As buildings reach for the sky, DoublExit delivers the first workable tower escape system.
There are now tens of thousands of multistory towers dotting the urban centres around the world - the vast majority of them are of 40 stories or less. A 40-storey tower reaches at least 150 m into the air, presenting emergency personnel with serious challenges. In case of a fire or some other emergency occurs, the people inside the tower may be trapped and the result can be catastrophic.

Whether it is fire or a terrorist attack, people need to have a way of getting out of the building quickly and safely. To address this problem, evacuation solution specialist DoublExit has designed a system to allow quick and safe escapes in emergencies - the DoublExit Escape System.

The DoublExit system which allows quick escapes for an unlimited number of people was designed specifically for use in all tall multistory buildings. It is a harness-based system for use when all other existing exit routes are inaccessible or inoperative. It is designed to be installed storage cabinets ready for use from inside the building. In the event of an emergency, the harness allows for a controlled descent to safety via a window, balcony or other opening, without the need for external assistance or any training.

Specially designed and developed for the purpose, and stringently tested, the DoublExit Escape System can be used repeatedly so that everyone inside has the possibility of getting out. It is a bidirectional system - one harness goes down, another comes up.

As it is designed for use in emergencies, it is mechanically operated and does not rely on any external power source. It can be installed in any type of building, including private housing, apartments, hotels, industrial buildings, shopping centres and offices. No structural alterations are needed and the system can be easily incorporated into new builds.

Ex-military man, and anti-terrorism expert, Yoav Barzilay developed the system in response to the events of September 11, 2001. Now Chief Technology Officer of DoublExit, Barzilay has over 25 years of military experience, including 15 years as the head of the development program for Israel?s Counter Terrorism Unit (C.T.U). Further developments to the product are in the pipeline, including a version that can be installed inside a decorative door.

David Ravel, CEO of DoublExit, says, ?Bringing DoublExit to market completes a long-held goal for us. We saw a need for this system when we first started development of the concept and that same need still exists today. In fact, more and more people are living and working in multistory buildings, and should the worst happen, need a safe way out when normal exits may not be usable. Quite simply we believe this can save lives.?

DoublExit is approved for operation in buildings up to 150 m in height and to carry weights between 30 and 150 kg. The cable is treated with fire retardant and the system is capable of functioning in wet conditions. The special harness also makes the system suitable for all, including the disabled.

Founded in 2003, DoublExit Rescue & Evacuation Solutions, based in Ashkelon, Israel, develops and manufactures innovative and safe evacuation systems for use in emergencies. The company has a deep understanding of emergency situations, developing reliable and cost-effective products in response, which are recognised and certified around the world. DoublExit is involved in the process of recognising and standardising external evacuation from multistory buildings and a member of ASTM International committee E06.