If your building relies on suspended platforms, bosun chairs, or window washing equipment that hangs over the edge of the roof, there is a good chance a davit system is part of the picture. For any davit system inspection building owner questions come up often: What is a davit? How is it different from a fixed anchor? Who is responsible for keeping it safe? This guide walks through davit arms, bases, and the inspection requirements under ANSI Z359 and manufacturer specifications so you can make informed decisions about the suspended maintenance equipment on your property.
What Is a Davit System?
A davit system is a piece of overhead lifting and support equipment used to suspend workers or platforms over the side of a building. Think of it as a small crane arm that can hold a load out beyond the roof edge. Window cleaners, facade inspectors, and maintenance crews use davits to reach areas that ladders and lifts cannot safely serve.
A typical davit system has three main parts:
- The davit arm: the curved or straight mast that extends over the roof edge and carries the load.
- The base or socket: the fixed receiver mounted to the roof structure that the arm drops into. Bases are often permanently anchored, while arms may be portable and moved from base to base.
- The rigging and hardware: the wire rope, sheaves, pins, and connectors that transfer the load from the platform up through the arm and into the base.
Because a davit supports the full weight of a worker and equipment, every component has to perform exactly as designed. A single worn pin or corroded socket can compromise the entire system.
How Davits Differ From Fixed Roof Anchors
Building owners sometimes group davits, tie backs, and fixed anchors together because they all relate to rooftop safety. They serve different purposes, though, and the differences matter for maintenance planning.
A fixed roof anchor is a single point that a worker connects to for fall protection or for a rope descent system. A davit, on the other hand, is a load bearing structure that actively suspends a person or platform. Davits often work alongside tie back anchors that stabilize the equipment and provide a secondary point of security.
Because davits carry live loads and have moving parts, their inspection needs are more involved than a simple visual check of a padeye anchor. This is why davit inspection is usually treated as its own service rather than being folded into a general roof walk.
Inspection Requirements Under ANSI Z359 and Manufacturer Rules
Two sources drive davit inspection: the ANSI Z359 family of fall protection standards and the manufacturer's own documentation. Both should be respected, and where they differ, the more conservative requirement generally governs.
ANSI Z359 Guidance
The ANSI Z359 standards cover the design, use, and inspection of fall protection and personal fall arrest components. They call for competent person inspections of active fall protection equipment on a regular schedule, typically at least annually, with more frequent checks in harsh environments. For davit systems, this means a trained inspector examines the arm, base, connectors, and rigging for wear, deformation, corrosion, and proper function.
Manufacturer Requirements
Every davit is engineered and documented by its manufacturer. That documentation spells out the load ratings, inspection intervals, replacement criteria for wear parts, and any required load testing. Some manufacturers require periodic proof testing of the system or its base to confirm the anchorage still performs to specification. Following the manufacturer's manual is not optional; it is part of using the equipment as intended.
What an Inspection Actually Covers
A thorough davit inspection typically includes:
- Checking arms and masts for bending, cracking, and corrosion.
- Inspecting bases and sockets for secure attachment to the structure and signs of rust or fatigue.
- Examining pins, bolts, and connectors for wear and correct engagement.
- Reviewing wire rope, sheaves, and rigging for fraying, kinks, and proper travel.
- Confirming labeling, load ratings, and required documentation are present and legible.
- Verifying that any manufacturer required testing is current.
When testing is called for, a load testing and recertification service can confirm that the base and connected anchorages perform to the rated capacity. Where an inspection reveals a component that no longer meets specification, a licensed structural engineer can help evaluate the finding and, if needed, guide repair or replacement.
Why Davit Inspection Matters for Building Owners
Ownership of the building generally means ownership of the equipment attached to it. If a davit system fails while in use, the consequences fall on the property, not just the crew using it. Keeping davits inspected protects the workers who rely on them, supports the maintenance vendors who service your facade, and helps demonstrate that you have exercised reasonable care.
Well documented inspections also make it easier to plan capital expenses. Catching corrosion or a worn base early is far less costly than discovering a failed system during an urgent facade repair. Regular inspection turns an unpredictable liability into a manageable line item.
Davits rarely stand alone. They are part of a larger rooftop safety picture that includes fixed anchors, tie backs, and rope descent equipment. Coordinating your annual roof anchor inspection with your davit inspection keeps everything on one schedule and reduces the number of separate visits your property has to coordinate.
Planning Your Davit Maintenance
A practical approach for building owners and property managers looks like this:
- Locate the manufacturer documentation for every davit and base on the roof.
- Confirm the required inspection interval and any testing obligations.
- Schedule inspections at least annually, or sooner if the equipment sees heavy use or coastal exposure.
- Keep written records of every inspection, test, and repair.
- Address deficiencies promptly, using qualified help for design, retrofit, or repair work.
If your davit needs more than routine maintenance, a proper anchor system design, retrofit, and repair approach ensures any changes are engineered correctly and documented for the life of the building. For owners in the region, our Seattle davit inspection service brings all of this together in one coordinated visit.
Free Evaluation
If you are not sure whether your davit systems are current, we can help you find out. ADS Contractors offers a free evaluation of your rooftop equipment and inspection needs. Call us at (206) 338-2584 or reach out through our contact page to schedule a review and put your davit maintenance on a reliable schedule.