MGF Extendable Base Davit System User Guide

USER GUIDE:
MGF EXTENDABLE BASE DAVIT SYSTEM
FOR CONFINED SPACE/WORKING AT HEIGHT

Extendable Base Davit System

PLEASE READ & UNDERSTAND THIS USER GUIDE PRIOR TO COMPILING A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK AND USING THE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
For the latest version of this document visit mgf.co.uk

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

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.

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.

VISUAL INSPECTION / FUNCTIONAL TEST – PRIOR TO USE

The user must carry out a thorough visual inspection and 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.

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

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.
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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.

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.

• 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.

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.

FALL ARREST / RESCUE (CONTINUED):

• Following a fall arrest situation or to rescue an injured party, engage winch arm by: i) pulling out and holding positioning knob ii) push in winch arm and turn, ensuring that gears mesh iii) release the positioning knob iv) turn handle anticlockwise to lower or clockwise to raise the stretcher / arrested person (whichever is quickest and safest).
• Slowly swing the davit arm out of the excavation using the rope attached to the stretcher / harness, safety hook or davit arm.
• Once safely located above a safe area, lower the person / stretcher to ground level using the winch.
• Always ensure davit operations are carried out from a point of safety and rescuers DO NOT stand on unsupported edges or put themselves at risk from falling in to the excavation.
• In the event of a fall arrest incident inform MGF and place the equipment into quarantine. The winch arrest hook will indicate that a fall arrest incident has occurred and is NOT to be used until repaired.

DISASSEMBLY

Always disassemble the system from a position of safety by following the assembly instructions in reverse.

DISCLAIMER

Failure to adhere to the instructions supplied with the equipment may invalidate any claims with respect to damage, death or injury due to the misuse or malfunctioning of the apparatus.

WARNINGS

• NEVER – use this system to lift equipment or materials.
• NEVER – exceed the safe working load of 135kg or the SWL of equipment used with the davit if this is lower:
• RGR11 or Gazella Basket Stretcher – 120kg
• NEVER – attempt any maintenance (if in doubt contact MGF).
• ALWAYS – ensure adequate edge protection / safety measures are in place for operatives working around the davit.
• ALWAYS – ensure the davit is securely clamped to a robust / stable structure.
• ALWAYS – check all test dates and items are green ticked.

HEAD OFFICE
GRANT HOUSE LOCKETT ROAD ASHTON IN MAKERFIELD WIGAN WN4 8DE| ENGINEERING CENTRE
FOUNDATION HOUSE WALLWORK ROAD ASTLEY MANCHESTER M29 7JT
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mgf.co.uk
enquiries@mgf.co.uk
E: safety@mgf.ltd.uk
0808 163 7672
mgf.co.uk

References

• MGF - Supplying Excavation and Structural Support Solutions
• MGF - Supplying Excavation and Structural Support Solutions

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