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Imagine one of the high-rise buildings around you. And now imagine a fire starting in one of its upper floors. Dense smoke is running out of the windows, escape routes are overloaded. It doesn’t matter if you are one of the many employees at the local office, the building safety manager or the incoming rescuer. For such a situation you will need a solution as functional, simple and reliable as possible. And that is why Singing Rock introduces EvaQ and EvaQ HUB devices.
EVAQ
Do you know where is the EvaQ located in the building? Then run to the place, unpack the device, attach it to the anchor point, put on the evacuation harness, clip in the carabiner and jump out of the window. The rescue can be simple as that. The EvaQ device is designed according to EN 341:2011-1B to rappel you safely down to the ground with a controlled speed about 0,8 m/s. Once you are safe on the ground another person can immediately continue rescuing himself without any need of additional rope manipulation thanks to a bi-directional design of EvaQ and the possibility to use it in a shuttle system.
The body of EvaQ is equipped with automatic and redundant brake system consisting of 2 steel fly wheel brakes not only to increase its resistance and reliability but mostly to guarantee an extreme level of safety which matters the most. EvaQ is designed to be loaded at maximum of 150 kg which practically means one person at a time. It is equipped with a static polyamide kernmantle rope ø 9.6 mm according to EN-1891-A with a length of maximum 300 meters.
So far we spoke only about high-rise buildings but the area of EvaQ use is in fact much wider. The application may be a subject of your specific needs whatever they are. Cable cars, outdoor parks wind power plants, cranes and much more. All of these are places where EvaQ can help people to survive.
EVAQ HUB
While the simplicity is obviously one of the main features of EvaQ, its more complex brother EvaQ HUB has more to offer. In a hands of experienced user its versatility is impressive. The properly geared steering wheel adds a features of fully controllable rope descend and a lifting option according to EN 1496:2007-B. To make the lifting easier every device is equipped with a hexagon adapter for accu-drill connection. The rope clamp attached directly to the device body allows to fix the rope position whenever needed. And even the descending function is improved. The body and its brake system are designed to resist a five-time higher energy to comply with a class A of EN 341:2011.
A firm steel body of EvaQ HUB is designed to the load of 225 kg, which means 2 people at a time. It is an essential feature for any advanced rescue operation. A rescuer equipped with EvaQ HUB can descent under a controlled speed and carefully approach the person to be rescued. Then he can use the clamp to fix his position and thereby free his hands. Once the rescued person is clipped in, the rescuer can lift both by the steering wheel and disconnect or cut off the redundant gear. At that moment nothing prevents the rescuer to lower both safely to the ground.
All of this can happen wherever needed up to the height of impressive 300 meters. The use of EvaQ HUB allows rescuers to avoid unnecessary rope manipulation under a stressful condition which might be a source of potential risk. It also saves time, a very important value if the life or health are threatened.
EvaQ HUB basic operation modes:
ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES
Both EvaQ and EvaQ HUB are complex devices which need a proper care including regular inspections, maintenance and other services. Singing Rock is here not only to sell you the device but also to provide you all the support necessary during its whole lifecycle. Starting with user training in our Polygon facilities, through inspections and required maintenance works, up to the inspector training to ease your regular yearly logistics load.
You might be in a situation where a careless solution is a priority. Maybe you are considering equipping every floor of your building with one EvaQ device, just in case. But the workload associated with regular inspections is simply too much. For such cases we offer a seal-pack solution.
Every device will be delivered sealed in a tight metal foil together with a rope of appropriate length and other accessories. This packaging guarantees a 10 years’ maintenance-free approach without compromising any relevant safety measure. For those who need to use the device on a regular basis we offer a suitable shock and water proof plastic box in two sizes with a volume of 17 and 46 litres.
NUMBERS, STANDARDS
For those interested in numbers and charts there is a summarization of all the important data.
As already mentioned above, both devices are certified according to EN 341:2011. But while EvaQ is ranked as a B class, EvaQ HUB is an A class device. The class of the device refers to a descent energy the device is able to absorb (see the chart below).
So far it might feel a little confusing. Everything clarifies with the following chart showing the number of possible descents with corresponding height and load. For example, EvaQ can handle up to ten 100 meters long descents with the load of 150 kg (max). Then the device needs to be inspected and repaired. Even though the legal requirement allows large numbers of short descents with low load, it is important to mention that short descents cause excessive wear of the rope. Therefore, the overall quantity of descents is limited up to 100. Then the inspection is necessary again and the rope has to be probably changed.
The range of the rescue lifting function of EvaQ HUB according to EN 1496:2007 is not legally limited. However, during the lifting, the rope is again enormously strained and frequent use may lead to slip. Normally, this is not dangerous and you can descend safely to the ground. The maximum lifting distance should however not be more than 10 times the rope length. Make sure to check rope abrasion accordingly.
