Updated: 13th August 2026
Safe access to building façades is essential for carrying out routine cleaning, inspections, repairs and maintenance at height. On many commercial and high-rise buildings, conventional access methods are not practical, particularly where roof layouts, parapets or architectural features restrict direct rope access.
Davit Arm Systems provide a flexible and reliable solution by creating a controlled overhead anchorage or suspension point for trained operatives working on the external building envelope.
At Heightsafe, we design, install, inspect and maintain bespoke davit systems for buildings across the UK. From fixed and portable configurations to fully integrated façade access strategies, our experienced team provides complete support from initial site survey through to installation, testing and ongoing maintenance.
Whether you are planning a new development, upgrading an existing building or reviewing current façade access arrangements, Heightsafe can develop a system tailored to your building and long-term maintenance requirements.
A Davit Arm System is a specialist access and anchorage solution used to provide safe suspended access for activities such as rope access, window cleaning, façade inspection and external building maintenance.
A typical system consists of:
The arm extends beyond the roof edge or parapet, creating a suitable access point for personnel or equipment.
This can be particularly useful where direct anchor placement is difficult, where parapets prevent a clean rope drop or where maintenance teams require access to several positions around the building.
Davit systems can be incorporated into both new-build and existing developments and can form part of a wider Façade Access System.
The operating principle is straightforward, but safe design and installation require careful engineering.
A typical sequence is:
This flexibility makes davit systems particularly useful on buildings where several elevations require routine maintenance.
Because suspended work can generate significant loads, the supporting structure, fixing arrangements and operating limits must all be considered during system design.
Davit Arm Systems can support a wide variety of building maintenance activities.
Window Cleaning
High-rise and extensively glazed buildings require regular access for window cleaning.
Davit systems provide controlled rope or suspended-access positions that allow trained personnel to reach glazing safely and efficiently.
They can be particularly useful on:
Façade Inspection and Maintenance
Building façades require regular inspection and repair to maintain performance and appearance.
Davit systems can support access for:
Rope Access Operations
Davit arms can provide suitable rope-drop positions where direct attachment to the roof edge would be impractical.
This makes them useful for:
They are often incorporated into a wider Rope Access System.
Suspended Maintenance
Depending on the system design and application, davits can support suspended-access activities where operatives or equipment need to be positioned beyond the roof edge.
This can include:
High-Rise Building Access
High-rise buildings often present complex maintenance challenges.
Davit systems provide a relatively discreet solution that can be integrated into rooftop layouts while delivering access to multiple façade positions.
Several factors influence system selection.
Building Height and Layout
The building’s geometry can affect how and where davits are positioned.
Considerations include:
These elements influence the reach, position and type of davit required.
Frequency of Access
How often maintenance teams need to use the system can affect whether a fixed or portable solution is more practical.
Examples include:
Higher-frequency access may justify permanent dedicated equipment, while lower-frequency work may favour a removable system.
Load and Operational Requirements
Different maintenance activities place different demands on the system.
Designers must understand:
The system must be suitable for the actual operational use rather than based on assumptions.
Available Roof Space
Rooftops can be congested with:
The davit system must fit safely within this environment while leaving enough space for assembly and operation.
Aesthetic Requirements
Visual impact is often important on high-end commercial and residential developments.
Portable davits with discreet sockets can reduce the amount of equipment permanently visible when the system is not being used.
Different buildings require different davit configurations.
Heightsafe provides systems tailored to the access requirements and architecture of each project.
Fixed Davit Arm Systems
Fixed davit arms remain permanently installed at a designated position.
They can be an appropriate solution where access is required frequently and rapid setup is important.
Benefits can include:
Because the arm remains visible when not in use, architectural impact should be considered during design.
Portable Davit Arm Systems
Portable systems use permanent base sockets with removable davit arms.
The same arm can potentially be moved between several approved positions, depending on the system design.
Advantages include:
Portable systems require suitable storage and a safe method of moving the equipment between locations.
Roof-Mounted Davit Systems
Roof-mounted systems are installed at roof or terrace level and positioned to provide safe suspended access over the building edge.
Design considerations include:
Correct positioning is essential to ensure the rope or suspended-access equipment can operate without interference from the building.
Bespoke Davit Solutions
Some buildings require non-standard systems because of complex geometry, restricted roof space or architectural features.
Heightsafe can develop bespoke solutions for:
The aim is to create a system that provides safe access without adding unnecessary complexity.
When correctly specified, davit systems provide several advantages.
Flexible Façade Access
Multiple access points can be created around the building.
Suitable for Complex Architecture
Davit arms can help overcome parapets, setbacks and other façade obstacles.
Fixed and Portable Configurations
Clients can choose a system appropriate to their maintenance frequency and architectural requirements.
Reduced Permanent Visual Impact
Portable arms can be removed when not in use, leaving only the permanent sockets.
Supports Rope Access and Suspended Maintenance
Systems can provide controlled access for a wide variety of external maintenance activities.
Long-Term Solution
With correct inspection and maintenance, davit systems can provide reliable access throughout the building lifecycle.
Heightsafe provides davit solutions for a wide variety of buildings, including:
The system is designed around the building rather than assuming one approach will suit every environment.
Whether you are planning a new development, upgrading existing façade access equipment or reviewing how your building is maintained, Heightsafe can develop a bespoke Davit Arm System around your requirements.
Our experienced team provides complete support from initial consultation and site survey through to design, structural coordination, professional installation, inspection and ongoing maintenance.
We can also integrate davits with wider Façade Access, Rope Access, Fall Protection and Roof Safety Systems to create a complete maintenance-access strategy.
Contact Heightsafe today to discuss your Davit Arm requirements, arrange a site survey or speak to one of our Façade Access specialists.
Correct installation is essential to system performance.
Bespoke Project RAMS
Heightsafe prepares project-specific Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for installation activities as required.
This ensures the work is planned around the site, environment and specific access requirements.
Experienced Installation Teams
Our specialist Work at Height teams install Davit Arm Systems across the UK.
We coordinate work carefully with:
This helps minimise disruption while maintaining safe working practices.
Commissioning and Handover
Following installation, the system is inspected and commissioned as appropriate before handover.
Documentation may include:
This provides building managers with the information needed to manage the system throughout its operational life.
Davit systems require ongoing inspection to ensure they remain suitable for safe use.
A typical maintenance regime may include:
Any damage, movement or deterioration should be assessed before the equipment continues to be used.
Heightsafe provides dedicated Davit Arm Testing and Compliance Services across the UK, helping building owners maintain accurate records and identify remedial requirements.
Davit Arm Systems form part of wider Work at Height and suspended-access arrangements.
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Work using davit equipment should be:
The installed system must also be appropriate for the task being undertaken.
LOLER Where Applicable
Depending on how the equipment is used, some davit systems and associated suspended-access equipment may fall within requirements relating to lifting equipment.
This can affect examination, inspection and maintenance obligations.
The exact requirements should be established for the specific system and application.
Relevant Standards
Different standards may apply depending on:
Heightsafe considers the relevant requirements as part of system design and ongoing maintenance.
Established in 2009, Heightsafe provides specialist Work at Height and Façade Access solutions throughout the UK.
Our complete service includes:
Our expertise also covers Rope Access Systems, Abseiling Anchors, Dead Weight Trolleys, Building Maintenance Units, Fall Protection and Roof Access.
This allows us to consider Davit Arm Systems as part of the wider building-maintenance strategy rather than as an isolated product.
Get in touch with Heightsafe’s friendly, professional team today for free, no obligation advice on your Façade Access requirements.
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