Sayfa Group Ltd

The number of Davit Arms required for a project should not sound like the quintessential British question of "one lump or two" for your cup of tea.It should depend on the specific project parameters but it is a question we are often asked, even if the employer's requirements or access strategy specifically identify a quantity.There are however a few definitive requirements. If the system is designed for single users (due to roof/building structural load limitations for instance), then two Davits must be provided to facilitate safe rescue. Equally, although Davits are component form and portable, the units are not light to carry between buildings, might be too large for service lifts and no one even wants to think about the stairs - the buildings being cleaned by rope access for a reason!Additionally, the duty holder and building owner should consider cleaning times and crew efficiency. Responsible IRATA contractors operate in a team of three, with one level 3 supervisor and two operatives. With a single davit, two of the team are effectively non-productive.Finally, it can be that multiple outreach davits are required. The projection requirements can vary depending on rooftop socket locations, parapet sizes, and façade elements. For extended cleaning cycles, Davit arms should project so that there is a naturally extended reach.Leave the one lump or two questions for your cup of tea, or number or shots of espresso if you prefer……….

Clarendon is a project undertaken by Berkeley Group in North London, as part of a regeneration scheme that will provide over 1,700 homes and 125,000 sq ft of commercial space.This project aims to make the best use of brownfield land and also highlight the benefit of master planning which helped the scheme win “the best 2022 planning award”.Sayfa Group supplied the Clarendon project through a partner contractor, responsible for the height safety and façade access systems throughout the project. There were various base types and styles required for a variety of locations such as balconies, terraces, and rooftops. However, of all the varieties there is no greater example of planning ahead than the Cast-In Davit Base.Why Davit cast-in bases?Davit systems are an essential solution for cleaning and maintenance strategies. They provide easy and safe access for rope abseil teams to access a building's façade.Cast-in Davit bases are the most cost-effective type of base for both initial and life cycle price basis. The Davits bases are set out to specific datums and are generally tied into the rebar instead of the traditional process of drilling concrete and resin fixing. The process for which is often time consuming, highly weather dependent, and prone to human error. The method of casting in bases accelerates the programme by removing interfaces and potential delays between the trade activities of installing the posts and insulating/weathering the surface. Beyond installation the ongoing maintenance price or 'lifetime cost' of 6 monthly LOLER inspections is significantly reduced. Non-cast in Davit Bases require a thorough examination of the fixings which may include torque testing if required. Visit our LOLER Testing and Inspection Guidance for more information.To learn more about our EdgeSeil range visit our Products Page or get in contact with the Sayfa Group Team.

Westmont is part of the wider White City development, and features outdoor swimming pools and roof top green spaces. These amenities increase the complexity of façade access and maintenance solutions, placing emphasis on clean times and aesthetics. The project incorporates various Sayfa Group product ranges including EdgeSeil™, EdgeReil™ and FallSecure™. These have been tested to BS8610:2017 and provide 30 years warranty. The development has a number of complex and highly architectural facade elements. Sayfa Group™ manufactured a black anodised 3 user EdgeReil™ which is concealed by the building shadow line. Additionally, grey powder-coated horizontal safety line systems and structurally calculated abseil brackets were provided to further minimise visual impact. Westmont also includes the EdgeReil™ A-Frame Davit system which provides a cantilevering reach with lower turning moments on the upper roof areas. Sayfa Group™ further supported the System Designer, by 3D modelling the faceting required to match the cladding, as well as labelling each component to a specific point and datum, to optimise installation. “We always work closely with our strategic partners. But our early involvement, at RIBA stage 2 and Gateway 2 BSR, was absolutely essential for the successfully delivery of this project and we are seeing it become more and more common”Head of BD, Alfie Hayes - Sayfa Group

Continuing its launch programme, Sayfa Group has innovated the traditional safety post, working to the company's unique 25³ NPD philosophy:25% saving to install25% reduction in cost25% less environmental impactFallSecure™ Post (patent pending) is manufactured from 6082-T6 structural aluminium and 316 stainless components. Fully SATRA tested to BS810:2017 for three users and 14kN rated the maximum system size is 144m with 12m post centres. The system has intermediate, corner, and end brackets with shock absorbers and tension forks. As with all Sayfa, products weather caps are available in high visibility safety yellow or discreet grey.The posts provide a hybrid functionality, offering a SLS that prevents accidental deployment and yet also prevents or significantly reduces forces deployed to the roof structure.With a range of post heights from 180mm to 650mm all weighing less than 5kg, risks with manual handling are much reduced, and carbon contributions from logistics cut significantly.Sayfa+ partner contractors benefit from a proprietary fixing method, reducing the necessity for rebar cutters and drill depth/diametre, helping the product achieve 25% saving in on-site labour.With a 30-year warranty, which increases to 60 years with Sayfa+ approved contractors installation and annual inspection, the materials are almost 100% recyclable. Of all aluminium extracted it is estimated 75% remains in use.

Part 2: https://nbs.fyi/ok2yoIPart 3: https://nbs.fyi/AyKAGSIn 2005 the Working at Height regulations began to shape today’s industry. Rope access or abseil is frequently adopted all over the world as a means of cleaning and maintaining buildings as well as infrastructure.However, the use of Davit arms and sockets is particularly prevalent in London, but is also increasingly the preferred solution in other UK cities. The premium for a BMU system in terms of direct cost, loss of real estate and ongoing maintenance means these are widely avoided, in instances where they might be used elsewhere in the world. As a result of this preference for rope access, the UK leads the world in product testing, system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance standards. Through BS8610:2017 and BS7883:2019 there are exacting standards to control a complex industry, formed mainly of specialist SME’s.In buildings typically from 5 to 50 floors the benefit of a davit solution as opposed to other anchor points such as abseil posts or eye bolts is that the rope can be safely diverted without risk of abrasion, building elements such as parapets can avoid the forces and the sockets can be easily concealed.The initial costs of a Davit system are relatively low, as are the ongoing costs for LOLER inspection. The design and install is, in the main easy to coordinate. All of these factors have combined for the rise and rise of Davits.At Sayfa Group where the principle of Safer for Designers, Installers and Users is a core aspect of the product design, the davit solution is viewed slightly differently.During the design development and testing it quickly became apparent that to meet the product standards with typical UK building standards the Davits would be heavy units even when they are modular interconnecting sections. It was even more obvious moving the Davit arm from socket to socket, rigging and re-rigging was likely to be far more time consuming than the operation itself. Consultations with rope access companies confirmed this, who in the past might have used poorly executed temporary systems like weighted trolleys or adhoc eyebolts, both of which present risks for the user and duty holder.When evaluating the benefits of Davits it was evident that its main benefits related to ease of construction rather than user and public safety and initial cost, rather than ongoing cost for the next 30, 60 or 120 years.With the insulation depths and complex facades present in many UK buildings to meet BREEAM or the highest part L efficiency ratings it was clear some functions of a davit were fundamental, however, if these could be combined with the characteristics associated with a BMU or monorail system, there might be a solution that suited everyone.Earlier this year Sayfa Group launched EdgeReil, building on the only UK 3 user BS 8610:2017 tested abseil rail. This incorporated two means of Davit attachments through a monorail and A-frame or DuoRail or TwinTrack system.These systems offer full building perimeter functionality, fixed to a concrete parapet or primary steels is the most cost effective option, but roof fixed support posts are available.The key benefits are that cleaning is up to 18 times faster than socketed davits, enabling a single rig to clean a large elevation or an entire small building. This improves user safety, minimises manual handling of the davit and drop risks as well as impacts of the exclusion zones at lower level.The system is also suitable for lifting or lowering materials and undertaking maintenance activities.Contact enquiries@sayfagroup.co.uk

Part 1: https://nbs.fyi/aIiu06Part 3: https://nbs.fyi/AyKAGSThe EdgeReil system combines the functionality of a davit with the speed of a BMU. In summary like a davit the parapet is cleared, the system can be rigged for rescue and it can move safely and freely around the perimeter of a building from an inboard position.The trade off for this combined functionality is that early co-ordination is essential to ensure the system is cost comparable with conventional socketed davits. Ideally, EdgeReil is incorporated into a concrete parapet with either cast-in or surface fixing. Alternatively, it can be co-ordinated with a pre-existing structural steel such as those for plant screen louvres for the lowest cost solution.The commercial case for EdgeReil is clear, initial costs can compete with traditional rope access but it is typically at least 18 times quicker than individual anchors points such as abseil posts or davits. The functionality is comparable to hoists, cradles or even BMU’s but at a fraction of the initial and life time costs. LOLER remains twice annually rather than quarterly and scheduled maintenance is minimal.More importantly, from a user safety perspective, as a single rig or rope tie off is possible when using the EdgeReil major risks are alleviated. One of the highest frequency of IRATA incidents is near misses (equipment tethering issues or trip hazards) and prevents the highest severity risk factors, which is falls (because access is in board). Other control aspects are also substantially reduced (statistic source 2023 IRATA Work & Safety Analysis).Further cost realisation benefits are not only in 'the time on the rope' but also in IRATA level 3 attendance but also exclusion time periods are much shorter, ensuring revenues from commercial activities are minimally impacted.Sayfa Group are members of BSiF, FASET and IRATA. All products are SATRA BS8610:2017 tested to offer market leading accreditation and innovation.

Part 1: https://nbs.fyi/aIiu06Part 2: https://nbs.fyi/ok2yoIIn the previous part we examined innovations of the conventional davit systems. It is worth recapping that the increasing frequency of davit installations is because this avoids many considerations associated with more traditional anchor points such as abseil posts or eyebolts. British Standards necessitate that height safety equipment and building substructures such as parapets or balustrades can meet the design loads associated with these products. These are at least 2.5 times greater than the service load of 6kN.The design loads are specified to ensure that in the event of an accidental fall, there is no risk of debris falling. If this did occur it could cause an injury or fatality to the operative or a member of the public. Effectively, socketed davits were the first solution to an emerging rope access requirement for new buildings.All the way through to the early 2020’s these sockets were most frequently chemical anchor fixed however since this time it has become more and more prevalent for these to be ‘cast-in’ during a concrete pour to significantly reduce the complexity and cost associated with ongoing 6 monthly LOLER examinations.Despite this development, the main down side to socketed davit solutions still exists. The lifetime cleaning costs with this system are so much greater than other BS8610 / EN17235 anchor solution options. The increase in time and cost is predominately a factor of set up and rigging times. During Sayfa Group’s product development consultation with IRATA rope access technicians, it became evident that whilst Davits work for the building design, they do not work for the user and therefore not the building owner / duty holder.The feedback to us was that Abseil rail was the much preferred but not if accessibility of these was made difficult by being outboard of the building or overhead. The issue with a conventional abseil rail in other scenarios is that rope loadings will still be applied to the parapet or balustrades.On this basis Sayfa Group has developed a range of hybrid rail and davit products. These deliver a safer, more intuitive system that allows horizontal access across the façade, minimising rigging and set up times but also deviating the rope path. Whilst the initial costs of these new systems can be the same or even slightly more than a socketed davits, the life cycle cost saving can be £100,000's.On larger schemes life time cost saving have been calculated to be in excess £1.5 million. Additionally, interruptions to the building from aspects such as exclusion zones or access closures are limited.In summary life costs are a factor of:-Height / Facade Access StrategiesBuilding superstructure costPossible facade re-enforcement costSystem Designer costInitial product system costSystem and commissioningOngoing LOLER examinationsUser / Cleaning or Maintenance costsProviding 3 or 6 monthly cleaning and certification cycles are maintained, all other costs can be best represented by the iceberg analogy, the design and build costs are the little that is visible above the water - the maintenance and use are the vast amount unseen below the water.