Davit Testing
Davit Testing Under LOLER
A davit is lifting equipment under LOLER 1998. On water and wastewater sites it usually does two jobs: lifting pumps, valves and mixers out of wet wells and chambers, and lowering and raising people for confined space entry and rescue. Where it lifts people it needs a thorough examination at least every 6 months, and at least every 12 months where it only ever lifts materials.
Our Engineer Surveyors carry out davit testing on site, examining the davit and its winch and load testing the sockets and bases it sits in, because a davit is only as safe as what it is fixed to.
Davit LOLER
Regulation
LOLER 1998
Lifting people or rescue
Every 6 months
Materials only
Every 12 months
Sockets and bases
Load tested
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in davit testing
Davit Arm and Mast
We examine the mast, boom and any extension sections for cracks, distortion and corrosion, along with the pivots and locking pins that hold the davit in its working position. Worn or bent locking pins are a common finding.
Sockets and Bases
We examine each floor or wall socket and base for corrosion, wear and damage, and check the concrete and fixings around it. Corrosion and cracked concrete around the fixings are common on wastewater sites, where the conditions are hard on steel.
Socket Load Testing
We apply a controlled test load to the sockets and bases and record the result for each one, so you have evidence the fixing holds rather than just looks sound. A socket that fails is reported at once so it can be taken out of use.
Winch, Rope and Hook
We check the winch brake holds the load without creeping, inspect the wire rope for broken wires, kinks and corrosion, and examine the hook, safety catch and winch bracket. A brake that lets the load creep back is a serious defect we report at once.
Rescue Set-Up and Markings
Where the davit is set up for confined space entry and rescue, we check the mountings for the fall arrest block and rescue winch, and confirm the safe working load is marked on the davit and legible.
How it works
Davit testing, start to finish
Every scheme your equipment is required to meet under UK regulation carried out by accredited engineers and backed by compliant reports.
1
Book
Tell us how many davits and sockets you have and which sites they're on, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
An Engineer Surveyor attends each site, examines the davits and load tests the sockets against LOLER.
3
Compliant report
Within three days you get a report per davit and socket, with load test results and any defects and their timescales.
4
Reminders
We hold the 6 and 12-monthly due dates for every davit and prompt you before each one comes round.
OUR STANDARDS
Every socket tested, not just looked at
We take our responsibilities seriously, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety across every aspect of our operations.
Quality Assurance
Davits examined and sockets load tested by Engineer Surveyors who know how they get used on water and wastewater sites.
Responsibility
Independent examinations, so your report is a straight call on whether each davit and socket is safe to use.
Care
Whoever goes down the wet well is relying on that davit to bring them back up, so nothing gets waved through.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Quotation
Let us know how many davits and sockets need testing and where they are, and we'll confirm availability and a competitive quote, usually the same day.
Call us
0208 050 3958
Based in
Reading, Berkshire: serving the South of England
● Hampshire
● Oxfordshire
● Northamptonshire
● Cambridgeshire
● Surrey
● Buckinghamshire
● London
FAQ
Davit Testing FAQs
How often does a davit need testing?
A davit used to lift people, including confined space entry and rescue, needs a thorough examination at least every 6 months. One that only lifts materials, such as pumps out of a wet well, needs one at least every 12 months. A written scheme of examination can set a different period, and damage, an overload or a new installation calls for an examination and load test before the davit goes back into use.
Why do davit sockets need load testing?
The socket carries the whole load, and a fixing in concrete can weaken through corrosion or cracking that is not visible from the surface. A load test applies a controlled force to the socket and confirms it still holds, which a visual check alone cannot prove.
Is a confined space rescue davit covered by LOLER?
Yes. A davit used to lower someone into a chamber or raise them back out is lifting people, so it falls on the 6-monthly cycle. The harnesses and fall arrest blocks used with it come under the Work at Height Regulations, and we can inspect those on the same visit.
Can you test the davits across all our sites?
Yes. We work through your pumping stations, treatment works and other sites in a planned run, with scope for multiple days on larger requirements, and you get a report per davit and socket so every item can be traced.
Do I legally need a LOLER examination?
If your business owns, operates or controls lifting equipment, then yes. LOLER 1998 makes it your legal duty to have it thoroughly examined by a competent person and to keep the resulting report.