User Guide

ManualsBrandsMGF ManualsDavit SystemMGF Extendable Base Davit System

functional test of the system prior to every use to ensure

that it is suitable for its intended purpose. This must

include:

• A check of the tightness of the securing bolts used to mount

the davit assembly on to its base.

• A visual inspection and functional check of any moving parts

such as pulleys, karabiners and securing aids.

• An inspection of any harness assemblies or stretchers that

are to be used in combination with the Lightweight Davitsafe

system for damage following the appropriate MGF user guide.

• Visually check that the system is installed level, plumb,

square and over the intended lift / arrest location.

• Check that the fall indicator hook on the winch is not

showing red, the cable extends / retracts freely, locks when

pulled sharply and no damage to the block or cable is evident.

• Prior to permitting its use, it is strongly recommended that

a test load of the installation is carried out by raising an

object from the base of the excavation approx. 300mm.

5. WITHDRAWING DAVIT FROM SERVICE

Following an inspection, if there is any doubt on the

serviceability of any component part of the system, it must be

withdrawn from service immediately and returned/reported

to MGF. In the event of a fall arrest incident inform MGF

immediately and place the equipment into quarantine.

6. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

• Always install the system from a position of safety.

• A minimum of two operatives are required to install davits.

• Ensure that in the event of an emergency that a sufficient

area free of obstruction is available to land a stretcher and

that it can clear the edge protection.

• Take care in locating the davit so that the fall arrest /

rescue line is free to extend / retract and ensure line is not

snagged by walers / brace.

mgf.co.uk

1. IMPORTANT NOTES

• For use with MGF supplied kit only.

• This user guide should be read in conjunction with all

relevant MGF user guides.

• Ensure potential users are confined spaces trained, familiar

with the operation of this equipment and that a site specific

safe system of work is in place and adhered to.

• Users should comply with the Confined Spaces Regulations

1997 and HSE ACOP L101 (2009) and the Work at Height

Regulations 2005 and (Amendment) 2007 where applicable.

• It is essential site specific risk assessments are undertaken.

• If in doubt concerning the integrity of any part of the

equipment DO NOT USE IT.

• MGF Extendable Base Davit System is rated to 135kg SWL

for more comprehensive instructions please refer to the

Shoring Ancillaries Safe System of Work Booklet and

Technical Files available at www.mgf.ltd.uk

2. EXTENDABLE BASE DAVIT SYSTEM

The MGF Extendable Base Davit System is a simple, robust,

demountable aluminium cantilevered lifting beam designed

to support the MGF Fall Arrest and Rescue Recovery Winch.

MGF extendable base davit system is for use mainly on utilities

trenches and walers / manhole brace but will also securely

fit to all MGF Box Systems. The extra adjustable universal

base clamp allows the davit to connect to other suitable

bases between 57mm - 635mm. In the case of using MGF

(BS) Standard or FKD sheets it is recommended that they are

doubled up at the clamping area (see MGF’s ancillaries SSOW

for further details). The davit can be used in conjunction with

MGF’s Rescue Stretcher in a personnel recovery emergency

situation. You have been provided with:

• MGF Lightweight Davit Clamp / Base

• MGF Lightweight Davit Pillar & Arm (Upper & Lower

Sections) Man Riding Winch or RGR7.

• RidgeGear RGA4 Fall arrest Retriever (or similar approved)

c/w fixing bracket, blue nylon rope.

Ensure that the davit arm and pillar are not damaged and

that the correct clamp has been provided prior to use for the

installation location proposed. Ensure that the panel or sheet

being clamped onto is correctly installed and cannot rotate,

slip or slide under load from the davit.

3. MGF 6 MONTHLY THOROUGH EXAMINATION

• A thorough examination to LOLER of the davit and the fall

arrest / rescue winch will be carried out at least every 6

months by a competent and trained technician.

• A valid certificate of test / examination will be provided with

your davit and fall arrest / rescue winch.

• Please return your davit to MGF for a thorough examination

at any time should you have any concerns about its

condition or if the test certificate is due to run out.

4. VISUAL INSPECTION / FUNCTIONAL TEST -

PRIOR TO USE

The user must carry out a thorough visual inspection and

1. Lower Davit Pillar; 2. Lightweight Davit Clamp; 3. Mounting

Bracket; 4. Pulley; 5. Upper Davit Pillar and Arm; 6. Fall Arrest

and Recovery Device.

• Lift and securely mount the lightweight davit clamp to a

sufficiently robust and stable structure. Tighten using the

4 bolts and tool supplied. Once the clamp is fully tightened

check that the base cannot be lifted, slide or rotate.

MGF Extendable Base Davit System must NEVER be

clamped to sheets where the supporting waler is greater

than 1.0m below ground level or cantilevered sheets.

• Using the mounting bracket on the lower pillar, install the

fall arrest / rescue winch - placing the lip of the winch

bracket into the cross bracket and secure into position

using the locking pin.

• Rotate pillar so arm can be safely installed by hand from

a position of safety. Lift into place slotting the upper davit

pillar arm into the lower.

• Put the fall arrest / rescue winch into free-fall and extract

the cable.

• If so desired you may allow the rubber ball on the cable to

rest in the eyelet of the winch to prevent dirt entering.

7. USER INSTRUCTIONS

It is recommended that users always wear a correctly fitted

safety harness when working in conjunction with the MGF

Davitsafe assembly - refer to MGF Harness User Guide.

DESCENT:

• Securely attach hook to the rear or front of harness Dee ring.

• Release the blue nylon rope that is attached to the safety

hook, allowing it to be lowered down into the work area.

• When safe to do so descend slowly into the work area - the

fall arrest / rescue line will automatically pay out as the

user descends.

• It is recommended that during such personnel descents

/ascents that a top side safety person wearing a safety

harness & lanyard is employed as a visual safe guard.

• At the foot of the descent the blue nylon rope should be

gripped firmly, two feet from the safety hook connection and

release the safety hook from the harness connection.

• Once this operation is complete safely secure the loose end of

the blue nylon rope on a fitting where no harm can be caused.

ASCENT:

• In the ascent mode the arrest line should be pulled down

into the working area using the blue nylon rope.

• Carry out the descent instructions in reverse.

• During ascent the loose end of the blue nylon rope may be

left loosely tied off at the base of the ladder.

FALL ARREST / RESCUE:

• Should a fall situation occur during ascent or descent the

user will be safely arrested and will remain suspended by

the system until assistance is given.

• It is important that the arrested person is quickly rescued to

prevent harness suspension injuries occurring.