and one can follow the other as soon as space at the top is available, without waiting for the previous person to exit at the bottom.

Where tall structures have rescue platforms, such chutes can be installed on each such platform for sending evacuees from one platform the next till they reach the ground.

The Fire Escape Chute is more efficient and reliable compared to a spiral staircase, especially for infants and small children.

In many cities and countries, Fire Escape Chutes have become compulsory or the preferred escape system. Since chutes is deployed OUTSIDE the building, they are provided with holding handles at ground level, and also lashing ropes, to anchor the chute if required, to resist oscillation during high wind conditions.

In addition to installation in residential & commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, government buildings, games stadiums, other possible applications include:

Mounting on Fire Escape Ladder vehicles of the Fire Department for safe and rapid descent as compared to the slow and unsafe descent using the ladders;

Mounting on tall machinery such as Tower Cranes, Open Mine Excavators, and the like, for quick descent in case of fire;

Mounting on maritime Light House Towers, where there is no help possible in the event of fire; Mounting on Control Towers at airports, naval vessels, especially carriers, at power stations, tall factory buildings such as cement kilns and silos, oil rigs and oil refineries, oil tanks, gas tanks, and the like; Evacuating ships' passengers onto life boats or rafts instead of jumping over side.

The potential application can be expanded according to the imagination of the user and the consulting architect.

The initial cost of individual Fire Escape Chutes should not distract potential users. In the present economic scenario, it is important to protect lives and skills. The breadwinner of the family is irreplaceable, and the ski lied staff member at any enterprise is not easily replaced. It is in the interest of employers and local bodies to encourage and fund systems that ensure safe evacuation wherever there is an emergency.

The system, once installed, is guaranteed for a life of 15 years under careful annual maintenance, and can be used up to 4000es should the need arise. The capital cost is like an insurance premium for the preservation of skilled manpower.