Below are introductory answers to frequently asked questions about the DEUS technology, operation of DEUS devices, ropes and accessories, our support program and purchasing DEUS products. Click on a subject heading below to view questions and then the answers relating to your selection. Links throughout the answers will guide you to further information on our website or from other sources. Should you have any additional questions, please contact us.
What is a DEUS Vertical Rescue System?
DEUS systems are designed to provide simple, safe controlled descent, either hands free or under manual control. Using one can be incredibly easy. Behind this simplicity is a complex and ingenious system at work every time the system is engaged.
Currently DEUS offers two SERIES of Vertical Rescue System products. The DEUS 3000 Series represents systems designed for personal use in professional markets, for bailout, escape, rescue and other uses. The DEUS 7000 Series includes heavy, repetitive use systems with automatic control for mass rescue and backup belay. DEUS is continually in development of new and different product lines to address different markets and applications.
How does a DEUS Vertical Rescue System work?
Using a DEUS system can be incredibly easy. Behind this simplicity is a complex and ingenious system at work every time the system is engaged. While each series of DEUS systems work slightly differently, all are currently based on similar technology.
DEUS systems include series of brakes, both simple and sophisticated, built around particular rope specifications. Together, the multiple brakes in a DEUS device enable four important core functions of the system – 1) protecting from free-fall; 2) limiting descent to a safe speed; 3) allowing hands-free operation; and 4) enabling precise manual control.
Ingenuity, proven technologies, German manufacturing and corrosion-resistant materials make DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems an engineering marvel of safety, simplicity and reliability.
What types of brakes are used in a DEUS system?
DEUS Rescue pioneered the concept of using multiple redundant braking systems in their Vertical Rescue Systems. DEUS 3000 Series devices have four independent brakes for quadruple redundant safety, including a hands-free figure-8, a disk-actuated drum brake, a centrifugal brake and a manual rope brake.
The hands-free, self-adjusting figure-8 operates in a single plane to eliminate rope twist and guards against free-fall. Figure-8 brakes have been used by mountaineers for decades because of their simplicity and proven reliability.
The disk-actuated drum brake adds hands-free control to descent speed. The patented DEUS design is infinitely adjustable through its full range of controlled speed simply by turning and setting the control knob. The control knob is designed for two-finger adjustment with wet gloves and cold hands.
The centrifugal brake in DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems acts as a governor and limits descent to a safe speed. The centrifugal brakes are made in Germany. They are the result of 80 years of life-safety brake experience and expertise. They are the best in the world.
The manual rope-tailing brake has no moving parts and gives you complete finger-tip control over descent, independent of the other brakes in the DEUS system. Tail the free end of the rope and descent can be easily held at a complete stop, or allow descent speed to increase up to the maximum descent speed of the system.
How are the centrifugal brakes in DEUS systems different from the centrifugal brakes in other controlled descent systems?
The centrifugal brakes in other controlled descent systems are driven by large speed-up gears. This increases size and weight, and can make them prone to failure when shock loaded. If even a single gear tooth breaks on any of the multiple gears, the result is dangerous free fall. DEUS systems use direct-drive centrifugal brakes which are smaller, lighter and more reliable.
Do DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems have built-in redundancy?
Many of the DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems include multiple built-in braking systems for redundant safety. The DEUS 3000 Series personal vertical escape and rescue systems include four redundant brakes: a self-adjusting figure-8, a disk-actuated drum brake that can be set at “stop” or “go” or anything in between with a simple control knob, a direct-drive centrifugal brake, and a manual rope tailing brake. Multiple redundant brakes mean safety, reliability, flexibility and control.
Is the maximum descent speed of DEUS systems affected by weight?
In general, with DEUS systems a heavier load will descend a bit faster than a lighter load. However, every system is rated for a maximum speed, which is based on maximum load. Refer to the product specifications for rated maximum descent speed of each system.
How is descent speed controlled in a DEUS system?
Descent speed is controlled using two internal brakes in the DEUS device. First, turning the control knob from “stop” to “go” changes the setting of the disk-actuated drum brake which controls descent speed. Turn the control knob to the right (toward “stop”) to go slower; turn it toward “go” to go faster. Second, with the control knob set to “go” (i.e., not at full stop), the manual brake can also be used to control descent speed. The manual brake is very simple to use: just hold the free end of the rope in your gloved hand and pull the rope away from the device. The harder you pull, the more braking effect. The manual brake can be used to completely stop descent even if the control knob for the brake is turned all the way to “go.”
Do I need to be concerned about my DEUS Vertical Rescue System getting hot during descent?
While heat is an unavoidable consequence of controlled descent, DEUS devices and ropes have been designed to handle that heat. Two brakes in DEUS systems work without putting friction on the rope. And, every DEUS Vertical Rescue System is durable so it can absorb a lot of heat before getting hot.
Read more about heat in the “descent” section of the DEUS Vertical Rescue System Instruction Manual. Then, contact a DEUS Certified Trainer for specific instructions on methods of managing heat during long descents.
Are DEUS descent devices certified to industry standards?
All DEUS vertical rescue systems are designed to meet industry standards. Third-party testing is underway continuously to verify and certify our vertical rescue systems to NFPA, ANSI, CAN/CSA and EN standards. Currently, all available DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems are NFPA Certified (NFPA 1983 [06 ED] “E”). The DEUS 3700 is ANSI Certified. Check with us for an update on the status of certifications.
Where are DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems manufactured?
DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems are the result of a collaboration of American and German ingenuity, engineering and manufacturing.
Ropes, kit components and accessories are sourced from best-in-class manufacturers in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Which DEUS Vertical Rescue System is right for me?
DEUS Rescue offers a series of vertical rescue systems. Although any of the DEUS systems may be used in virtually any environment, each is designed to meet the specific needs of particular professional markets.
The DEUS 3100 is designed for firefighters. The 3100 is NFPA-certified for 100 ft. maximum descent height and 3 meters/second maximum descent speed. It is firefighter tough and designed for bailout and rescue. Nothing is faster, easier or safer.
The DEUS 3200 is designed for Law Enforcement and for the military. It is NFPA-certified for 200 ft. maximum descent height and 3 meters/second maximum descent speed. The 3200 is black and silent, designed with DEUS sound-supression technology, and operates hands-free both “stop” and “go,” so it is ideal for tactical operations. The 3200 is also a great tool for search and rescue operations because it is super safe, extraordinarily versatile and amazingly easy to use.
The DEUS 3300 is designed for people who climb and work on wind, telecommunications or utility towers. The 3300 is NFPA-certified for 330 ft. (100 m) maximum descent height and 3 meters/second maximum descent speed. It is generally sold as a complete tower rescue kit with everything a technician needs to escape, self-rescue or buddy rescue from every situation encountered on a tower.
The DEUS 3700 is designed for construction, tower-crane and other commercial and industrial applications. It is ANSI-certified for 300 ft. maximum descent height and 2 meters/second maximum descent speed. It has a larger braking system and is designed to operate at slower speed compared to other DEUS systems.
The DEUS 7300T is a safe, easy and automatic back-up belay system that provides for a realistic training experience. Using 11 mm DEUS Training Belay Rope, this heavy-duty system keeps the line out of the way and free flowing, then instantly and automatically, it engages softly when descent speed exceeds 2 m/sec.
The DEUS 7500 provides a superior belay system for use on challenge course high elements, automatic, safe and quick to re-connect. It also provides the foundation of a thrilling, low risk Base Jump element.
The DEUS 7700 is a super-duty system designed for mass evacuation of wind towers. It is built with double-redundant brakes and triple redundant anchor loops, with an extra large direct drive centrifugal brake for extra safety. The 7700 uses 11 mm DEUS rescue rope.
Will DEUS devices work when they get wet?
Yes. The centrifugal and disk-actuated drum brakes in DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems are O-ring sealed to keep water out. DEUS systems are thoroughly tested in wet, hot and dirty conditions.
However, like any piece of emergency equipment, DEUS systems should be cleaned and dried after use in wet, dirty conditions. Rope that has been subjected to high temperatures or abuse should be retired and cut into one-foot lengths so it cannot be reused. And, DEUS devices should be stored in clean, dry places. The carry bag included with every DEUS Vertical Rescue System protects the equipment.
How many people can be rescued using DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems?
The number varies by system. Devices in the DEUS 3000 Series are designed to rescue one person at a time. Doing this, the total number of people who can be rescued is limited only by time and the availability of harnesses. DEUS systems are unique because rope runs through them in both directions, and the internal brake engages in both directions. When one person reaches the bottom and is disconnected, attach the next person to the other end of the rope running through the DEUS device. Using this method, a room full of people can be rescued using a single descent device. Because DEUS devices operate hands-free, rescue personnel can prepare the next person to be rescued while the previous person is descending.
How can DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems be both “hands-free” and “manual”?
DEUS 3000 Series systems are each equipped with an adjustable disk-actuated drum brake and a centrifugal brake. The disk-actuated drum brake can be set to “stop” by turning the control knob to the “stop” position on the dial. Turning the control knob toward the “go” position increases descent speed to the limit allowed by the centrifugal brake. Descent is "hands-free" because once the control knob is set to any speed between “stop” and “go, ” it does not have to be held. Descent is “manual” because the control knob and descent speed are completely adjustable during descent. Finally, even with the control knob turned all the way to “go,” descent speed can still be manually controlled between zero and the maximum speed of the system by holding and pulling the free end of the rope over the manual brake.
Most DEUS 7000 Series systems are automatic, meaning there is no manual control. The system does all of the work, allowing the user to do other things, such as training. That is why the systems are ideal for backup belay.
Can DEUS descent devices be manually operated with heavy gloves?
DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems can be used with wet, heavy gloves and cold hands. The DEUS devices have been thoroughly tested through development by firefighters and workers in other industries wearing their regular work gloves in a variety of conditions.
Can DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems be used for training?
Yes. DEUS devices are built tough and durable for repetitive use, and training is fun. Because rope can be easily replaced in a DEUS system in a matter of seconds, repetitive training is affordable. Simply dedicate particular DEUS rope for training use, such as DEUS Training Rope.
Do I need to be trained to use DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems?
Yes. All rescue equipment requires regular training for its proper use during emergency situations, and DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems are no exception. The systems are designed for affordable, repetitive training. This can help to ensure that more basic maneuvers – simple rescue, bailout and escape – are executed properly under pressure and in extreme conditions. More advanced training is also available to support more advanced techniques with DEUS systems, such as confined space rescue, lift-and-lower rescue, etc.
DEUS Rescue offers a network of Certified Instructors. DEUS Certified Instructors can train all users of the DEUS systems, or they can train your trainers to, in turn, train your staff. Contact us for more information on our available training.
Is the DEUS system just used for bailout or escape?
DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems are complete rescue systems that support a variety of situations beyond escape and bailout. DEUS offers complete rescue kits that provide additional gear needed to easily perform safe and effective vertical rescues with your DEUS Vertical Rescue System. This includes self-rescues, rapid sequential rescues, assisted rescues, confined space rescues, lift-and-lower rescues, over-the-edge rescues, cross hauling, and long-lifts. DEUS systems can even be used for work positioning and travel restraint. Note that some rescue maneuvers and system rigging may require more advanced training.
What accessories are needed to use a DEUS Vertical Rescue System?
DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems are supplied in a variety of flexible configurations to meet different needs. Complete DEUS Rescue Kits are available including everything necessary to make DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems ready to carry and use. Individual accessories are also available to create your own kits or to add to your existing kit.
What kind of rope can I use with DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems?
DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems use DEUS ropes, and only DEUS ropes. These ropes are specially designed and constructed with the correct coefficient of friction, the correct bending stiffness and the correct compressibility to work with the various braking systems in DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems. Use of any other rope can lead to injury or death and will void your warranty. See specifications of your particular system for the proper rope dimension required.
Each DEUS rope is designed for a specific purpose. Our ropes are technical and constructed of Technora®, Vectran®, Kevlar® and other high-tech fibers for superior strength, better handling, and to improve fire resistance, cut resistance, chemical resistance, and resistance to ultra violet degradation.
DEUS Rescue also continues to develop new special-purpose ropes to meet our customers’ needs. Contact us for more information.
What length rope can be used with DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems?
DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems use only DEUS ropes. All DEUS rope is available in 50 ft, 75 ft and 100 ft lengths or in custom lengths, and can be ordered from DEUS Rescue. Contact us for more information or to purchase DEUS ropes.
Can I purchase other gear and accessories from DEUS Rescue?
If you are interested in purchasing DEUS Rescue products, Contact us.
What harness should I use with a DEUS Vertical Rescue System?
DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems are designed to use with any harness system, so you can continue to wear the harness with which you are most comfortable.
The DEUS Quik-Connect™ Harness is an innovation in harness technology that may be the only harness you will ever want or need. Wear a simple belt, or release the hide-away leg loops to convert quickly to an NFPA-rated Class II harness. Add the available chest system to convert to a full NFPA-rated Class III harness in seconds. Includes additional loops and rings. Available in nylon or Kevlar®.
Is there a specific anchor I should use with DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems?
No, DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems can connect to any anchor with a carabiner or similar attachment.
The DEUS Rope-Over-Wire Anchor Choker is an innovative anchor connector designed for use with DEUS systems. It provides the flexibility of rope with the durability of steel cable. It is available in a variety of lengths and strengths.
How much does a DEUS Vertical Rescue System cost?
Each DEUS Vertical Rescue System is priced differently. Also, DEUS rescue kits are available with different gear and accessories in addition to the DEUS descent device. If you are interested in a particular system, kit or set of accessories, contact us for a quote.
DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems are the finest, safest, easiest to use and most versatile controlled descent systems available anywhere. They are expensive, and they are worth it.
Where do I purchase DEUS Vertical Rescue Systems?
If you are interested in purchasing or obtaining a quote, contact us.
Can I finance my DEUS Rescue purchase?
Fire departments can finance all or part of their DEUS equipment purchase, with low rates and flexible terms, through the DEUS Municipal Leasing Program. Through this program, your department can own the equipment today, but defer payment for up to six years. Contact us for more information.
Does DEUS Rescue offer volume discounts on purchases?
Yes, generally DEUS Rescue provides a pricing schedule that encourages larger orders with volume discounts. Contact us for more information or to obtain a quote.
For smaller fire departments, the DEUS Multi-Department Volume Discount Program allows you to combine your order with those of other, neighboring departments to achieve higher quantities and, therefore, qualify for better pricing. Contact us for more information.