DavitPro Davit Arm

A davit arm system is a structural device that provides a secure overhead anchor point for lifting, fall arrest, or rescue operations.

Typically consisting of a vertical support and a horizontal arm, davit systems are used in conjunction with:

• Fall arrest blocks
• Winches and retrieval devices
• Safety harnesses
• Rescue equipment

Davit arms can be portable or fixed, making them suitable for a wide range of applications where safe access and fall protection are required.

Portable Davit Arm Systems: Portable systems are lightweight and can be moved between different locations. They are ideal for sites where access points change or where flexibility is required.

Fixed Davit Systems: Fixed davit systems are permanently installed and used in locations where regular access or rescue operations are required.

Modular Davit Systems: Modular systems offer flexibility, allowing components to be configured for different applications and site conditions.

Davit arm systems are widely used across industries where safe access and rescue capabilities are essential.

Typical applications include:

• Rooftop access and maintenance
• Confined spaces such as tanks, shafts, and manholes
• Industrial facilities and manufacturing plants
• Construction and infrastructure projects
• Utilities and water treatment facilities

These systems are particularly valuable in environments where traditional fall protection solutions are not suitable.

Versatile and Multi-Purpose: Davit systems can be used for multiple functions, including fall arrest, lifting, and rescue, making them highly adaptable.

Provides Safe Access and Rescue: They allow workers to enter and exit hazardous areas safely while ensuring a reliable rescue method is always available.

Portable and Flexible: Portable davit systems can be easily relocated, providing flexibility for changing work environments.

Supports Compliance with Safety Regulations: Installing davit systems helps organisations meet legal requirements for work at height and confined space safety.

Davit Arms vs Fixed Anchor Points: Fixed anchor points provide a static connection, while davit arms offer greater flexibility and can be repositioned or used for lifting and rescue operations.

Davit Arms vs Overhead Rigid Rails: Overhead rigid rail systems provide continuous protection across a work area, whereas davit arms are ideal for specific access points or confined space entry.

When to Use Davit Systems: Systems are best suited for:

• Confined space entry and rescue
• Temporary work at height
• Locations requiring lifting or lowering of personnel

Work at Height Regulations 2005: These regulations require employers to ensure safe systems of work and appropriate fall protection measures when working at height.

Confined Spaces Regulations 1997: These regulations require safe access, proper supervision, and effective rescue arrangements for confined space work.

Davit arm systems play a key role in meeting these requirements by providing both access and rescue capabilities.

Relevant Safety Standards: Davit systems are typically designed to comply with recognised standards such as:

• EN 795 – Anchor devices
• EN 1496 – Rescue lifting devices

Compliance ensures the system performs safely under load conditions.

Each davit system must be carefully designed to suit the specific site and application.

Key considerations include:

• Load requirements and capacity
• Height and reach of the arm
• Type of work being carried out
• Rescue and retrieval requirements
• Site layout and environmental conditions

A professional design ensures the system provides effective protection and meets safety standards.

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure davit arm systems remain safe and compliant.

Best practice includes:

• Routine visual inspections
• Load testing and certification
• Inspection of moving components such as winches and joints
• Maintaining inspection records

Regular testing helps ensure the system will perform correctly when needed.

Site Surveys & Risk Assessments: Safesite evaluates site conditions to determine the most suitable davit system.

System Design & Installation: Custom systems are designed and installed to meet specific operational and safety requirements.

Inspection & Recertification: Regular inspections and recertification ensure systems remain compliant with regulations.

Ongoing Maintenance Support: Safesite provides ongoing support to maintain system performance and safety.