Rescue & Descent Devices

What a Controlled Descent Device Does

After a fall is arrested, the worker still has to be brought down. A rescue descent device handles that step. You anchor it above the work area, connect the person, and the device pays out rope at a regulated speed so nobody has to brake the load by hand. The products here fall into three groups:

• Descent and rescue systems (Tractel derope): anchored units that list a constant descent speed for one person and a separate figure for two people, so a rescuer can ride down with a casualty.
• Descender kits (Tractel D4): packaged kits built around a descender and rope, sold in several rope lengths, for evacuation and rescue from fixed heights.
• Remote connection tools (Tractel First Man Up): a remote hook on a fiberglass pole that lets the first person up a structure attach to an overhead anchor point from below.

Compare Our Tractel Rescue and Descent Devices

The table pulls the main specs from each product's data. Open a product page for the full details of each configuration.

How to Choose a Rescue Descent Device

No single device is the best controlled descent device for every site. The right one depends on your rescue plan. Work through these questions:

1. How far does the person need to descend? Measure from the planned anchor point down to a safe landing zone, then add rope to reach from the anchor to the person's connection point. Choose a rope length longer than that total.
2. How many people go down at once? If your plan has a rescuer riding down with a casualty, compare the two-person descent data listed for the derope systems.
3. What load does the device need to handle? The D4 Descender Kit lists a capacity of 310 lb. Compare that with the weight of the worker plus clothing, tools and equipment.
4. Which standards does your program reference? Each product lists its standards in its data. Check them against your company's fall protection program.
5. How will the first person get connected? On structures without a permanent anchor within reach, a remote hook like the First Man Up lets the first climber attach before going up.

Whatever you choose, use the equipment exactly as the manufacturer's instructions describe and as your site's safety program and competent person direct.

Rope Length and Descent Height

Rope length sets your working height. The D4 Descender Kit comes with 30 ft, 50 ft, 75 ft or 100 ft of 7⁄16 in. (11 mm) rope, which suits low and mid-height evacuation points. The derope systems come in 200 ft, 300 ft and 400 ft configurations for taller structures. The descent distance figures in the derope data describe what the device is rated for. Your actual descent is still limited by the rope you buy, so size the rope to your tallest planned rescue point instead of your typical one.

Inspection, Storage and Training

Rescue gear often sits unused for long periods, so it needs regular attention.

• Inspect the device, rope, connectors and bag before each use and at the intervals the manufacturer sets. Remove anything with cuts, glazing, chemical contamination or damaged hardware from service.
• Store kits clean, dry and out of direct sunlight, away from chemicals and sharp edges.
• Keep the manufacturer's instructions with the kit and record inspections.
• Train rescuers on the specific device and practice the rescue plan at your site, so the first real use is not the first time anyone handles it.

Building a Complete Rescue Setup

A descent device is one piece of a larger system. Pair it with fall arrest gear from our Fall Protection & Confined Space range, including self-retracting lifelines for workers at height. For tanks, vaults and other entry points, see our confined space equipment. To keep your rescue gear on one manufacturer's system, browse the full Tractel collection.