Trusted by clients and contractors working at height across construction, manufacturing, and facilities management.
Safe Davit Arm Systems Start with Expert Installation & Testing
Davit arms are essential for safe working at height, whether they’re used to lift materials, provide secure anchor points for fall protection, or support rope access and rescue operations. Proper installation, competent inspection and suitable testing are essential for demonstrating that davit systems remain safe, compliant and fit for use.
At Velocity Safety, we deliver end-to-end davit arm services: from precision installation and refurbishment to rigorous pull testing with GPS-traceable certification. Our experienced engineers ensure your davit systems comply with:
- LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
- PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
- BS EN 795 (Anchor Devices)
- BS 7985 (Rope Access Code of Practice)
Whether installing new systems or testing existing setups, we help you maintain safe, compliant, and reliable davit arms – protecting your workforce and your business.
What We Install, Test & Service
We install, inspect, service, refurbish and pull test davit arms and associated systems from all major manufacturers, including:
- Reid Lifting
- Xtirpa
- Abtech Safety
- Tuff Built
- Spanset
- 3M
- Kratos Safety
Covering permanent davit arms, portable test davits, and complete lifting and fall protection systems, we make sure every component is installed and tested to the highest safety standards – fully compliant, reliable, and ready for audit.
Davit System Inspection & Maintenance
Davit arms are safety-critical systems that must be regularly inspected and maintained to remain safe, compliant, and fit for use.
Routine inspection confirms that davit arms, base sockets, fixings and rotating components remain structurally sound, correctly installed, and capable of safely supporting lifting or fall protection loads.
Our davit system inspections typically include:
- Visual and functional inspection of davit arms and bases
- Examination of sockets, fixings, welds and mounting points
- Checks for corrosion, deformation, fatigue or mechanical wear
- Verification of correct installation, alignment and engagement
- Identification of misuse, overload damage or environmental degradation
Where required, inspections are combined with LOLER-compliant pull testing to verify load capacity and provide fully traceable certification.
Regular inspection and maintenance reduces the risk of sudden failure, supports insurance and audit requirements, and ensures davit systems remain safe between formal test intervals.
Has Your Davit Arm Failed Inspection Due to Missing Technical Files?
BS 7883:2019 places greater emphasis on the evidence behind fall protection anchor systems – not just the certificate.
For davit arm systems, the technical file should help prove how the system was designed, what it is fixed to, which components were used, and whether the installation remains suitable for safe use.
If that file is missing, incomplete or was never passed to the duty holder, the system may not be straightforward to recertify. This can lead to further investigation, remedial works, or a conditional inspection outcome.
Velocity Safety can inspect your davit arms, sockets, anchor points and supporting documentation to identify what is missing and what needs to happen next.
Davit Arm Installation, Refurbishment & Pull Testing Explained
At Velocity Safety, we deliver comprehensive services for davit arms – from expert installation and refurbishment to rigorous pull testing and inspection.
Installation & Refurbishment
We install new davit arm systems or refurbish existing units to ensure full operational safety and compliance. Our service includes secure mounting, alignment checks, structural integrity verification, and updates or repairs to worn components. Proper installation is critical for both lifting and fall protection applications.
Pull Testing & Inspection
Pull testing involves applying a calibrated load to the davit arm fixings using precision load cells. This process verifies that the system can safely withstand operational forces, including lifting loads and fall arrest scenarios. We perform pull tests according to relevant standards (LOLER, BS EN 795) and provide detailed pass/fail documentation with GPS-tracked certification for audit purposes.
Both services can be delivered separately or combined as part of a full davit system safety solution, with options for on-site or off-site work depending on your operational requirements.
What Is Tested During Davit Arm Pull Testing and Davit Socket Testing?
Davit arm pull testing and davit socket testing focus on the load-bearing components of the system – not just the arm itself.
During pull testing, we assess:
- Base sockets and anchor points
- Structural fixings and mounting points
- Welds and load-transfer interfaces
- Correct seating and engagement of the davit arm within the socket
Using calibrated load cells, a controlled force is applied to confirm the system can safely withstand the loads expected during lifting, rescue, or fall protection use.
This process verifies both structural integrity and installation quality, ensuring the davit system performs safely under real-world conditions.
Why Davit Arm Installation & Pull Testing Matters
Davit arms are critical lifelines for workers operating at height, supporting both personnel and equipment. Improper installation or insufficient testing can result in catastrophic failures, putting lives at risk and exposing your business to legal penalties. Regular pull testing and thorough installation services ensure:
- Full compliance with LOLER, PPE and PUWER regulations
- Confirmation that fixings and sockets safely withstand required loads
- Early detection of wear, corrosion, or structural weaknesses before failure
- Valid, traceable certification to satisfy audits and insurance requirements
The Cost of Non-Compliance with Davit Arm Safety
Failing to properly install, test, and maintain your davit arms isn’t just a regulatory risk – it can have serious financial and human consequences. Here’s what’s at stake if your davit systems aren’t fully compliant:
Regulatory Fines & Enforcement:
HSE and local authorities can issue hefty fines, enforcement notices, or stop work if your davit arms are non compliant.
Increased Accident & Injury Risk:
Faulty or untested davit systems can lead to catastrophic failures – putting workers’ lives in danger and risking costly compensation claims.
Insurance Complications:
Non-compliance or lack of valid certification may void your insurance coverage, leaving your business exposed to significant financial loss.
Operational Downtime:
Equipment failure or enforcement action can halt projects, causing costly delays and reputational damage.
Long-Term Equipment Damage:
Without regular pull testing and maintenance, davit arms suffer accelerated wear, leading to expensive repairs or premature replacement.
Investing in expert installation and rigorous pull testing from Velocity Safety safeguards your workforce, your business, and your bottom line — delivering peace of mind that compliance is achieved and safety is prioritised.
Common Faults We Find in Davit Arms
Davit arms face tough conditions and heavy loads – even well-maintained systems can develop issues over time. During inspections and pull testing, we commonly identify:
- Loose, corroded, or damaged fixings and sockets compromising load capacity
- Structural cracks, metal fatigue, or deformation in arms and bases
- Worn or faulty swivel and rotation mechanisms affecting movement and safety
- Damage to welds or anchor points that threaten structural integrity
- Corrosion from weather or harsh environments, weakening components
- Malfunctioning locking systems on removable or adjustable davits
- Signs of overload or impact damage from improper use
- Damage to base sockets
Regular professional inspections catch these problems early – often before they become safety hazards – helping to keep your team safe and your systems fully compliant.
What You Get With Every Davit Arm Installation & Pull Testing Service
We don’t cut corners – your safety depends on every detail being right. Our comprehensive service includes:
- Full Visual & Structural Inspection – We check fixings, sockets, welds, swivel points, and arm integrity for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
- Load & Pull Testing with Calibrated Equipment – Applying precise loads to confirm fixings and sockets meet or exceed safety requirements under LOLER and PUWER regulations.
- Cleaning & Maintenance – Removing corrosion, lubricating moving parts, and performing minor repairs where necessary to maintain smooth operation.
- Replacement of Serviceable Components – Replacing worn or damaged fixings, bolts, or mechanical parts with manufacturer-approved spares.
- Detailed, Traceable Test Reports – You receive a full certification report including GPS-tagged testing locations, defect grading, and recommendations.
- Compliance Documentation – All testing meets LOLER, PUWER, BS EN 795 standards – ready for audits, insurance, and legal peace of mind.
- Expert Installation & Refurbishment – We also install new davit arms or refurbish existing setups, ensuring full compliance from the ground up.
How Our Davit Arm Pull Testing Works
Whether you send units in or we visit your site, our service is designed for reliability, traceability, and proper compliance – without the jargon.
1. Consultation & Site Survey
We assess your current systems or plan new installations, advising on best practices and compliance requirements.
2. Professional Installation or Testing
Using calibrated load cells and industry-standard equipment, we perform pull tests on fixings and sockets, verifying they meet or exceed specified load requirements.
3. Certification & Reporting
After testing, we provide detailed reports including GPS location of tested points, load results, pass/fail status, and recommended actions, ensuring full audit compliance.
Compliance & Standards We Follow
When it comes to height safety, you can’t afford to assume your equipment still works. Davit arms are critical safety devices that must be installed, inspected, and tested rigorously to meet legal and industry standards.
All our work is carried out with reference to the relevant legal duties, product standards and manufacturer requirements, including:
- LOLER 1998 – Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
- PUWER 1998 – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
- BS EN 795 – Personal fall protection equipment anchor devices
- BS 7883:2019 – guidance for inspection of fall protection anchor systems
- BS 7985 – rope access code of practice where relevant
- Manufacturer-specific installation, inspection and testing requirements
BS 7883:2019 is particularly important because it places greater focus on system technical files, inspection outcomes and evidence of how anchor systems are fixed to the structure. For duty holders, this means the paperwork behind the installation matters as much as the visible condition of the equipment.
Where technical information is missing, an inspector may need further evidence before the system can be fully recertified. This could include installation records, design calculations, fixing details, product traceability, previous inspection reports or supplementary investigation of the anchorage.
We ensure:
- All testing and installation is performed by competent, qualified engineers
- Replacement parts meet manufacturer specifications
- Thorough inspections, pull testing, and maintenance are completed as required
- Detailed, traceable reports with pass/fail grading and next test dates
- Every system is tagged and fully documented for audit and insurance purposes
Whether you manage a single davit or a nationwide portfolio, we help you stay compliant – and prove it.
Davit Arm Installation & Pull Testing Costs – Clear & Competitive
We provide transparent, tailored quotes based on your site specifics, installation scope, and testing requirements:
INSTALLATION & REFURBISHMENT
PULL TESTING
✔ Includes calibrated load testing, certification, and GPS-verified reporting.
COMBINED PACKAGES & CONTRACTS
✔ Available for ongoing maintenance, multi-site management, or FM support with flexible scheduling and white-labelled reporting.
Need a tailored quote? Just tell us how many fixings or sockets you need testing, where your site is based, and whether you need installation, refurbishment, or both. We’ll reply fast with clear pricing and availability.
Tired of Unreliable Davit Testing? Choose Velocity Safety
Some providers cut corners with visual checks only or outsource testing with limited traceability. We provide:
- Fully qualified, in-house engineers
- Calibrated, certified testing equipment
- GPS-tracked reporting and full documentation
- Honest pricing, no hidden fees or upsells
Who Needs Davit Arm Installation & Pull Testing?
Fall arrest blocks, inertia reels, and davit arms are all critical components for safe working at height. Regular inspection, servicing, and compliance apply across a wide range of industries and roles. Whether you need new installations, ongoing maintenance, or support with regulatory requirements, our tailored services have you covered:
Facilities & Building Maintenance Teams
Managing rooftop access, façade cleaning systems, or plant rooms? We ensure your davit arms are properly installed, maintained, and tested to keep your facilities safe and compliant.
Rope Access & Abseil Contractors
For teams working at height using rope access techniques, properly certified davit arms are essential anchor points. We provide expert installation and rigorous pull testing to guarantee safety on every job.
Construction & Fit-Out Contractors
From temporary davits on site to permanent installations in new builds, our services help keep your height safety systems compliant with LOLER and PUWER throughout your project lifecycle.
Confined Space Entry Teams
Working in tanks, silos, or manholes? Our testing and certification ensure davit arms and related equipment meet stringent safety standards, protecting workers in these high-risk environments.
Health & Safety Managers & Compliance Officers
Tasked with overseeing workplace safety and regulatory adherence? We deliver thorough documentation, traceable test records, and reliable servicing to support your audit and risk management needs.
Industrial & Manufacturing Sites
Supporting maintenance teams with reliable lifting and fall protection equipment – our installation and pull testing services ensure your davit systems remain fit for purpose and compliant.
Property Managers & Estate Teams
Responsible for buildings with roof access points or external maintenance systems? We help you maintain safe, certified davit arms as part of your wider compliance programme.
What Others Say About Us…
From construction firms to facilities managers, clients trust our davit arm testing for its precision, professionalism, and fully traceable compliance reports.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd
You’re not just booking a test. You’re buying confidence – in your compliance, your surfaces, and your legal protection. Here’s why teams across the UK trust us for davit arm installation, inspection and pull testing:
- 12+ years of experience in safety-critical inspections, installations, and load testing
- Certified engineers specially trained in davit systems, LOLER, PUWER, and related PPE regulations
- Full compliance with LOLER, PUWER, BS EN 795, BS 7985, BS 7883:2019, and manufacturer-specific standards
- Comprehensive installation, refurbishment, and rigorous pull testing using calibrated load cells and GPS traceability
- Flexible servicing options – on-site or off-site – tailored around your operational needs
- Clear, detailed certification and audit-ready documentation for every job
- Fast turnaround times to minimise project downtime and maintain continuous safety
- No outsourcing – all work completed by our dedicated in-house experts for full accountability
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or ongoing charges
Put simply, we don’t cut corners. You can trust Velocity Safety to keep your davit systems safe, compliant, and ready for anything.
Other Services Available
Davit arms are a vital part of your height safety system – but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Velocity Safety offers a full range of inspection, installation, and testing services to keep your entire working at height setup compliant and secure:
- Fixed Ladder Inspections – Thorough PUWER- and Work at Height-compliant inspections to keep all your fixed access ladders safe and certified.
- Anchor Point Installation & Testing – Professional installation and LOLER-compliant load testing of permanent and temporary anchor points to EN795 standards.
- Fall Arrest Block & Inertia Reel Servicing – Full strip-down servicing and re-certification to ensure your fall arrest equipment performs reliably when lives depend on it.
- G Saver Retrieval Block Servicing – Inspection and maintenance of critical rescue retrieval blocks to support your emergency plans.
- Lifting Accessories Thorough Examinations – Expert LOLER and PUWER inspections for slings, shackles, eyebolts, and more to keep your lifting gear safe.
- Workplace Risk Assessments & Safety Audits – Comprehensive compliance audits, asset logging, and PUWER support tailored to your entire estate.
- Davit Arm Refurbishment & Repairs – Keep your davit systems in top condition with expert refurbishment and repair services from our experienced engineers.
Explore these services to ensure your entire height safety infrastructure is safe, compliant, and ready for inspection.
Ensure your davit systems are professionally installed, inspected, and fully compliant – with no corners cut.
Trust Velocity Safety for expert service, clear certification, and peace of mind.
Contact Velocity Safety today 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
Davit Arm FAQs
If you’re managing height safety with davit arms, you probably have some questions. Here are the answers to the most common ones we get:
What is davit arm pull testing?
Pull testing applies a calibrated load to the davit system’s load-bearing components to verify they can safely withstand the forces expected during lifting, rescue, or fall protection use.
Importantly, pull testing focuses on the base sockets, fixings, and anchor points – not just the davit arm itself. Even where an arm appears visually sound, the socket or fixing may still fail if it has degraded, loosened, or been incorrectly installed.
Testing is carried out using calibrated load cells and provides documented confirmation that the installation is structurally sound and compliant.
How often should davit arms be inspected and tested?
Typically, davit arms require inspection and pull testing every 6 months, or more frequently if used heavily or after any fall or incident, following LOLER and relevant standards.
What is a davit arm technical file?
A davit arm technical file is the evidence pack that supports the design, installation and inspection of the system. It may include design calculations, structural attachment details, product traceability, as-built drawings, installation photographs and previous inspection or test records.
Why does BS 7883:2019 matter for davit arm inspections?
BS 7883:2019 gives guidance for inspecting fall protection anchor devices and systems. It places greater emphasis on documentation, technical files, inspection outcomes and evidence that the system has been correctly designed, installed and maintained.
Can a davit arm fail inspection because the technical file is missing?
Yes, missing documentation can create a serious inspection issue. Depending on what information is missing, the system may receive a conditional pass, conditional fail or require supplementary investigation before it can be fully recertified.
What happens if hidden fixings or structural details cannot be verified?
If key elements are hidden or undocumented, further investigation may be needed. BS 7883:2019 guidance highlights that hidden elements should be recorded in the system technical file, including photographs taken during installation.
Do you install new davit arms as well as test existing ones?
Yes, we offer full installation, refurbishment, and load testing services for davit arms – ensuring they meet all safety and legal requirements.
What information do you need to provide a quote for davit arm pull testing?
To provide an accurate quote, we’ll usually ask for:
- The number of sockets or fixing points to be tested
- The location and environment (roof, chamber, plant room, treatment works)
- Whether the davit is used for lifting, fall arrest, rescue, or a combination
- The type of installation (cast-in, resin-fixed, surface-mounted)
- Any access constraints or site restrictions
If you’re unsure, photos or drawings are absolutely fine – we’ll review them and advise before booking.
Do davit arms fall under LOLER?
Yes – most davit arms fall under LOLER when they are used for lifting or supporting people or loads.
LOLER applies where davit systems are used for:
- Lifting or lowering personnel
- Supporting rescue operations
- Handling suspended loads
In addition, davit arms are also subject to PUWER, as they are work equipment that must be suitable, maintained, and safe to use.
A competent inspection will confirm the correct regulatory framework and ensure the davit system is inspected, tested, and certified to the appropriate standards.
Pull testing may form part of a LOLER thorough examination, but it is documented separately to confirm the load capacity of fixings and anchor points.
What standards and regulations apply to davit arm testing?
Davit arms could comply with LOLER, PUWER, BS EN 795 (anchor devices), BS 7985, and BS EN 7883 (rope access/davit standards), plus manufacturer guidelines.
Can you provide certification and documentation after testing?
Absolutely. We issue traceable test certificates with GPS-verified test locations, detailed results, and compliance documentation for audits and insurance.
What happens if a davit arm fails the pull test?
We provide a clear defect report and recommendations. Faulty components must be repaired or replaced before use to maintain safety compliance.
Do you test davit sockets as well as davit arms?
Yes. Davit socket testing is a key part of the inspection process. We check the socket, fixings, mounting points and surrounding structure to confirm the system can safely support the intended load. Results are recorded in the inspection report or pull test certificate.
Which areas do you cover for davit arm services?
We provide davit arm installation, inspection, maintenance and pull testing nationwide, with regular work across the North West, Manchester, Preston, Blackburn and industrial sites across the UK.
Can pull testing be done on-site?
Absolutely. We carry out on-site pull testing for davit arms where it’s safe and suitable, reducing downtime and disruption. Off-site testing is also available for refurbishment or more detailed inspections.
How long does installation or pull testing usually take?
Timescales depend on the number of davit arms, sockets, fixings and access requirements. A straightforward inspection or pull test may be completed during a single visit, while new installations, refurbishment work or multi-site programmes may require additional planning.
What happens if a davit arm fails?
Should a davit arm fail, we’ll provide a detailed defect report with clear recommendations. Repairs or part replacements are required before the system can be safely used again.
Do you offer davit arm testing and installation near me?
Yes. Velocity Safety provides davit arm testing, installation, inspection and maintenance across the UK. We regularly support confined space, water treatment, construction, manufacturing and facilities sites across the North West, including Manchester, Preston, Blackburn and surrounding industrial areas, with nationwide support for multi-site clients.
Schedule Your Davit Arm Installation & Pull Testing
Ensure your davit arm systems are installed correctly, tested thoroughly, and fully compliant with all safety regulations. Book your installation, refurbishment, or pull testing service with our expert engineers – onsite or offsite.
Call 01254 933 486 or click below to schedule your service today.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road,
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
