Stage 1:
For decades, davit systems with fixed bases provided reliable façade access but required repetitive setup cycles. This limited its efficiency on buildings with extensive access requirements.
What is Rail Connect?
What is Rail Connect? DavitPro Rail Connect is a hybrid façade access system that combines continuous rigid rail technology with engineered deviation arms. It allows access equipment to move smoothly along the building perimeter, reducing setup time and eliminating the repeated installation cycles associated with traditional davit systems.
THE INNOVATION
Bridging the Gap Between Davits and Rigid Rails
Rail Connect was developed to solve a common façade access challenge: achieving continuous coverage on buildings with extensive glazing or complex geometries, without the inefficiencies of fixed-position davits. By combining rigid rail systems with davit deviation arms, it delivers a more flexible and efficient access solution.
Rail Connect Key Principles:
- Continuous rail infrastructure
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RailPro External rigid aluminium rails are installed permanently along roof perimeters, creating stable, continuous tracks parallel to the façade.
- Mobile deviation arms
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Deviation arms attach to the rail via trolleys, extending safely over the building edge to provide consistent working clearance for rope access operations.
- Rapid repositioning
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Rather than repeatedly rigging and de-rigging fixed davits, the deviation arm simply glides along the rail, allowing access teams to move quickly between work areas.
- Distributed loading
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Anchors are spaced at regular intervals to spread loads evenly along the perimeter, reducing structural demand and avoiding concentrated forces at individual base points.
- Structural versatility
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By distributing loads, Rail Connect can often be installed on buildings where traditional davit bases are not structurally viable.
- Enhanced productivity
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With less time spent repositioning equipment, technicians can focus on productive work, helping reduce overall project times by up to 30-40%.
Rail systems
100%
Tested Safety Compliance
SYSTEM OPERATION
Understanding the Rail Connect Workflow
The Traditional Davit Challenge
Fixed davit bases require permanent installation at specific roof locations. On buildings with extensive façades, these repeated cycles can consume more time than the actual work itself. For each work position, technicians must:
1. Ascend to roof level
2. Assemble the davit arm
3. Rig primary and secondary ropes with descenders and safety equipment
4. Descend to perform tasks
5. Re-ascend and de-rig
6. Move to the next base position
7. Repeat
The Rail Connect Solution
Rail Connect transforms this workflow:
Permanent infrastructure:
A continuous RailPro External rail is anchored every three metres along the roof perimeter.
Mobile components:
Two independent trolleys support the primary and backup ropes, and connect the deviation arm over the façade edge. Features include adjustable support legs, rope-abrasion-preventing rollers, and integrated rope rigging points.
Streamlined workflow:
After the initial setup, technicians descend and perform work. To reposition, they simply glide trolleys along the rail and move the deviation arm horizontally to the next location. Horizontal repositioning takes 2–3 minutes versus 15–20 minutes for traditional systems.
Load Distribution Mechanics
Forces from the deviation arm transfer to its trolley and then distribute along the rigid aluminium rail to multiple anchors. This multi-point load sharing:
Reduces peak forces at any single anchor by 40-60%
Enables installation on structures with modest perimeter capacity
Maintains system integrity regardless of arm position
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COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES
Rail Connect vs. Fixed Davit Systems
How Rail Connect Differs from Alternative Approaches
Choose Rail Connect for fully glazed high-rises, extensive continuous façades, buildings with structural capacity limitations, and applications prioritising operational efficiency and rapid project completion.
Traditional Davits:
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Fixed bases at specific perimeter locations
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Portable arms assembled/disassembled repeatedly
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Complete rigging cycles at each position
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Concentrated loads at davit base locations
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Well-suited for buildings with limited access requirements
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Lower initial equipment investment
Rail Connect:
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Continuous rail infrastructure along perimeter
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Mobile deviation arm repositioning horizontally
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Single rigging sequence for entire building face
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Distributed loads across multiple rail anchors
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Optimal for buildings requiring comprehensive coverage
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Higher equipment cost offset by operational efficiency
COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES
Rail Connect vs. Fixed Davit Systems
How Rail Connect Differs from Alternative Approaches
The key distinction is that standard rigid rails protect workers traversing at height, whereas Rail Connect enables workers to descend building exteriors while maintaining horizontal mobility.
Standard RailPro External:
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Workers connect directly to trolleys via fall arrest equipment
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Designed primarily for fall arrest and traversing applications
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Workers maintain contact with roof surface or protected walkways
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Horizontal movement along protected routes
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Ideal for roof edge protection and perimeter access
Rail Connect:
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Deviation arms extend over building edge for suspended work
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Specifically designed for rope access façade operations
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Workers descend façade in fully suspended position
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Both horizontal (along rail) and vertical (down façade) movement
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Optimised for window cleaning, façade inspection, and external maintenance
WHERE IT'S USED
Ideal Applications for Rail Connect Systems
Fully glazed high-rises:
Enables continuous coverage across entire façades with minimal setup, making frequent maintenance of office towers and high-end residential buildings more efficient and cost-effective.
Buildings with structural limitations:
Distributed loading allows installation where traditional davit bases aren't viable, particularly on modern buildings designed around aesthetics rather than perimeter load capacity.
Expansive continuous façades:
A single rail installation can replace multiple fixed davit positions, providing uninterrupted access along long building elevations without repeated repositioning.
Architectural sensitivity:
The continuous rail design integrates discreetly into prestigious developments, maintaining clean rooflines and architectural intent.
Congested roof perimeters:
Flexible rail routinely navigates rooftop plant, HVAC equipment, and architectural features without compromising access coverage.
High-frequency maintenance:
Rapid repositioning makes Rail Connect a practical solution for regular window cleaning, façade inspections, and planned external maintenance.
ADVANTAGES
Why Specify Rail Connect?
Increased productivity:
Setup time between work positions is reduced by up to 85-90%, helping teams complete projects 30-40% faster and deliver more work per day at lower overall service cost.
Improved worker experience:
With less climbing, fewer manual adjustments, and smoother repositioning, technicians can focus on the task itself rather than managing equipment. Improving comfort, efficiency, and job satisfaction.
Greater structural problem-solving:
Distributed loading enables façade access on buildings where traditional davit bases are impractical or cost-prohibitive, opening up solutions for more challenging structures.
Boosted economic performance:
Although initial investment is higher than traditional davits, reduced labour time and improved efficiency typically deliver payback within 3-5 years on buildings with regular maintenance needs.
Enhanced safety:
Continuous rail protection, dual-trolley redundancy, reduced rope abrasion, and simplified setup all contribute to a safer working environment at height.
Seamless architectural integration:
The continuous rail design integrates discreetly into modern architecture, preserving clean rooflines and design intent without the visual impact of multiple davit bases.
EVOLUTION
From Traditional Davits to Rail Connect
Stage 2:
RailPro External introduced rigid rails for continuous fall protection and traversing applications, revolutionising roof edge safety. However, it wasn’t specifically designed for suspended façade work.
Stage 3:
Recognising that combining rigid rail infrastructure with mobile deviation arms could transform façade access efficiency, Rail Connect emerged – designed specifically for the operational realities of modern building maintenance.
Stage 4:
Ongoing development focuses on enhanced materials, improved ergonomics, extended capabilities, and integration with building management systems for predictive maintenance scheduling.