Abstract: An escape apparatus for lowering persons down a structure includes an upper pulley and a lower pulley, both of which are secured to the structure. An endless loop cable passes around the pulleys such that movement of the cable causes the lower pulley to rotate. A hydraulic speed control system is provided which includes a hydraulic reservoir containing hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump, and conduits for interconnecting the pump and the reservoir such that the pump removes hydraulic fluid from the reservoir and returns the fluid under pressure to the reservoir. The output of the pump is restricted by means of a valve, and the pump is driven by the lower pulley such that downward movement of the cable causes the lower pulley to rotate and therefore the pump to force fluid through the restricting valve. This flow restriction of hydraulic fluid pumped by the pump limits the speed of the pump and thereby the speed of the cable. A friction clamp for supporting a person on the cable is disclosed.