The Beginning

Prior to the introduction of socket and davits, most building parapets were constructed from structural materials. Electric suspended scaffolds were supported from these parapets by the utilization of parapet clamps. The parapet clamps, however, imposed a limitation. They only allowed the work platform to be taken to the top of the parapet and then it would have to be lowered to ground level for every lateral change of position.
The socket and davit industry is relatively young, having first been introduced in the late 60's. Its development followed the successful use of davits in lowering and raising life boats aboard ships. The introduction of sockets and davits to the building industry allowed the work platform to be swung onto the roof of a building. From this development the socket and davit industry was born.

Currently

Since the late sixties, little has changed in the design and use of socket and davits. In the mid-nineties federal and state codes began to point to a number of serious safety problems forcing more demanding codes to be legislated. For example, the traditional window cleaning Boatswain chairs have been outlawed in some states and others are making plans to follow.
By extending the length of the swing stages, (therefore offering more coverage per drop), electric swing stages became known for cutting down on the amount of roof equipment ($) needed to be installed.
Today we find that much confusion exists as to what is required by code and where one goes to find this information. State and Federal code requirements for your job are available from info@peekaboosystems.com

Future

It is hard to judge just what the future holds for this industry, however, one company has begun implementing some very important cost saving features available to the commercial building industry. Along with cost saving, safety has improved with these new innovations.
Peek-a-Boo Systems has started this change with the introduction of the Peek-a-Boo Exterior High Rise Building Maintenance system featuring ZERO roof top penetrations. YES! 100% penetration free along with a number of new features which cuts costs ($) and simplifies installation.