Davit Systems are one of the most valuable assets when it comes to window washing and façade maintenance – but a davit isn’t just a singular piece. Davit arm assemblies, davit bases, and more, all have their part in a davit system.
Davit Arm Assemblies
Davit arms are used to rig over non-structural parapets, decorative elements, and balcony guardrails. These arms act as the primary suspension points, usually for swing stages, but are also used to support single-man cages and bosun chairs. Comprised of a mast (the vertical piece) and boom (the horizontal piece), davit arms are secured to the structure using bases. These bases vary to suit the roof or wall construction.
The main distinction in Davit systems is whether the system is designed to be ground-rigged or roof-rigged. In a ground-rigged scenario, each successive “drop” is done by picking up the platform from ground level, raising it to roof level, and then back to the ground level. At ground level, the platform is then moved to the next “drop” location.
In a roof-rigged scenario, the mast on the davit arm is tall enough to lift the platform from ground level and hoist it onto the roof. The stage is then relocated to the roof level to align with each “drop” location.
Davit Arm Types
Davit Arms come in two main types – fixed and portable. A fixed davit arm is a standard and more economical decision, with installation functioning roughly the same way as a standard tieback anchor installation. It is dependent on the roof material [types of roof anchors] much the same way.
A portable davit arm system, on the other hand, is mounted on wheels that lock into place. While more expensive than the standard fixed davit arms, this allows you to still utilize a davit arm in locations where troubles may arise with installing the standard fixed arm, or when the project is still currently under construction.
Keep in mind that even if you use a fixed davit arm system, aspects of it are still interchangeable and portable, allowing you to use a single davit arm for an entire building if need be.
Davit Arm Facts
- Davit arms are typically portable and are relocated to new bases for every drop.
- They can be broken down into segments for ease of carrying.
- Mast and boom sizes vary depending on building requirements.
- At times, very large arms or arms required in difficult-to-access areas are recommended or necessary to be permanently left in place for facade access. These are also referred to as “dedicated arms.”
- Davit arms aren’t the only tool you have in your arsenal for window washing. See [The Roof Anchor Guide] and [Roof Anchors Design and Installation Guide] for more information.
