Patent Publication Number: US-RE46619-E

Title: Fall arrest system and method for using same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to fall prevention. More particularly, such embodiments relate to fall arrest systems and methods for using same. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the United States, falls make up over one-third of all construction fatalities. Over 250,000 non-fatal injuries from falls occurred in 2007 alone. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) specifies that an employer must utilize a fall protection system whenever an employee may fall 1.8 m (6 ft) or more from any surface. Each employee who is constructing a leading edge 1.8 m or more above lower levels or who is on a walking/working surface 1.8 m or more above a lower level where leading edges are under construction must be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or fall arrest systems. 
     Conventional fall arrest systems are often unwieldy and difficult to install and disassemble. Some conventional fall arrest systems can only be used with specific construction equipment having fixed sizes or connections and may not function well with other fall protection methods. Other fall arrest systems previously used do not comply with heightened federal safety standards. 
     There is a need, therefore, for a fall arrest system that meets current safety standards, may be used with other fall protection methods, is easily movable, and/or is easily attachable to construction site fixtures or structures. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the disclosure provide a fall arrest system. The fall arrest system may include a post disposed on a clamp. The clamp may be configured to secure to a base structure. The fall arrest system may also include a davit arm disposed on the post via one or more hinges. The post may be configured to support a winch and the davit arm may be configured to support a cable therefrom. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure may further provide a fall arrest system generally including a post disposed on a clamp, wherein the clamp is configured to secure the post to a base structure. The fall arrest system may also include a davit arm disposed on the post via one or more hinges, wherein the one or more hinges are disposed on a first end of the davit arm. The fall arrest system may further include a winch disposed on the post having a cable extending therefrom toward a second end of the davit arm. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure may further provide a method for installing a fall arrest system. The method generally includes disposing a first side plate of a clamp adjacent a first side of a base structure, and disposing a second side plate of the clamp proximate a second side of the base structure, such that the base structure is at least partially interposed between the first side plate and the second side plate. The method may also include securing the clamp to the base structure and connecting a post to a top plate of the clamp, the top plate being secured to the first and second side plates. The method may further include disposing a davit arm on the post via one or more hinges. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. 
         FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative fall arrest system, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative clamp for a fall arrest system, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an isometric view of another illustrative fall arrest system, according to one or more embodiments described. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term “or” is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., “A or B” is intended to be synonymous with “at least one of A and B,” unless otherwise expressly specified herein. 
     The terms “up” and “down”; “upward” and “downward”; “upper” and “lower”; “upwardly” and “downwardly”; “above” and “below”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular spatial orientation since the apparatus and methods of using the same may be equally effective at various angles or orientations. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative fall arrest system  100 , according to one or more embodiments. The fall arrest system  100  meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations by providing anchorage and support to arrest an employee in a fall from a walking/working level (not shown). The fall arrest system may generally be used to prevent the fall of persons from an upper level to a lower level. The fall arrest system  100  may be implemented with a fall protection system (not shown), e.g., guardrail systems, barricades, fences, or the like. 
     The fall arrest system  100  generally includes a davit arm  130  disposed on a post  110 . For example, the davit arm  130  may be hinged to the post  110 . The post  110  may have a first or “upper” hinge plate  112  configured to receive a first or “upper” pin  140  of the davit arm  130 , and a second or “lower” hinge plate  114  configured to receive a second or “lower” pin  142  of the davit arm  130 . 
     The post  110  may further include a lifting lug  116  disposed at an upper or top end thereof, and one or more lifting handles (two are shown  118 ,  120 ) extending from one or more sides of the post. For example, the first lifting handle  118  may be disposed on one side of the post  110 , and the second lifting handle  120  may be disposed on an opposite side of the post  110 . In at least one embodiment, the lifting handles  118 ,  120  can be “D” shaped bars each having two ends disposed on the post  110 . A chain, cable, hook, or the like may be attached to the lifting lug  116  and/or the lifting handles  118 ,  120  to transport the post  110  or the entire fall arrest system  100 . The lifting handles  118 ,  120  may also allow for lifting and/or transporting the post  110  by hand. 
     A winch support  122  may be disposed on the post  110  and may be configured to attach a winch  170  thereto. For example, the winch  170  may be removably secured directly or with a bracket to the winch support  122 . The winch support  122  may be disposed on the post  110  at a height that is easily accessible to an employee using or monitoring the fall arrest system  100  from the walking/working level (not shown). 
     The cross-sectional shape of the post  110  may vary, as desired. Suitable cross-sectional shapes may include, but are not limited to, circular, rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, triangular, elliptical, diamond-shaped, pentagonal, hexagonal, trapezoidal, or the like. The post  110  may be solid or hollow. For example, the post  110  may be circular, elliptical, or rectangular pipe composed of hollow structural section (HSS), electric resistance welded (ERW) pipe, extruded pipe, or the like. In another example, the post  110  may be a solid piece of iron or steel. 
     The post  110  is generally configured to be at least partially disposed on, in, or otherwise connected to a clamp  200 . In at least one embodiment, the post  110  may be removably coupled to the clamp  200 . For example, the post  110  may be disposed in an opening in the clamp  200  and may be secured to the clamp  200  by one or more latches, compression fittings, screws, nuts and bolts, pins, rivets, or the like. Although not shown, the post  110  may be hollow and may be disposed over a connector post of the clamp  200  and removably secured thereto. The post  110  may have a base ring  124  disposed towards a lower end of the post  110  and configured to rest on a connector or top plate of the clamp  200 . The base ring  124  may have a larger cross-sectional area than the post  110  to prevent the post  110  from being disposed too far into the clamp  200 . 
     The clamp  200  is generally configured to secure the fall arrest system  100  to a base structure  105  located in a construction site, excavation site, work zone, or the like. Exemplary base structures  105  to which the clamp  200  may be secured include, but are not limited to, excavation support structures, beams, scaffolds, walls, slabs, or the like. Exemplary excavation support structures include, but are not limited to, trench shoring walls, trench shield walls, aluminum trench box walls, shoring panels, slide rail panels, combinations of the same, or the like. 
     The davit arm  130  generally includes a first beam  132  disposed on a second beam  134 . In at least one embodiment, a first or “proximal” end of the first beam  132  may be secured to a first or “upper” end of the second beam  134  to form a corner or elbow therebetween, such that the first and second beams form an upside down “L” shape. For example, the first beam  132  may be oriented in a substantially horizontal direction and the second beam  134  may be oriented in a substantially vertical direction. In at least one embodiment, the first end of the first beam  132  may be welded, pinned, riveted, bolted, or similarly secured to the upper end of the second beam  134 . In another embodiment, the first and second beams  132 ,  134  can be formed of one piece. A cross beam  136  may be disposed between the first beam  132  and the second beam  134  to support and strengthen the davit arm  130 . In at least one embodiment, the cross beam  136  may be secured (e.g., welded, pinned, riveted, bolted, or the like) to the first beam  132  and to the second beam  134 . In another embodiment, the first and second beams  132 ,  134  and the cross beam  136  can be formed of one piece. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that more cross beams, bars, plates, or the like, may be added to the davit arm  130  to provide further rigidity and/or support. 
     A first or “upper” pin support  141  and a second or “lower” pin support  143  are generally disposed on a side of the second beam  134  that faces the post  110 . The pin supports  141 ,  143  may include one or more plates or gussets for supporting the first and second pins  140 ,  142 , respectively. The first and second pin supports  141 ,  143  may be welded or otherwise secured to the second beam  134  or may be formed as one piece with the second beam  134 . The upper and lower, or first and second, pins  140 ,  142  may be disposed and/or secured to the first and second pin supports  141 ,  143 , respectively. The pins  140 ,  142  may be welded to the pin supports  141 ,  143  or formed as part of the second beam  134  and/or the entire davit arm  130 . 
     The pins  140 ,  142  are generally adapted to be disposed or inserted through holes defined in the hinge plates  112 ,  114 , respectively, to form a pair of hinges  190 ,  192  between the post  110  and the davit arm  130 . As illustrated, the davit arm  130  has pins  140 ,  142  inserted through holes defined in the hinge plates  112 ,  114 . It will be appreciated, however, that this hinge configuration could be reversed. As shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the post  110  may have one or more pins  340 ,  342  disposed thereon, and the davit arm  130  may have corresponding hinge plate(s)  312 ,  314  having holes  350 ,  352  defined therethrough for receiving the one or more pins  340 ,  342 . The hinges  190 ,  192 ,  332 ,  334 , allow the davit arm  130  to swivel, pivot, rotate, or otherwise move with respect to the post  110  to provide a wide range of motion and/or reach for the fall arrest system  100 . The davit arm  130  may extend away from the structure, e.g., over a ledge or excavation, and may extend over a handrail system, e.g., a guardrail, barricade, fence, or the like. Although not shown, the davit arm  130  can have one or more sleeves configured to be disposed over the post  110  and to swivel, pivot, rotate, or otherwise move thereabout. 
     A second or “distal” end of the first beam  132  distal the second beam  134  generally extends beyond the point where the cross beam  136  is secured to the first beam  132 . A cable support plate  138  may be disposed on this extended portion proximate the second end of the first beam  132  and may be configured to support and/or at least partially anchor cable  172  therefrom or thereto. The term “cable” as used herein may refer to a lanyard, wire, cord, rope, or the like. For example, the cable support plate  138  may be disposed on the bottom of the first beam  132  proximate the second end thereof. One or more holes may be defined through the cable support plate  138  through which a first ring or hook  176  or the cable  172  may be disposed. The cable  172  may extend from the winch  170  through a pulley block  174  to a second hook  178 . The pulley block  174  may be secured to the davit arm  130  at the cable support plate  138  via the first hook  176 . The first hook  176  and the pulley block  174  may allow the cable  172  and the winch  170  to be easily added to or removed from the davit arm  130 . Although not shown, the cable  172  may be disposed through the hole defined in the cable support plate  172  or through the first hook  176 . The cable  172  may have a minimum breaking strength of 22.2 kN. 
     One or more eyelets (two are shown  144 ,  146 ) may be disposed on a side of the first beam  132 , e.g., the top of the first beam  132 . Although not shown, another cable or lifeline may also be disposed through the eyelets  144 ,  146  and may be joined to a second winch or inertia reel. The fall arrest system  100  may use a plurality of cables and winches that may cooperate to provide further fall protection. 
     The fall arrest system  100  may be generally capable of supporting about 11.1 kN (2,500 lbs) to about 22.2 kN (5,000 lbs) or more. When stopping a fall of a person secured to the cable  172 , the arresting force of the fall arrest system  100  on an employee may be, for example, about 4 kN (900 lbs) when used with a body belt and about 8 kN (1,800 lbs) when used with a body harness. The fall arrest system  100  may have sufficient strength to withstand at least twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of about 1.8 m (6 ft) or less. 
     Any or all of the components of the fall arrest system  100  described above may be composed of a suitable material to meet OSHA standards. Such suitable material may include, but is not limited to, any of one or more metals, fiberglass, wood, composite materials, and plastics, as well as mixtures, blends, and copolymers of any and all of the foregoing materials. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative clamp  200  for the fall arrest system  100 , according to one or more embodiments. The clamp  200  generally includes a first or “top” plate  202  disposed on or otherwise coupled to a first side plate  204  and a second side plate  206 . In at least one embodiment, the top plate  202  may be disposed across edges of the first and second side plates  204 ,  206 , e.g., substantially perpendicular to the first and second side plates  204 ,  206 . For example, the top plate  202  may be substantially horizontal and the first and second side plates  204 ,  206  may be substantially vertical. The first and second side plates  204 ,  206  may be spaced apart from one another so that the base structure  105  (see  FIG. 1 ) is interposed between the first and second side plates  204 ,  206 , and the top plate  202  extends over and/or rests on top of the base structure  105 . For example, the first side plate  204  may be disposed proximate and/or adjacent a first side of the base structure  105  and the second side plate  206  may disposed proximate and/or adjacent a second side of the base structure  105 . 
     The top plate  202  may extend beyond the first and second side plates  204 ,  206 . One or more stiffeners (three are shown  210 ,  212 ,  214 ) may be disposed and/or secured between the top plate  202  and the first and/or second side plates  204 ,  206 . The stiffeners  210 ,  212 ,  214  may be plates or blocks and may add rigidity and strength to the clamp  200 . For example, the stiffeners  210 ,  212 ,  214  can be dispersed around the clamp  200  and secured between the top plate  202  and the first and/or second side plates  204 ,  206 . Although not shown, in addition to the stiffeners  210 ,  212 ,  214 , one or more other stiffeners may be added to the clamp  200  to increase the overall strength and/or resiliency of the clamp  200 . 
     A connector  208  may be at least partially disposed on, about, or through the top plate  202 . In at least one embodiment, the connector  208  may be circular, elliptical, or rectangular HSS, ERW pipe, or extruded pipe disposed perpendicularly to the top plate  202  and configured to receive the post  110  (see  FIG. 1 ) at least partially therein. For example, the connector  208  may be circular HSS having a first or “top” end disposed through the top plate  202  and a side thereof disposed proximate and/or adjacent the first or second side plates  204 ,  206 . The connector  208  may be welded, bolted, screwed, pinned, riveted, or otherwise secured to the top plate  202  and/or one of the first and second side plates  204 ,  206 . 
     As illustrated, the connector  208  may be disposed on the top plate  202  off-center, e.g., to one of side of the clamp  200 , to transfer the weight and stress of the post  110  onto the first or second side of the base structure  105 . It will be appreciated, however, that the connector  208  may be disposed on a top side of the clamp  200 , e.g., on top of the top plate  202 . For example, the connector  208  may be a solid post (not shown) disposed on the top plate  202  and configured to be disposed within an opening in the post  110 . In another example, the connector  208  may be HSS pipe disposed on the top of the top plate  202  where a bottom end of the connector  208  is welded to the top plate  202 . 
     The top plate  202  may further include one or more lifting plates (two are shown  218 ,  220 ) disposed on an opposite side of the top plate  202  from the first and second side plates  204 ,  206 . In at least one embodiment, a first lifting plate  218  may be disposed proximate a first end of the top plate  202 , and a second lifting plate  220  may disposed proximate a second end of the top plate  202 . The lifting plates  218 ,  220  may be disposed on the top plate  202  transverse to the first and second side plates  204 ,  206 . One or more bars (two are shown  222 ,  224 ) may be disposed on and/or between the lifting plates  218 ,  220 . The bars  222 ,  224  may be disposed transverse the lifting plates  218 ,  220 , for example, and may be welded thereto to provide extra strength and resiliency to the clamp  200 . Chains, hooks, chords, or the like may be attached to the bars  218 ,  220  to at least partially lift the clamp  200  and transport it from place to place, e.g., to and from the base structure  105 . 
     One of the first or second side plates  204 ,  206  may serve as a backer element for the clamp  200 , and the other of the first and second side plates  204 ,  206  may support one or more biasing devices (four are shown  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232 ). In at least one embodiment, the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  are generally disposed on or through the first or second side plates  204 ,  206  of the clamp  200  and are configured to provide biasing engagement with the first or second side of the base structure  105 . For example, the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  may be disposed through the second side plate  206  and configured to force one or more biasing ends of the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  against the second side of the base structure  105 . As the biasing ends are forced or urged against the second side of the base structure, the first side plate  204  is pulled or otherwise adjusted into biasing engagement with the first side of the base structure  105 , thereby securing the clamp  200  thereto. Although not shown as such, the biasing ends of the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  may include substantially flat surfaces, rounded points, or the like, configured to be biased against the base structure  105 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  may be screw-like devices threadably engaged with perforations defined in the first or second side plates  204 ,  206 . As such, rotating or screwing the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  in a first direction may serve to advance the biasing ends of the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  toward the first or second side of the base structure  105 . Rotating or screwing the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  in a second or opposing direction may serve to release the biasing pressure and loosen the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  from engagement with the base structure  105 . 
     As illustrated, the first and second side plates  204 ,  206  are stationary. It will be appreciated, however, that the clamp  200  may utilize one or more movable side plates or jaws that can be tightened to or around the base structure  105 . For example, the clamp  200  may be a vice-like device having a first jaw positioned on the first side of the base structure  105  and a second jaw configured to provide biasing engagement with a second side of the base structure  105 , such that the base structure  105  is secured between the first and second jaws. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , in operation, the fall arrest system  100  may be transported to a construction site, excavation site, work zone, or the like, and disposed on a structure therein, e.g., the base structure  105 . The fall arrest system  100  may be transported as one unit, or one or more components of the fall arrest system  100 , e.g., the clamp  200 , the post  110 , the davit arm  130 , and/or the winch  170 , may be transported individually. To transport and/or dispose the fall arrest system  100  onto the base structure  105 , chains, cables, hooks, or the like may be removably secured to the lifting lug  116  and/or lifting handles  118 ,  120 , to the first or second beams  132 ,  134  and/or the eyelets  144 ,  146 , and/or the bars  222 ,  224  of the clamp  200 . The fall arrest system  100  may be lifted and moved over the base structure  105  and then lowered thereon. A lifting device, rigging device, or the like may aid transporting, lifting, and lowering the fall arrest system  100 . In another example, the fall arrest system  100  may be moved about via one or more persons. 
     In at least one embodiment, the entire fall arrest system  100  may be lifted, transported, and/or lowered onto the base structure  105  as one piece, i.e., where the davit arm  130  is joined to the post  110  and where the post  110  is already connected to the clamp  200 . In another embodiment, the clamp  200  may be lifted, transported, lowered, and/or otherwise disposed onto the base structure  105  first and then secured thereto. Specifically, the first side plate  204  and the second side plate  206  of the clamp  200  may be placed proximate either side of the base structure  105  so that the top plate  200  of the clamp  200  rests thereon. 
     Once the clamp  200  is disposed at a desired location on the base structure  105 , it may be secured thereto using the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232 . For example, the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  may each be rotated to bias the ends of the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  against the base structure  105 , thereby compressing or otherwise clamping the base structure  105  between the ends of the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  and one of the first or second side plates  204 ,  206  of the clamp  200 . Because of the variable length of each of the biasing devices  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232 , and therefore its ability to clamp at various widths, the clamp  200  may be appropriately adjusted and/or configured to fit on a variety of base structures  105  having various dimensions. 
     After the clamp  200  is secured, the post  110  may then be connected to the clamp  200  followed by the davit arm  130  to the post  110 . The pins  140 ,  142  of the davit arm  130  can be aligned with holes in the hinge plates  112 ,  114 , respectively, of the post  110  and inserted therethrough. The hinged davit arm  130  can then swivel with respect to the post  110 , as desired or required. 
     Before or after the clamp  200  is secured, the winch  170  may be disposed on and otherwise secured to the winch support  122  of the post  110  and the cable  172  may be fed through the pulley block  174 . The pulley block  174  may then be hooked to the cable support plate  138  via the first hook  176 , and a second hook  178  may then be attached to the end of the cable  172 . Although not shown, the second hook  178  can be attached to a safety belt or safety harness, as desired. 
     If desired, the fall arrest system  100  may be utilized with other fall protection, e.g., guardrails, barricades, fences, or the like. The distal end of the davit arm  130  can extend over these other forms of fall protection and swivel back and forth to allow the cable  172  to have range over a large area in the construction site, excavation site, work zone, or the like. 
     Although not shown, two or more fall arrest systems  100  may be disposed along the base structure  105 . For example, a plurality of fall arrest systems  100  can be located a predetermined distance from one another to provide a plurality of safety cables to a construction site, work zone, excavation site, or the like. In at least one example, two adjacent fall arrest systems  100  can be located about 1 ft, about 5 ft, about 10 ft, about 20 ft, about 25 ft, about 30 ft, about 35 ft, about 40 ft, about 45 ft, or about 50 ft from one another along the base structure  105 . In at least one other example, two adjacent fall arrest systems  100  can be located apart from one another at a distance of less than about 50 ft, less than about 40 ft, less than about 30 ft, less than about 25 ft, less than about 20 ft, or less than about 10 ft. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure further relate to any one or more of the following paragraphs: 
     1. A fall arrest system, comprising: a post disposed on a clamp, the clamp being configured to secure to a base structure; and a davit arm disposed on the post via one or more hinges, the post configured to support a winch and the davit arm configured to support a cable therefrom. 
     2. The fall arrest system of paragraph 1, wherein the clamp comprises: a top plate coupled to a first side plate and a second side plate, the top plate being configured to extend over the base structure such that at least a portion of the base structure is interposed between the first and second side plates; and a connector at least partially disposed on the top plate. 
     3. The fall arrest system of paragraph 2, wherein the second side plate comprises a biasing device configured to place the first side plate in biasing engagement with a first side of the base structure, thereby securing the clamp thereto. 
     4. The fall arrest system of paragraph 3, wherein the biasing device comprises a screw-like device threadably engaged with a perforation defined in the second side plate, wherein an end of the screw-like device is configured to provide biasing engagement with a second side of the base structure. 
     5. The fall arrest system according to any one of paragraphs 2 to 4, wherein the connector comprises a pipe, and wherein the post is at least partially disposed through an open end of the pipe. 
     6. The fall arrest system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, further comprising a winch disposed on the post. 
     7. The fall arrest system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the one or more hinges each comprise: a hinge plate disposed on the post and having a hole defined therethrough; and a hinge pin disposed on the davit arm and inserted into the hole in the hinge plate. 
     8. The fall arrest system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the one or more hinges each comprise: a hinge plate disposed on the davit arm and having a hole defined therethrough; and a hinge pin disposed on the post and inserted into the hole in the hinge plate. 
     9. The fall arrest system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein the davit arm comprises: a first beam and a second beam, a first end of the first beam being disposed on a first end of the second beam; and a cross beam disposed between the first beam and the second beam. 
     10. The fall arrest system of paragraph 9, wherein the first beam of the davit arm is disposed substantially perpendicular to the second beam and the post. 
     11. The fall arrest system of paragraph 9 or 10, wherein a cable support is disposed proximate a second end of the first beam and configured to support a cable therefrom. 
     12. A fall arrest system, comprising: a post disposed on a clamp, wherein the clamp is configured to secure the post to a base structure; a davit arm disposed on the post via one or more hinges, wherein the one or more hinges are disposed on a first end of the davit arm; and a winch disposed on the post having a cable extending therefrom toward a second end of the davit arm. 
     13. The fall arrest system of paragraph 12, wherein the davit arm comprises: a first beam secured at a first end to an upper end of a second beam, the second beam having a first hinge pin disposed proximate the upper end and a second hinge pin disposed proximate a lower end thereof; and a cross beam secured to the first and second beam. 
     14. The fall arrest system of paragraph 13, wherein the davit arm further comprises a cable support disposed proximate a second end of the first beam and configured to support the cable therefrom. 
     15. The fall arrest system of paragraph 14, further comprising a pulley block connected to the cable support, the pulley block having the cable disposed therethrough. 
     16. A method for installing a fall arrest system, comprising: disposing a first side plate of a clamp adjacent a first side of a base structure; disposing a second side plate of the clamp proximate a second side of the base structure, such that the base structure is at least partially interposed between the first side plate and the second side plate; securing the clamp to the base structure; connecting a post to a top plate of the clamp, the top plate being secured to the first and second side plates; and disposing a davit arm on the post via one or more hinges. 
     17. The method of paragraph 16, wherein securing the clamp to the base structure comprises actuating a biasing device disposed through the second side plate of the clamp to compress the base structure between an end of the biasing device and the first side plate of the clamp. 
     18. The method of paragraph 16 or 17, further comprising: disposing a winch onto a winch support of the post, the winch comprising a cable fed through a pulley block; and securing the pulley block to a cable support plate disposed on an end of the davit arm distal the one or more hinges. 
     19. The method according to any one of paragraphs 16 to 18, wherein disposing the davit arm on the post comprises inserting a hinge pin of the davit arm through an opening defined in a hinge plate of the post. 
     20. The fall arrest system according to any one of paragraphs 16 to 19, wherein the base structure is an excavation support structure. 
     The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.