ASTM E2484-08(2015)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent Devices (Withdrawn 2024)
Standard Specification for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent Devices (Withdrawn 2024)
ABSTRACT
This specification defines the material requirements, performance, design, marking instructions, test methods, ancillary components, requirements for the installation, periodic maintenance when installed, and instructions for the use of multi-story building external evacuation controlled descent device (CDD) systems for emergency escape of persons who cannot use the standard exit facilities in multi-story buildings. This specification does not apply to personal escape parachutes, ropes, chain ladders or rappelling devices. This specification does not apply as well to ancillary components used with and included in CDD systems, harnesses, connecting hardware, signage, special evacuation openings, personal protection equipment or devices and other components used on CDD systems which may be installed, purchased or used in accordance with the requirements specified herein.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements, performance, design, marking instructions, test methods and ancillary components of Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent Device (CDD) systems for emergency escape of persons who cannot use the standard exit facilities in multi-story buildings, defines requirements for their installation, periodic maintenance when installed and instructions for their use.
1.2 This specification does not apply to personal escape parachutes, rope, chain ladders or rappelling devices.
1.3 This specification does not apply to ancillary components used with and included in CDD systems, harnesses, connecting hardware, signage, special evacuation openings, personal protection equipment or devices and other components used on CDD systems which may be installed, purchased or used in accordance with the requirements specified herein.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This specification covered the requirements, performance, design, marking instructions, test methods and ancillary components of Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent Device (CDD) systems for emergency escape of persons who cannot use the standard exit facilities in multi-story buildings, defined requirements for their installation, periodic maintenance when installed and instructions for their use.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings, this specification was withdrawn in January 2024 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.
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Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E2484 −08 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Specification for
Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent
Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2484; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E631Terminology of Building Constructions
E894Test Method forAnchorage of Permanent Metal Rail-
1.1 This specification covers the requirements,
ing Systems and Rails for Buildings
performance, design, marking instructions, test methods and
E1512Test Methods for Testing Bond Performance of
ancillary components of Multi-Story Building External Evacu-
Bonded Anchors
ation Controlled Descent Device (CDD) systems for emer-
E2265Terminology for Anchors and Fasteners in Concrete
gency escape of persons who cannot use the standard exit
and Masonry
facilities in multi-story buildings, defines requirements for
2.2 ANSI Standards:
their installation, periodic maintenance when installed and
ANSI Z359.1Fall Arrest System Components
instructions for their use.
ANSI/AWS D, 14.4Specification for Welded Joints in ma-
1.2 This specification does not apply to personal escape
chinery and Equipment
parachutes, rope, chain ladders or rappelling devices.
2.3 ASCE Standard:
1.3 This specification does not apply to ancillary compo- ASCE1-05MinimumDesignLoadsforBuildingsandOther
nents used with and included in CDD systems, harnesses, Structures
connecting hardware, signage, special evacuation openings, 2.4 ASME Standard:
personal protection equipment or devices and other compo- ASME A120Safety Requirements for Powered Platforms
nentsusedonCDDsystemswhichmaybeinstalled,purchased for Building Maintenance
or used in accordance with the requirements specified herein. 2.5 International Standards:
CSA-Z259.10Full Body Harness, M90
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
CSA-Z259.2.3-99 Descent Control Devices
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
EN 292-1:1991Basic Design Concepts and general Prin-
standard.
ciples of Design for Safety Machinery
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
EN 362Connectors and Attachment Hardware
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
EN 1497Rescue Equipment-Rescue Harness
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
EN 1498Rescue Equipment Class B-Rescue Harness
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
EN 1891Personal Protective Equipment
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
PrEN 341:2002Personal Protective Equipment for Protec-
tion Against Falls from Height
2. Referenced Documents
2.6 ISO Standards:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ISO 9002Quality Management and Manufacturing Quality
B117Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
Assurance
E488/E488MTest Methods for Strength of Anchors in
Concrete Elements
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available fromAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801Alexander
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org.
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.77 Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
on High Rise Building External Evacuation Devices. International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published June 2015. Originally www.asme.org.
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as E2484-08. DOI: Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 5060 Spectrum Way,
10.1520/E2484-08R15. Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6, Canada, http://www.csa.ca.
2 7
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
the ASTM website. la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
E2484−08 (2015)
ISO 10333-5Connectors and Attachment Hardware 3.2.6 free fall—uncontrolled descent.
2.7 NEMA Standard:
3.2.7 hazard and safety assessment—the process, involving
NEMA 250Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
hazard and safety evaluation, to determine that the safety and
2.8 NFPA Standard:
health hazards associated with the installation and use of a
NFPA 130Appendix B 2.1.1 and B 2.1.2
CDD system are acceptable.
2.9 OSHA Document:
3.2.8 maximum rated height—the highest elevation from
OSHA Safety and Health Bulletin, SHIB 02-24-2004Sus-
which a specific CDD may be used.
pension Trauma/Orthostatic Intolerance
3.2.9 multiple rescue CDD system—a CDD system capable
2.10 UL Standard:
of multiple rescues using multiple, one time rescue CDDs and
UL1523Controlled Descent Devices for Marine Use, 9, 15,
a descent rail or track.
16, 17 and 18
3.2.10 one time rescue CDD—aCDDsystemorCDDthatis
capable of only one rescue descent.
3. Terminology
3.2.11 rated load—the weight of the person or persons
3.1 See Terminology E631 for definitions of general con-
being rescued including items worn or carried. The weights of
cepts related to building construction.
system component parts that descend are not included in the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
rated load.
3.2.1 anchorage—the physical weight bearing attachment
3.2.11.1 maximum rated load—the heaviest weight of the
of a CDD, rescue line or any part of a CDD system, to a
person or persons, being rescued, including items worn or
building including the attachment of rails or tracks.
carried that must result in a controlled descent, within the
3.2.2 controlled descent device, (CDD) system—a system
required rate of descent limits.
that lowers one or two people per descent, at a controlled rate
3.2.11.2 minimum rated load—the lightest weight of a
of descent, with each person wearing a rescue harness, on the
person, including items worn or carried that must result in a
outside of a building, from an upper level to the ground or
controlled descent, within the required rate of descent limits.
other safe location.
3.2.12 re-certification—the process by which the manufac-
3.2.2.1 automatic controlled descent device—a CDD that
turer or their representative repairs or refurbishes CDD
provides automatic control of the rate of descent without any
systems, and approves them for additional use.
action required of the user.
3.2.13 repetitive rescue CDD—a CDD system or CDD that
3.2.2.2 automatic controlled descent device, with manual
iscapableofbeingreturnedtothesiteofdescentinitiationand
override—aCDDthatprovidesautomaticcontroloftherateof
used repetitively.
descentwithamanualoverridecapabilitywhichgivestheuser
the ability to slow or stop the descent. 3.2.14 rescue harness—an adjustable human body holding
device or harness assembly, which supports the pelvis and the
3.2.2.3 controlleddescentdevice(CDD)—adevicethatisan
torso.
integral part of all CDD systems, which controls the rate of
descent. 3.2.14.1 integral rescue harness—a rescue harness is an
integral part of a descending CDD system.
3.2.3 descent rail or track—load bearing assemblies on
which CDDs are mounted, inserted or attached and secured. 3.2.14.2 separate rescue harness—a rescue harness is a
Descent rails and tracks are components of CDD systems that separate component of the CDD system that connects to a
arepre-installedontheoutsideofbuildingsandjoinedtogether rescue line or the CDD.
in sections on which specially designed CDDs are supported
3.2.15 rescue line—a flexible cable or rope that is used to
during controlled descent.
support individuals during descent.
3.2.4 dynamic load—the dynamic load that results from
3.2.15.1 anchored rescue line—a rescue line that is an-
free-fall, expressed in Kilo Newton that must be supported by
chored at the descent initiation location and is dispensed from
the CDD, rescue line, rail, track, connector, connection
or passes through a descending CDD.
hardware, mounts and anchors.
3.2.15.2 descending rescue line—a rescue line that is dis-
3.2.5 force limiter—amechanismthatlimitstheforceonthe
pensed from or passes through a CDD that is anchored at the
user,rescueline,railortrackandallinline,loadbearingCDD
descent initiation location.
system components and parts to a specific value during
3.2.16 special evacuation opening—a pre-installed special
deceleration.
ormodifiedwindowordoorthatcanbeopenedtoallowaccess
to the outside of a building during an emergency.
Available from National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), 1300
3.2.17 staticload—thespecifiedsteadystateload,expressed
N. 17th St., Suite 1752, Rosslyn, VA 22209, http://www.nema.org.
in Kilo Newton that must be supported by the CDD, rescue
Available from National Fire ProtectionAssociation (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
line, rail, track, connector, connection hardware, mounts and
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Available from Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA), 200
anchors.
Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
3.2.18 suspended trauma syndrome—asometimesfatalcon-
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com. dition caused by blood pooling when the legs are kept
E2484−08 (2015)
motionlessintheverticaldownwardpositionduringtheperiod 5.3 Class designates CDD Systems with one time rescue,
of suspension in some types of harnesses. repetitive rescue or multiple rescue capability, with the maxi-
mumratedloadcapabilityforonepersonorfortwopeopleper
3.2.19 total descent energy—The total descent energy W,
descent.
expressed in Joules is the energy that must be dissipated by a
NOTE 1—The maximum rated height of a given CDD is a function of
CDD during use. It is equal to the product of the descent load
the specific Class of the CDD system, its total descent energy dissipation
(m) multiplied by the acceleration of gravity, (g) times the
capability and the length of the rescue line, etc. The manufacturer shall
height of the descent, (h) times the number of cycles, (n); W
define the maximum rated height for each of their specific CDD systems
in compliance with the requirements of sections 8.7 through 8.7.10.
5m3g3h3n
5.4 Classification by Type—Each CDD system and its
3.2.19.1 Discussion—Totaldescentenergymanifestsasheat
CDDsshallbedesignedforusewithrescuelines,withdescent
energythatmustbedissipatedbyCDDsystemsduringuseand
railsorwithdescenttracks.TypedesignatesCDDsystemswith
isacriticalparameterthatmustbeaccountedforinthethermal
automatic descent control, automatic descent control with
design of each system according to its Class and its maximum
manual override capability and whether force limiters are or
rated height.
are not employed.
5.4.1 Type I—Automatic descent control CDD system.
4. Significance and Use
5.4.2 Type II—Automatic descent control CDD system,
4.1 Purpose—This standard defines the design, materials,
which employ a force limiter.
physical properties, operation and testing requirements for
5.4.3 Type III—Automatic descent control CDD system,
CDD systems, for use as a last resort for the external
with manual override capability.
evacuation of people from multi-story buildings.
5.4.4 Type IV—Automatic descent control CDD system,
4.2 Test Requirements—The test requirements contained in
with manual override capability that employs a force limiter.
Section 16 are for the purpose of design verification and
5.5 Classification by Grade—Classification by grade iden-
certification, that CDD Systems comply with the requirements
tifies CDD systems, CDDs, and component parts of CDD
ofthisstandard.Eachmanufacturer,inconcertwiththetesting
systems that are stored or installed inside or outside of
authority shall develop detailed test plans and procedures,
buildings.
based on the requirements of Section 16.
5.5.1 Grade 1—A CDD system designed for storage or
4.3 Test and Inspection Documentation—All tests and in-
installation outside of a building.
spectionsshallbefullydocumentedandretainedbythetesting
5.5.2 Grade 2—A CDD system designed for storage or
authority and the manufacturer.
installation inside of a building.
5.5.3 Grade 3—A CDD system designed for the storage or
4.4 Installation, Instruction and Periodic Maintenance—
installation of some components or parts of the system on the
This standard also defines requirements for the installation,
insideandsomestoredorinstalledontheoutsideofabuilding.
instruction of those intending to use the CDDs and periodic
maintenance of installed CDD systems.
5.6 Classification by Class—Classification by class defines
CDD systems with anchored CDDs and descending rescue
4.5 Hazard and Risk Analysis—The standard also includes
lines, anchored rescue lines with descending CDDs, repetitive
requirements for hazard and risk analysis.
or one-time rescue descent CDDs, one person or two person
rescuecapability,CDDsthatareusedonrailsortracks,andthe
5. CDD Classification
maximum rated load.
5.1 Type designates automatic control or automatic control
NOTE 2—Classes I and J CDD systems shall be limited to the rated
with manual override capability and indicates whether or not a
height of 35 m, reference sections 8.7.9 and 8.7.10.
force limiter is employed.
6. Ordering Information
5.2 Grade designates storage or permanent mounting of the
CDD System or its components on the inside or outside of a 6.1 CDD systems may be purchased by individual apart-
building. ment or high-rise Condo dwellers and families, multi-story
TABLE 1 CDD Systems by Class
Anchored Anchored Rails Repetitive One Time Number Maximum
Class
CDD Rescue Line or Tracks Rescues Rescue per Descent Rated Load
A X X 1 135 kg
B X X 1 or 2 180 kg
CX X 1 135 kg
DX X 1 or 2 180 kg
E X X 1 135 kg
F X X 1 or 2 180 kg
G X X 1 135 kg
H X X 1 or 2 180 kg
I X or X X 1 135 kg
J X or X X 1 or 2 180 kg
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2484 − 08 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Specification for
Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent
Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2484; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E894 Test Method for Anchorage of Permanent Metal Rail-
1.1 This specification covers the requirements,
ing Systems and Rails for Buildings
performance, design, marking instructions, test methods and
E1512 Test Methods for Testing Bond Performance of
ancillary components of Multi-Story Building External Evacu-
Bonded Anchors
ation Controlled Descent Device (CDD) systems for emer-
E2265 Terminology for Anchors and Fasteners in Concrete
gency escape of persons who cannot use the standard exit
and Masonry
facilities in multi-story buildings, defines requirements for
2.2 ANSI Standards:
their installation, periodic maintenance when installed and
ANSI Z359.1 Fall Arrest System Components
instructions for their use.
ANSI/AWS D, 14.4 Specification for Welded Joints in ma-
1.2 This specification does not apply to personal escape
chinery and Equipment
parachutes, rope, chain ladders or rappelling devices. 4
2.3 ASCE Standard:
1.3 This specification does not apply to ancillary compo- ASCE 1-05 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
nents used with and included in CDD systems, harnesses, Structures
connecting hardware, signage, special evacuation openings, 2.4 ASME Standard:
personal protection equipment or devices and other compo- ASME A120 Safety Requirements for Powered Platforms
nents used on CDD systems which may be installed, purchased for Building Maintenance
or used in accordance with the requirements specified herein.
2.5 International Standards:
CSA-Z259.10 Full Body Harness, M90
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
CSA-Z259.2.3-99 Descent Control Devices
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
EN 292-1:1991 Basic Design Concepts and general Prin-
standard.
ciples of Design for Safety Machinery
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
EN 362 Connectors and Attachment Hardware
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
EN 1497 Rescue Equipment-Rescue Harness
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
EN 1498 Rescue Equipment Class B-Rescue Harness
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
EN 1891 Personal Protective Equipment
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
PrEN 341:2002 Personal Protective Equipment for Protec-
tion Against Falls from Height
2. Referenced Documents
2.6 ISO Standards:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ISO 9002 Quality Management and Manufacturing Quality
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
Assurance
E488/E488M Test Methods for Strength of Anchors in
Concrete Elements
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org.
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.77 Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
on High Rise Building External Evacuation Devices. International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published June 2015. Originally www.asme.org.
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as E2484 - 08. DOI: Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 5060 Spectrum Way,
10.1520/E2484-08R15. Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6, Canada, http://www.csa.ca.
2 7
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
the ASTM website. la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2484 − 08 (2015)
ISO 10333-5 Connectors and Attachment Hardware 3.2.6 free fall—uncontrolled descent.
2.7 NEMA Standard:
3.2.7 hazard and safety assessment—the process, involving
NEMA 250 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
hazard and safety evaluation, to determine that the safety and
2.8 NFPA Standard:
health hazards associated with the installation and use of a
NFPA 130 Appendix B 2.1.1 and B 2.1.2
CDD system are acceptable.
2.9 OSHA Document:
3.2.8 maximum rated height—the highest elevation from
OSHA Safety and Health Bulletin, SHIB 02-24-2004 Sus-
which a specific CDD may be used.
pension Trauma/Orthostatic Intolerance
3.2.9 multiple rescue CDD system—a CDD system capable
2.10 UL Standard:
of multiple rescues using multiple, one time rescue CDDs and
UL 1523 Controlled Descent Devices for Marine Use, 9, 15,
a descent rail or track.
16, 17 and 18
3.2.10 one time rescue CDD—a CDD system or CDD that is
capable of only one rescue descent.
3. Terminology
3.2.11 rated load—the weight of the person or persons
3.1 See Terminology E631 for definitions of general con-
being rescued including items worn or carried. The weights of
cepts related to building construction.
system component parts that descend are not included in the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
rated load.
3.2.1 anchorage—the physical weight bearing attachment
3.2.11.1 maximum rated load—the heaviest weight of the
of a CDD, rescue line or any part of a CDD system, to a
person or persons, being rescued, including items worn or
building including the attachment of rails or tracks.
carried that must result in a controlled descent, within the
3.2.2 controlled descent device, (CDD) system—a system
required rate of descent limits.
that lowers one or two people per descent, at a controlled rate
3.2.11.2 minimum rated load—the lightest weight of a
of descent, with each person wearing a rescue harness, on the
person, including items worn or carried that must result in a
outside of a building, from an upper level to the ground or
controlled descent, within the required rate of descent limits.
other safe location.
3.2.12 re-certification—the process by which the manufac-
3.2.2.1 automatic controlled descent device—a CDD that
turer or their representative repairs or refurbishes CDD
provides automatic control of the rate of descent without any
systems, and approves them for additional use.
action required of the user.
3.2.13 repetitive rescue CDD—a CDD system or CDD that
3.2.2.2 automatic controlled descent device, with manual
is capable of being returned to the site of descent initiation and
override—a CDD that provides automatic control of the rate of
used repetitively.
descent with a manual override capability which gives the user
the ability to slow or stop the descent. 3.2.14 rescue harness—an adjustable human body holding
device or harness assembly, which supports the pelvis and the
3.2.2.3 controlled descent device (CDD)—a device that is an
torso.
integral part of all CDD systems, which controls the rate of
descent. 3.2.14.1 integral rescue harness—a rescue harness is an
integral part of a descending CDD system.
3.2.3 descent rail or track—load bearing assemblies on
which CDDs are mounted, inserted or attached and secured. 3.2.14.2 separate rescue harness—a rescue harness is a
Descent rails and tracks are components of CDD systems that separate component of the CDD system that connects to a
are pre-installed on the outside of buildings and joined together rescue line or the CDD.
in sections on which specially designed CDDs are supported
3.2.15 rescue line—a flexible cable or rope that is used to
during controlled descent.
support individuals during descent.
3.2.4 dynamic load—the dynamic load that results from
3.2.15.1 anchored rescue line—a rescue line that is an-
free-fall, expressed in Kilo Newton that must be supported by
chored at the descent initiation location and is dispensed from
the CDD, rescue line, rail, track, connector, connection
or passes through a descending CDD.
hardware, mounts and anchors.
3.2.15.2 descending rescue line—a rescue line that is dis-
3.2.5 force limiter—a mechanism that limits the force on the
pensed from or passes through a CDD that is anchored at the
user, rescue line, rail or track and all in line, load bearing CDD
descent initiation location.
system components and parts to a specific value during
3.2.16 special evacuation opening—a pre-installed special
deceleration.
or modified window or door that can be opened to allow access
to the outside of a building during an emergency.
Available from National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), 1300
3.2.17 static load—the specified steady state load, expressed
N. 17th St., Suite 1752, Rosslyn, VA 22209, http://www.nema.org.
in Kilo Newton that must be supported by the CDD, rescue
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
line, rail, track, connector, connection hardware, mounts and
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
anchors.
Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
12 3.2.18 suspended trauma syndrome—a sometimes fatal con-
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com. dition caused by blood pooling when the legs are kept
E2484 − 08 (2015)
motionless in the vertical downward position during the period 5.3 Class designates CDD Systems with one time rescue,
of suspension in some types of harnesses. repetitive rescue or multiple rescue capability, with the maxi-
mum rated load capability for one person or for two people per
3.2.19 total descent energy—The total descent energy W,
descent.
expressed in Joules is the energy that must be dissipated by a
NOTE 1—The maximum rated height of a given CDD is a function of
CDD during use. It is equal to the product of the descent load
the specific Class of the CDD system, its total descent energy dissipation
(m) multiplied by the acceleration of gravity, (g) times the
capability and the length of the rescue line, etc. The manufacturer shall
height of the descent, (h) times the number of cycles, (n); W
define the maximum rated height for each of their specific CDD systems
5m3g3h3n in compliance with the requirements of sections 8.7 through 8.7.10.
5.4 Classification by Type—Each CDD system and its
3.2.19.1 Discussion—Total descent energy manifests as heat
CDDs shall be designed for use with rescue lines, with descent
energy that must be dissipated by CDD systems during use and
rails or with descent tracks. Type designates CDD systems with
is a critical parameter that must be accounted for in the thermal
automatic descent control, automatic descent control with
design of each system according to its Class and its maximum
manual override capability and whether force limiters are or
rated height.
are not employed.
5.4.1 Type I—Automatic descent control CDD system.
4. Significance and Use
5.4.2 Type II—Automatic descent control CDD system,
4.1 Purpose—This standard defines the design, materials,
which employ a force limiter.
physical properties, operation and testing requirements for
5.4.3 Type III—Automatic descent control CDD system,
CDD systems, for use as a last resort for the external
with manual override capability.
evacuation of people from multi-story buildings.
5.4.4 Type IV—Automatic descent control CDD system,
4.2 Test Requirements—The test requirements contained in
with manual override capability that employs a force limiter.
Section 16 are for the purpose of design verification and
5.5 Classification by Grade—Classification by grade iden-
certification, that CDD Systems comply with the requirements
tifies CDD systems, CDDs, and component parts of CDD
of this standard. Each manufacturer, in concert with the testing
systems that are stored or installed inside or outside of
authority shall develop detailed test plans and procedures,
buildings.
based on the requirements of Section 16.
5.5.1 Grade 1—A CDD system designed for storage or
4.3 Test and Inspection Documentation—All tests and in-
installation outside of a building.
spections shall be fully documented and retained by the testing
5.5.2 Grade 2—A CDD system designed for storage or
authority and the manufacturer.
installation inside of a building.
5.5.3 Grade 3—A CDD system designed for the storage or
4.4 Installation, Instruction and Periodic Maintenance—
installation of some components or parts of the system on the
This standard also defines requirements for the installation,
inside and some stored or installed on the outside of a building.
instruction of those intending to use the CDDs and periodic
maintenance of installed CDD systems. 5.6 Classification by Class—Classification by class defines
CDD systems with anchored CDDs and descending rescue
4.5 Hazard and Risk Analysis—The standard also includes
lines, anchored rescue lines with descending CDDs, repetitive
requirements for hazard and risk analysis.
or one-time rescue descent CDDs, one person or two person
rescue capability, CDDs that are used on rails or tracks, and the
5. CDD Classification
maximum rated load.
5.1 Type designates automatic control or automatic control
NOTE 2—Classes I and J CDD systems shall be limited to the rated
with manual override capability and indicates whether or not a
height of 35 m, reference sections 8.7.9 and 8.7.10.
force limiter is employed.
6. Ordering Information
5.2 Grade designates storage or permanent mounting of the
CDD System or its components on the inside or outside of a 6.1 CDD systems may be purchased by individual apart-
building. ment or high-rise Condo dwellers and families, multi-story
TABLE 1 CDD Systems by Class
Anchored Anchored Rails Repetitive One Time Number Maximum
Class
CDD Rescue Line or Tracks Rescues Rescue per Descent Rated Load
A X X 1 135 kg
B X X 1 or 2 180 kg
C X X 1 135 kg
D X X 1 or 2 180 kg
E X X 1 135 kg
F X X 1 or 2
...
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