800-353-9425

Davit Arms & Pedestals

Our socket and davit systems offer OSHA compliant fall protection to maintenance personnel while they access building facade.

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Support Systems For Suspended Platforms

Our socket and davit systems offer OSHA compliant fall protection to maintenance personnel while they access building facades. FLS sockets and davits provide the option of roof-rigged or ground-rigged (code permitting) self-powered platforms with safe access and egress on the roof. Davit and socket systems are implemented worldwide: easy to operate: economical: and readily customized. These systems are an essential component of Building Maintenance Units (BMU): specifically engineered to meet OSHA 1910.27 and IWCA I-14.1 standards for window cleaning and facade access. Sockets and davits offer the advantage of allowing maintenance personnel to board the stage while it rests on the rooftop: reducing risks associated with mid-air transfers and providing a stable: high-strength aluminum alloy anchor point for suspended equipment on buildings up to 490 feet in height. 

Davit Systems

Davits are a practical permanent suspension system when used with a self-powered platform. Constructed of high-strength aluminum alloy, our davit systems boast a patented, lightweight strong extrusion.

Standard Socket Systems

Sockets are galvanized steel embeds fixed to a building’s structure for safe convenient rigging locations for our davits. Socket systems are generally exposed, but can be recessed below the roof surface where a public space requires an aesthetic solution.

Sockets & Davit Specifications

  • Standard facade reaches up to 8.5 feet
  • Platform lengths can exceed 20 feet
  • Effective on buildings up to 490 feet in height
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Why is the five-year load test mandatory for davit systems?

 Over time: structural fatigue or hidden corrosion can compromise an anchor. A 125% rated load test confirms that the socket: pedestal: and building attachment points remain capable of handling emergency forces. 

Are there specific wind limits for operating davit-suspended platforms?

 Most suspended platforms should not be operated in winds exceeding 25-30 mph. High winds cause platform sway: which can result in the suspension cables jumping the sheaves or the platform striking the building facade. 

What are the hazards of using a davit without a dedicated lifeline?

 Technicians on suspended platforms must always be tied back to a secondary: independent anchor point. The davit supports the platform: but a separate Single Point Anchor (SPA) is required for the personal fall arrest system (PFAS). 

How does the “reach” of a davit arm impact structural safety?

 The longer the outreach: the higher the moment of force applied to the pedestal. We provide standard reaches up to 8.5 feet: but any custom outreach must be specifically engineered to prevent pedestal failure. 

What happens if a davit arm is dropped or damaged during transit? 

High-strength aluminum can hide stress fractures. Any davit arm that sustains an impact must be immediately removed from service and undergo non-destructive testing (NDT) to ensure its structural integrity is intact. 

Who is qualified to approve the structural attachment of a davit socket?

 Only a Qualified Person: such as a structural engineer: can verify that the building’s roof slab or steel beams can withstand the 5,000-pound load requirement for each socket pedestal. 

Compliance

  • OSHA 1910.27 and 1910.66: Systems are designed to meet federal requirements for powered platforms and facade access: ensuring all structural anchors support at least 5,000 lbs. 
  • IWCA I-14.1 Standards: Sockets and davits adhere to Window Cleaning Safety Standards regarding suspension point stability and mandatory load testing protocols. 
  • Material Integrity (ASTM A36 & A123): Pedestals are fabricated from high-grade ASTM A36 steel with a hot-dipped galvanized finish per ASTM A123 to prevent environmental corrosion. 
  • Qualified Person Inspection: In accordance with federal law: all building maintenance equipment must be inspected annually and load-tested every five years by a Qualified Person. 
  • Structural Engineering (Safety Factor): Davit arms are engineered from high-strength aluminum alloy: utilizing a 4:1 safety factor to manage the dynamic loads of suspended platforms. 
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Socket And Pedestal Options

Standard Embed Socket

Standard Embed Socket

The standard socket pedestal embeds consist of a vertical formed socket, bottom plate and middle support bar. These components are fabricated from ASTM A36 steel with a fully galvanized finish per ASTM A123. FLS embed systems set the industry standard and conform to all OSHA regulations.

Effective Conditions for a Standard Embed Socket

  • The building structure accommodates attachment to a horizontal plane or safe work surface
  • The number of davit socket locations is moderate
Mobile Socket*

Mobile Socket*

Mobile davit sockets consist of a vertical formed socket, bottom plate, middle support bar, transport handle and roller wheel assembly. Fabricated to the same high caliber as FLS standard embeds, mobile sockets are OSHA compliant. The mobile socket attaches to a mobile pedestal embedded in the rooftop.

Effective Conditions for a Mobile Socket

  • The building structure accommodates attachment to a horizontal plane or safe work surface
  • There are a large number of embed pedestal locations

*New York State Department of Labor Standards do not allow the use of mobile sockets.

Flush Mounted Socket

Flush Mounted Socket

Flush mounted mobile davit sockets use the same components as mobile sockets and are fabricated to the same standard as FLS standard embeds making them OSHA compliant. Flush mounted mobile sockets attach to a matching pedestal anchored to the building structure.

Effective Conditions for a Flush Mounted Socket

  • The building structure accommodates attachment to a horizontal plane or safe work surface
  • Aesthetic consideration of the rooftop or work surface requires hidden embedded locations
    flush mounted sockets

Building Maintenance Solution Features

Effective Facade Access System

Sockets and davit systems are especially effective on buildings up to 490 feet in height and on buildings with multiple levels (terraces, roof levels, etc.)

OSHA Compliant Building Maintenance

The standard mobile davit socket consists of a vertical formed socket, bottom plate, middle support bar, transport handle and roller wheel assembly. The steel components are fabricated from ASTM A36 steel with a fully galvanized finish per ASTM A123 and conform to OSHA standards. The mobile socket attaches to a mobile socket pedestal which is attached to the building structure.

Expertise In Building Maintenance

Maximizing the utility and fall protection provided by the sockets and davits requires expert design and installation along with proper training of maintenance personnel. FLS is your turnkey fall protection provider. One manager with total accountability guides your project every step of the way.

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