Updated: 30th January 2024
Davit Arm Testing helps establish whether Davit Arms, bases, sockets, anchorage points and associated components remain appropriately maintained and suitable for their intended use. Regular inspection can identify corrosion, movement, damaged components, loose fixings and other defects that could affect a system relied upon during Rope Access, suspended access and Façade Access activities.
Heightsafe provides professional Davit Arm Testing and compliance services for commercial, residential and public sector buildings throughout the UK. Our specialists inspect fixed, removable and bespoke Davit Arm Systems, providing detailed reporting, certification where appropriate and recommendations for any remedial works required.
Whether you have a small number of Davit positions on a commercial property or an extensive Façade Access System serving a high-rise development, Heightsafe can help manage the inspection, testing, maintenance and ongoing compliance of your equipment.
Davit Arm Testing is the professional inspection and assessment of a Davit Arm System, including its arm, structural base or socket, anchorage or suspension point and associated components, to establish its condition and continued suitability for its intended application.
Davit Arms are specialist Façade Access systems commonly used to create controlled access or suspension points for activities such as Rope Access, window cleaning, façade inspection and external building maintenance.
A typical system may include a permanent structural base or socket, a fixed or removable Davit Arm, an anchorage or suspension point and compatible Rope Access or suspended-access equipment.
Because these components work together as a complete system, Davit Arm Testing should consider more than the visible arm alone.
The precise inspection and testing requirements will depend on the system design, intended use, manufacturer instructions, building structure and applicable requirements.
Davit Arm Systems can form a critical part of a building’s Façade Access strategy.
Technicians may rely on the system while carrying out work at height on external elevations, making appropriate inspection and maintenance an important part of managing the equipment throughout its operational life.
Protecting People Working at Height
Davit Arms can provide anchorage or suspension points for specialist access activities where workers need to reach difficult external areas of a building.
Depending on the system, users may rely on Davit equipment during Rope Access, window cleaning, façade inspection, external maintenance and other activities at height.
The condition of the complete system therefore needs to be appropriately managed before personnel rely upon it.
Identifying Damage and Deterioration
Davit Arm Systems can be affected by repeated use, environmental exposure and activity taking place around them.
Potential issues can include corrosion, damaged components, loose fixings, wear, movement, impact damage and deterioration around bases or sockets.
Regular Davit Arm Inspection provides an opportunity to identify these concerns and determine whether remedial work is required.
Supporting Work at Height Compliance
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require Work at Height activities to be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out by competent people using suitable equipment.
Davit Arm Systems should therefore be managed as part of the wider Work at Height and Façade Access strategy for the building.
Inspection, maintenance and appropriate record keeping can help duty holders demonstrate that these systems are being actively managed.
Maintaining Reliable Façade Access
Commercial and high-rise buildings require ongoing access for cleaning, inspection and maintenance.
If a Davit Arm System becomes unavailable because of damage or deterioration, it can affect the ability of contractors to reach parts of the façade.
Planned testing can help facilities teams identify developing issues before they result in unexpected restrictions to essential maintenance access.
Even a well-designed and professionally installed Davit Arm System can develop defects during its service life.
Common issues identified during Davit Arm Testing can include corrosion, damaged or distorted arms, loose fixings, movement within bases or sockets and deterioration of structural connections.
Inspection may also identify worn pins, defective locking mechanisms, damaged anchorage points, missing components, excessive wear or obstructions that prevent the Davit from operating as intended.
Other roof works can also affect existing Façade Access equipment.
New plant, services or building alterations may obstruct a Davit position, while contractors carrying out unrelated work can accidentally damage bases, sockets or other components.
Regular inspection helps identify both deterioration within the system and changes to its surrounding environment.
The appropriate Davit Arm Testing frequency depends on the particular system and how it is used.
Rather than applying one inspection interval universally to every installation, the testing regime should consider factors including the system design, intended application, manufacturer instructions, applicable legislation and standards, frequency of use, environmental exposure and previous inspection findings.
Heightsafe’s wider Work at Height Compliance Testing programme typically considers Davit Arm inspection intervals in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and the requirements applicable to the individual system.
Where a particular Davit arrangement or associated equipment falls within additional examination requirements, these should also be incorporated into the maintenance programme.
Further assessment may be required following an event that could have affected the equipment, including suspected overloading, accidental impact, structural alterations, significant building work or visible damage.
A planned testing programme helps facilities teams keep accurate records and monitor the condition of Davit Systems throughout their operational life.
Following Davit Arm Testing, building owners and facilities teams need clear information about the condition of the system and whether further action is required.
Inspection Report
Heightsafe can provide detailed inspection documentation recording the systems and components assessed along with the findings of the inspection.
This can form part of the building’s wider Work at Height and Façade Access records.
Identification of Defects
Any components requiring attention can be clearly identified, helping clients understand whether a problem relates to the Davit Arm, socket, base, fixing, anchorage point or another part of the installation.
Photographic Evidence
Where appropriate, photographic evidence can support inspection findings and provide a visual record of deterioration, damage or other concerns.
Remedial Recommendations
Where defects are identified, Heightsafe can provide recommendations for the appropriate next steps.
These may include adjustment, component replacement, repair, further structural assessment or replacement of part or all of the Davit System.
Certification and Compliance Records
Where appropriate and where the system satisfies the relevant inspection criteria, suitable certification and inspection documentation can be provided.
Maintaining these records can help facilities teams demonstrate that Façade Access equipment is being regularly inspected and appropriately managed.
A Davit Arm System identified as unsuitable during testing should be appropriately managed before being returned to normal service.
The required remedial action will depend on the defect identified.
Potential works could include replacing damaged components, replacing worn pins or locking mechanisms, repairing or replacing sockets, addressing defective fixings or replacing the Davit Arm itself.
Where concerns relate to the anchorage or supporting structure, further assessment may be required before remedial works can be determined.
A failed inspection does not necessarily mean that the complete Davit System needs replacing.
Where individual components can be appropriately repaired or replaced, targeted remedial works may provide a suitable solution.
However, where a system is significantly deteriorated, obsolete or no longer appropriate for the building’s maintenance strategy, a replacement Davit System or alternative Façade Access solution may be recommended.
Heightsafe can support clients beyond the initial inspection.
Where Davit Arm Testing identifies defects, our specialists can advise on and undertake appropriate remedial works depending on the equipment and findings.
This can include component replacement, repairs, adjustment, replacement bases or sockets and upgrades to existing systems.
Where the existing installation has reached the end of its serviceable life or no longer meets the building’s access requirements, Heightsafe can also design and install replacement Davit Arm Systems.
Our complete approach provides a straightforward lifecycle for managing Façade Access equipment:
Inspect. Report. Remediate. Reinspect. Maintain.
Because Heightsafe also designs and installs Davit Systems, our specialists can consider whether repairing the existing equipment or upgrading the wider access arrangement provides the most appropriate long-term solution.
Regular Davit Arm Testing helps establish whether the Davit Arms, bases, sockets, anchorage points and associated components relied upon during Façade Access remain appropriately inspected and maintained.
Heightsafe provides nationwide Davit Arm inspection, testing, reporting, certification, maintenance and remedial support for commercial, residential and public sector buildings.
Whether you need a small number of Davit positions inspected or require a coordinated compliance programme across a complex high-rise development or multiple properties, our specialists can assess your equipment, identify defects and recommend the appropriate next steps.
Where repairs, upgrades or replacement systems are required, Heightsafe can provide continued support through our specialist Façade Access team.
Contact Heightsafe today to book Davit Arm Testing or speak to our Compliance Testing specialists about your requirements.
Davit Arm Testing should consider the legislation, standards and manufacturer requirements relevant to the individual installation.
The appropriate requirements can vary depending on the type of Davit, anchorage arrangement, suspended-access equipment and intended use.
Work at Height Regulations 2005 – The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require Work at Height to be properly planned, appropriately supervised and undertaken by competent people.
Suitable equipment should be selected according to the activity and the risks involved.
Davit Arms used for Façade Access should therefore form part of a properly managed access strategy rather than being considered in isolation.
BS 7883 – BS 7883 provides recommendations relating to anchor systems incorporating applicable anchor devices used with personal Fall Protection equipment.
Where relevant to the Davit installation, it can inform considerations around system design, installation, use, maintenance and inspection.
The precise application of the standard should be established according to the equipment and intended use.
BS EN 795 – BS EN 795 relates to anchor devices intended for use with personal Fall Protection equipment and may be relevant to certain anchorage arrangements associated with Davit Systems.
Its relevance depends on the design and application of the particular system, so it should not automatically be treated as applying identically to every Davit installation.
LOLER 1998 Where Applicable – The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) can apply to lifting equipment used at work.
Depending on how a Davit System and its associated suspended-access equipment are configured and used, LOLER requirements may therefore need to be considered.
The appropriate inspection and thorough examination requirements should be determined for the individual equipment and application rather than assuming every Davit Arm falls within exactly the same regime.
Manufacturer Requirements
Davit Arm Systems may have manufacturer-specific requirements covering inspection intervals, testing, maintenance, replacement components and user limitations.
These instructions should form part of the ongoing management of the system.
Davit Arms are often one element within a much larger Façade Access strategy.
Depending on the architecture and maintenance requirements of the building, the wider system may include:
Heightsafe can incorporate Davit Arm Testing into a wider Façade Access and Work at Height Compliance Testing programme.
For example, Eyebolt Testing can assess individual Fall Arrest and Rope Access anchor points, while Safety Line Testing can cover horizontal or vertical lifeline systems installed elsewhere on the building.
Looking at these systems together helps facilities teams understand the complete access strategy rather than managing each piece of equipment separately.
Scheduled Davit Arm Testing can form part of a wider planned preventative maintenance programme for Work at Height and Façade Access equipment.
Regular inspection allows facilities teams to monitor the condition of Davit Arms, bases, sockets and associated components over time rather than waiting for a significant defect to become apparent.
This can help identify deterioration earlier, maintain accurate inspection records and allow remedial expenditure to be planned more effectively.
It can also reduce the likelihood of discovering that a Davit position is unavailable immediately before planned façade maintenance or window cleaning work.
For buildings containing multiple Davit positions, a coordinated inspection programme can help facilities teams maintain a clear record of which arms, bases and sockets have been inspected and whether any individual locations require attention.
For larger estates, Heightsafe can coordinate Davit Arm Testing alongside other Façade Access and Work at Height equipment across multiple properties.
Heightsafe specialises in Work at Height, Fall Protection and Façade Access, giving our teams an understanding of both Davit Arm Systems and the wider access arrangements in which they operate.
We provide professional Davit Arm Testing throughout the UK for fixed, removable and bespoke systems across commercial, residential and public sector buildings.
Our capabilities extend beyond inspection.
Heightsafe designs and installs Davit Arm Systems, giving our specialists an understanding of the complete equipment lifecycle from initial access planning and structural coordination through to installation, inspection, maintenance and eventual replacement.
Where testing identifies a defect, we can provide remedial support and appropriate replacement components. Where an existing Davit System is no longer suitable, we can assess the building’s current access requirements and design an appropriate replacement solution.
We can also inspect related Work at Height and Façade Access equipment, helping facilities teams coordinate multiple compliance requirements through one specialist provider.
From design and installation through to inspection, maintenance, remedials and replacement, Heightsafe can support your Davit Arm Systems throughout their operational life.
Get in touch with Heightsafe’s friendly, professional team today for free, no obligation advice on your Work at Height compliance requirements.
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