Understanding the Role of Davits in Building Safety
Davit systems play a critical role in building safety, particularly for facade maintenance, window washing, and suspended access work. They provide secure, load-bearing support for platforms (swing stages, suspended scaffolds, permanent installations) used by workers at height. Without properly installed and maintained davits, both safety and compliance can be compromised.
In this article, we’ll break down what davits are, why they matter, and how property managers can ensure their systems meet safety standards.
What Are Davits?
Davits are structural arms, typically made of steel or aluminum, designed to suspend and secure platforms or rope descent systems (RDS) for workers. They are mounted onto buildings at roof level and allow workers to safely access the facade for tasks such as:
- Window washing
- Facade inspections
- Exterior repairs
- Building maintenance
A davit system typically consists of:
- Davit Arm: The adjustable or fixed arm that suspends the load.
- Base Socket: The mount where the davit arm connects to the building.
- Counterweights or Anchors: Systems that stabilize the davit arm to prevent tipping or movement.
Why Are Davits Important for Building Safety?
- Secure Load-Bearing Support
Davits ensure that platforms or rope descent systems are properly suspended and stabilized. A structurally sound davit system minimizes the risk of platform instability, tipping, or failure. - Worker Safety and Fall Prevention
Proper davits work alongside safety systems like lifelines and harness anchor points to protect workers from falls. Without reliable davits, workers face life-threatening risks while performing their duties. - Compliance with Safety Regulations
California’s Cal-OSHA standards require davits to undergo regular inspections, testing, and certification. For instance:
- Annual inspections to confirm structural integrity.
- Load testing to verify that davits meet minimum weight-bearing standards.
Learn more about Cal-OSHA davit requirements here: Cal-OSHA Title 8 Section 3295 – Inspection and Tests
Common Issues with Davit Systems
While davits are durable, they are subject to wear and tear, particularly in harsh weather conditions. Common issues include:
- Corrosion: Exposure to moisture can cause rust and weaken structural components.
- Loose or Damaged Bases: Improper installation or aging materials can cause base sockets to loosen or crack.
- Improper Weight Distribution: Overloading or uneven loads can stress the system, leading to potential failure.
- Micro-Cracking in Curved Davits: Curved or “banana” davits are prone to developing micro-cracks over time due to repeated stress and load cycles. These cracks can compromise the davit’s structural integrity, and any affected units must be taken out of service immediately.
- Missing Rating Plate: Without a visible and legible rating plate, it’s impossible to confirm the davit’s load-bearing capacity, making the system non-compliant and unsafe for use.
- Worn Minor Components: Smaller parts, such as anti-withdrawals, lanyards, pins, and eye bolts, often need replacement due to wear or damage. Neglecting these minor components can compromise the entire system’s safety.
Picture of a rating plate in need of replacement:
Regular inspections and maintenance by certified professionals are the only way to identify and resolve these issues before they compromise safety.
Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
To comply with Cal-OSHA standards and ensure worker safety, davits must undergo routine inspections and testing. These include:
- Annual Inspections: Visual and structural assessments to identify corrosion, damage, or defects.
- Function and Load Testing: Periodic load tests to confirm the davit can safely support its designated weight.
These inspections must be performed by a Cal-OSHA SIT-licensed inspection company, such as FEIS, to ensure compliance and safety.
For details on testing requirements, refer to Cal-OSHA Title 8 3295 – Inspections and Tests
How FEIS Can Help
At FEIS, we specialize in inspecting, testing, and maintaining davit systems to ensure they meet all safety and compliance standards. Our services include:
- Annual Inspections: Comprehensive checks to assess system integrity.
- Load Testing: Verification that davits meet required load-bearing capacities.
- Repairs and Maintenance: Addressing issues like corrosion, loose bases, or worn components.
An inspection is always the best place to start. Davit systems can experience issues without property managers even knowing, and the only way to be proactive is through regular annual inspections and maintenance.
Conclusion
Davit systems are essential for maintaining building safety and worker protection during suspended access work. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and compliance with Cal-OSHA regulations are key to ensuring these systems function reliably.
Need to inspect or test your building’s davits? Contact FEIS today to schedule your inspection and keep your system safe and compliant.
Additional Resources
For more details on facade access safety and related requirements, check out these resources: