What Is a Permanent Davit System?
Definition: A permanent davit system is a set of fixed roof bases, sockets, or pedestals installed around a building's perimeter, paired with davit arms that suspend a powered platform over the building face. Under OSHA, a davit is a device used singly or in pairs to suspend a powered platform from work, storage, and rigging locations on the building being serviced. Unlike outriggers, a davit transfers its operating load into a single roof socket or carriage attachment.
Permanent davit systems are designed into the building and dedicated to its ongoing maintenance. The bases stay on the roof, while the davit arms are typically removable — a crew sets two davits into adjacent sockets, rigs a suspended platform, completes a drop, and then moves the davits to the next pair of sockets. This eliminates the counterweights, parapet clamps, and temporary outrigger beams used for conventional swing stage rigging, and gives every drop location a pre-engineered, certified anchor point.
OSHA distinguishes between two types. Roof-rigged davits can raise the suspended platform above the building face being serviced, so the platform is rigged at roof level. Ground-rigged davits cannot raise the platform above the building face, so the platform is rigged at the ground and hoisted up. Davit systems are a more economical alternative to a full building maintenance unit (BMU) for buildings where a roof car is impractical due to roof layout, facade geometry, or budget. Through Scaffold Exchange, you can find companies across the U.S. that design, install, inspect, and service permanent davit systems in your area.
Key Components of a Permanent Davit System
A permanent davit installation combines engineered roof bases with removable davit arms and a compatible suspended platform to create a complete building maintenance access system.
Davit Bases & Sockets
Permanently anchored roof, parapet, or wall-mounted bases that receive the davit arm. Each base is engineered to carry the davit's operating load into the building structure.
Davit Mast & Boom
The vertical mast and outreach boom that position the suspension wire rope beyond the building face. Typically fabricated from galvanized steel or aluminum, and removable for storage.
Pivoting Socket or Davit Winch
Pivoting sockets or davit lifting winches allow crews to safely insert, raise, and remove the davit arm without lifting its full weight by hand.
Suspended Platform & Hoists
A swing stage or powered platform with traction hoists suspended from a pair of davits. Platform and hoists must be compatible with the davit system's rated load.
Lifeline Anchors & Tiebacks
Dedicated anchorages for independent lifelines and personal fall arrest, plus tieback points that secure the davit and rigging during use.
Common Applications & Building Uses
Permanent davit systems are used on buildings that need regular exterior access but do not justify the cost or roof space of a full BMU. They are common on commercial, residential, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional buildings throughout the United States.
Routine window cleaning on low and mid-rise buildings
Facade inspection and condition assessments
Sealant, caulking, and glazing maintenance
Exterior painting and coating on existing buildings
Lower roof levels, podiums, and setbacks alongside a main-tower BMU
Roofs with limited space for a roof car and track
Buildings where parapets cannot support temporary rigging
Replacing temporary outrigger and counterweight rigging with certified anchor points
How Davits Compare to Other Permanent Access Systems
Permanent davits sit between temporary rigging and a full building maintenance unit. Here is how they compare to other permanent motorized access systems and which buildings each suits best.
Fixed anchor points
- Lowest installed cost of permanent options
- Tieback and lifeline anchorage points
- Used with temporary rigging or rope descent
- Best for basic, infrequent access needs
Permanent powered facade access
- Vertical and horizontal gondola movement
- Custom-engineered for one building
- Highest installed cost and roof footprint
- Best for high-rise and complex facades
Permanent sockets with removable davits
- Lower installed cost than a BMU
- Davits moved between fixed roof sockets
- Used with suspended platforms and hoists
- Best for low and mid-rise buildings
Track-mounted roof carriages
- Carriage travels a roof track or runway
- No davit relocation between drops
- Requires open roof space for the track
- Best for straight facades with frequent access
Overhead trolley track system
- Track fixed to the building above the facade
- Trolleys carry the suspended platform
- Minimal rooftop equipment required
- Best for curved or continuous facade runs
Find Davit System Installers Near You
Use the Scaffold Exchange map to search by location, filter by equipment type, and connect directly with local companies that install, inspect, and service permanent davit rigging systems.
OSHA Compliance & Safety Standards
Permanent davit systems used for building maintenance are governed by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.66, Powered Platforms for Building Maintenance, which covers installations permanently dedicated to maintaining a specific building and sets specific requirements for roof-rigged and ground-rigged davit systems. Design and installation also follow ASME A120.1. Building owners and employers share responsibility for keeping every base, socket, and davit inspected, tested, and safe to use.
- Installation inspected and tested before initial service and after major alterations
- Pivoting socket or base allows davit insertion at no more than 35 degrees above horizontal
- Building owner certifies in writing that the system is inspected and maintained
- Personal fall arrest tied to an independent lifeline anchorage
- Platform and hoists matched to the davit system's rated load
- Periodic inspections by a competent person per manufacturer intervals
1910.66
Powered Platforms for Building Maintenance — U.S. General Industry Regulations
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