Static Davit and Socket

Davits are removable and transportable arms designed to suit the intended usage. From light-weight applications for boatswain’s chairs through to rope access and up to suspended platforms. The load cases are stipulated by approved national safety standards. 

Note that there is a significant difference in the design loads between rope access and suspended platform usage – Rope access loads are stipulated in SANS 22846-2 and in SANS 50355-2 whereas Suspended platforms/boatswain’s chairs are determined in accordance with SANS 51808.

The fixing at roof level can be either a vertical fix against a concrete parapet wall / upstand beam or a horizontal fix onto a concrete pad forming part of the roof slab. The choice is mostly dependant of the height and construction of the parapet wall. 

Note that davit supporting sockets cannot be secured to brick walls. 

The spacing between davits is dependant on their intended usage, for rope access they are normally closer together than for use with a suspended platform. The shape of the building and the areas to be accessed on the façade also affect davit spacings.

Advantages

  • Davits are removed (‘unplugged’) from the socket mechanism when not in use thus removing the cantilevered arm from sight
  • The number of transportable davits can be increased at low cost and in relatively quick time should additional units be needed
  • The davits can be stored under cover when not in use protecting them from long term exposure to the weather conditions

Advantages cont.

  • No special tools nor special skills are required to “rig” the davits. They are simply lifted up and “plugged” into foolproof sockets. There is no need for tie-back restraint ropes
  • Reduced risk of damage to “soft” coping over the top of the parapet. The loads on the suspension ropes are not supported on the coping