Sometimes working at heights is necessary. Or an employee may be required to lower themselves into an enclosed space for maintenance purposes. Proper fall protection is indispensable for these activities. After all, falling is still one of the most common occupational accidents.
A commonly used fall protection system is a davit lifting system. But do you know what a davit system is and when to use it?
What fall protection is needed?
The fall protection you need depends on the work and the situation on the site. For example, do your colleagues descend from a height to clean windows? Or are they walking around at a great height?
Fixed fall protection is present in many companies, both for daily work and for rescue operations. These include handrails along platforms and fixed anchor points on walls to which workers can attach lifelines.
What is a davit system?
In addition to being fixed in place, fall protection can also be mobile, as in the case of a davit system. With this system, the worker is safely lifted up and down, hanging on a swivel arm.
A davit system can be easily adapted to the needs of the user, as well as to the number of users. It is possible to attach fall protection for two people to a davit arm.
This is useful when two people need to work in a narrow space or in the case of a rescue operation.
The parts of a davit system
A basic davit system consists of a number of parts:
- a davit arm (swivelling)
- a height-adjustable mast
- a fixed or mobile base
A davit arm is available in different ranges. The other parts are also available in different variants.
You can expand the system with suitable fall arrest blocks, fall arrest blocks with winches, or descent systems. This way, you always have mobile fall protection that fits the work and situation in your company.
When to use a davit system?
You use a davit system when fixed fall protection is not possible or desirable. Sometimes, the space is too small or narrow for permanent fall protection or not suitable for attaching anchor points.
Another reason for choosing mobile fall protection is that it is only needed occasionally, for example, for annual maintenance.
A davit system is also practical for rescue operations when fixed fall protection is already in use. The second person can then use the davit system to lower themselves safely.
Four practical examples
Davit systems are available in various versions. This way, you put together the davit system that perfectly suits the tasks and the workplace. Sometimes a mobile base is practical, in other situations a fixed base is preferable.
A certain combination of parts is required to limit the fall depth.
But for safe horizontal work, you can choose another composition.
1. Moveable base
The mast and arm of a davit system are attached to a base. A tripod ensures the most stable and thus the safest situation. But sometimes a tripod is not possible.
In those cases, choose a moveable, U-shaped base.
A mobile base is sturdy while giving you a lot of flexibility to place it in the best spot. And to move it quickly when necessary for the user to do their job properly.
2. Fixed base
In addition to mobile bases, fixed bases are also available for a davit system. A fixed base is used when there is no room for a complete mobile system.
The basis is one davit arm that you always combine with the most suitable fixed base. This makes it easy to put the right fall protection together for different work situations.
Fixed bases for a davit system are available in various designs, such as floor mounts, recessed floor mounts, and wall mounts.
3. Reducing fall depth
Sometimes it is necessary to temporarily raise an anchor point. This reduces the fall distance and increases safety.
This can be done easily with a mobile davit mast, together with a fixed or moveable base and anchor points.
This combination is suitable for mobile fall protection on a technical installation or when assembling large machines.
4. Horizontal applications
Davit systems are suitable for descending into narrow spaces, but you can also use them to secure horizontal access. Or as fall protection for a worker hanging horizontally above a manhole while working. And, of course, if a horizontal evacuation is necessary.
Swivelling davit masts with removable, swivelling clamps attached are well suited for horizontal work or rescue operations.
There are also davit masts for sale that you attach to an anchor point in the ceiling or in the confined space itself. They are also suitable for employees who have to work horizontally.
Fixed fall protection on your site
Would you like to know more about working safely at height with permanent and mobile fall protection solutions? Then be sure to download our white paper.
Would you like to purchase fall protection or make sure that everything concerning anchor points and fall protection is in order in your company? Then make a quick appointment with our experts in fall protection. During a site visit, we will look for a targeted solution that fully meets your needs.
3M Fall Protection Configurator
3M DBI SALA has developped a great app for your smartphone on which you can see if a davit system is suitable for your workplace or situation.
You can assemble your own davit lifting system or choose a complete set and create a virtual scene.
Also read:
- Working at height and why the of hierarchy of controls is important (vdp.com)
- 6 fixed fall protection ideas to work safely at height (vdp.com)
- How to choose the right anchor points (and how do you attach yourself)? (vdp.com)
- Working at height and why the of hierarchy of controls is important (vdp.com)