Davit Arm Systems

A davit arm system is a portable or fixed lifting/anchorage arm designed to provide a safe connection point for workers operating at height or entering confined spaces. Davit systems are typically installed at roof edges, parapets, access openings, or industrial structures where a high-strength anchor point is required.

The system consists of two main parts:

• The davit base (fixed or freestanding), which provides a secure foundation.
• The davit arm, which slots into the base and extends outward to provide a working anchor point.

Davit arms are engineered to support multiple height safety applications, including:

• Rope access and suspension work for façade maintenance.
• Fall arrest for workers using a harness-based system.
• Fall restraint where the aim is to prevent access to hazards.
• Rescue and retrieval for confined spaces and safework access routes.

Because davit systems can be installed permanently while keeping the davit arm removable, they’re especially effective for buildings requiring regular but controlled access at height.

1. Fixed Davit Arm Systems

Fixed davit systems are permanently installed at defined access points — typically on rooftops or parapet edges. The base remains in place, while the arm can be stored when not needed.

Ideal for:

• Routine façade maintenance or window cleaning.
• Regular roof edge work requiring rope access.
• Sites needing permanent, always-ready access points.

Benefits:

• Consistent anchor locations.
• Fast set-up for repeat access.
• Long-term compliance with minimal disruption.

2. Portable Davit Arm Systems

Portable davit arms are lightweight, modular systems designed to move between multiple bases or sites. The bases may be fixed in place across a roof, allowing one arm to service several access points.

Ideal for:

• Buildings with multiple access zones.
• Maintenance schedules that change location.
• Temporary works requiring certified anchorage without permanent rails.

Benefits:

• Easy to transport and store.
• Maximises ROI by serving multiple points.
• Reduces clutter on the roofline.

3. Davit Arm Bases

The base type determines how the system integrates with your building structure. Safesite supplies and installs base options including:

• Socket-mounted bases: discreet, fixed sockets installed into structural roof elements.
• Parapet-mounted bases: clamp or fix to parapet walls for edge access.
• Freestanding bases: counterweighted designs used where roof penetration is not possible.

In many cases, bases are permanently installed while arms remain removable — combining permanent safety readiness with low visual impact.

4. Rescue & Retrieval Davit Arms

Rescue davits are designed for confined spaces and emergency retrieval, commonly used with winches, pulleys, or retrieval blocks.

Applications include:

• Entry into tanks, shafts, and restricted roof openings.
• Rescue from suspended fall incidents.
• Controlled lifting or lowering of personnel.

Safesite can provide full rescue-ready systems with training and certification.

A davit arm system is simple to use, but highly engineered in performance. Here’s the typical process:

1. The davit base is installed or positioned on the roof, parapet, or access point.
2. The davit arm slots into the base and locks securely into place.
3. The user connects via a harness, rope access line, or lifeline to the davit head.
4. The arm provides a certified anchor point for restraint, arrest, suspension, or rescue work.
5. When work is complete, the arm is removed and stored (for portable systems) or left ready for next use (for fixed arms).

Before first use — and regularly thereafter — systems must be load tested and certified to ensure full compliance.

Davit arms are classified as fall protection anchor devices, which means they must meet strict UK regulatory and testing standards.

Compliance Standards

Safesite systems align with:

• BS EN 795:2012 – Anchor Devices
• BS EN 365 – PPE inspection and certification
• Work at Height Regulations 2005 – legal duty for safe access planning

Inspection & Testing Frequency

To remain compliant and safe, davit systems must be:

• Inspected and tested at least annually (every 12 months).
• Checked more frequently in harsh or high-use environments.
• Retested immediately after any structural modification, fall incident, or damage.

Safesite provides full davit arm testing, inspection, and recertification UK-wide, including certification documents and compliance tracking.

Safesite goes beyond simply supplying equipment. We deliver complete height safety solutions, tailored to your building.

Proven Expertise

Since 1991, we’ve designed and installed fall protection systems across the UK, giving us the expertise to recommend the right configuration for any roof or façade.

End-to-End Service

We provide everything you need:

• Site survey & risk assessment
• System design aligned with your roof layout and access needs
• Installation by certified engineers
• User training and rescue planning
• Annual inspection & recertification

Built for UK Environments

Our davit systems are manufactured using durable materials such as stainless steel and aluminium, designed to perform reliably in:

• Coastal environments
• Industrial settings
• High-exposure rooftops
• Long-life access systems