
No. 1 in lightweight, portable, safe lifting solutions
4
CORRECT OPERATION
Intended Use
The P O RTA -DAVIT 500 is intended to be used for the
lifting of goods or the lifting of persons, or for providing
a safety anchor for the prevention of falls.
N.B. We recommend that the device is dedicated to
either goods or personnel use and where reasonably
practicable to avoid using the structure for both.
Inspection Prior to Initial Operation
Each davit must be inspected prior to initial operation
by a competent person. The inspection is visual and
functional and shall establish that the structure
is safe and has not been damaged by incorrect
assembly, transport or storage. The inspection should
particularly concentrate on:
• Dents or indentations on the kingpin, jib, backstay
(if present) and column surfaces
• Straightness of jib and column sections
• Elongation of the jib holes, column holes or
backstay connection holes
• Damage to the shackles, strop (signs of fraying
– the strop is manufactured from polyester; if
signs of damage, UV degradation or wear REID
recommend it is replaced)
The above list is not exhaustive. Inspections are
instigated by the user.
Inspection Before Starting Work
The inspection procedure requires that a valid
inspection/test certificate has been submitted to and
checked by the user.
Before starting work, inspect the davit tubes and
all load bearing components for visual defects.
Furthermore, test the free rotation of the kingpin
and ensure that it is fully engaged in the socket. To
check whether the kingpin is fully engaged, ensure
that the bottom of the column is flush with the top of
the socket. This inspection requirement covers only
the davit. Ensure that the overall working load limit
(WLL) is adhered to – following the necessary Risk
Assessment and Method Statement.
Maximum Capacity
The P O RTA -DAVIT 500 is designed to lift and lower
loads up to its rated capacity. The capacity indicated
on the product is the maximum working load limit
(WLL) or safe working load (SWL) which must not
be exceeded (definition is country dependent), the
standard P O RTA -DAVIT 500 is rated to 500kg for
goods and 250kg for personnel positioning.
When being used as a personnel lifting anchor the
user must use a body harness and retractable device
or shock absorber that complies with EN355 that
limits the maximum arrest force (M.A.F.) to 6kN.
Personnel winches used with the P O R TA -DAVIT 500
should comply to EN1496:2017 or equivalent.
Only ONE person/load may be attached to the davit
structure in accordance with the WLL.
If the davit is to be used for personnel winching the
WLLs must be observed. It is possible for the davit
to have a WLL higher than is allowable when used
with a fall arrest device. This is for situations where
the structure is to be used as an anchor for lifting
persons that have no possibility of falling through a
free distance or when drafting out a rescue plan and
should only be carried out following a comprehensive
risk assessment.
N.B. If winching, a secondary line/fall arrest unit may
also be required.
While the P O R TA -DAVIT 500 will have the capabilities
stated on the product it is only one part of a fall arrest
system which is only as strong as the lowest rated
component. Each lift must be properly planned and
all weights clearly known along with the WLL and
constraints of all fall arrest system devices.
In the event of simultaneous goods and personnel
combined lifting or when being used as a fall arrest
system in sub-zero AND wet conditions contact the
supplier as capacities may be reduced.
Only a chain hoist up to a capacity of 500kg may be
used with the davit. The structure has been designed
such that the weight of a chain block can be neglected,
however if using a device with a significant weight it
should be included into the WLL.
In the event of using a lifting device other than a
manual chain hoist particular attention must be paid