When it comes to fuel tanker unloading equipment, dry disconnects have become essential for modern loading and unloading operations. These systems automatically shut as soon as your hose or loading arm is disconnected, which helps prevent spills and increases the overall safety of your site. At Northern Platforms, we specialize in turnkey fuel tanker loading and unloading equipment that integrates seamlessly into your site. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how dry disconnects work, the key equipment you need, and why they are a smart investment for your operation.
What are Dry Disconnects?
Dry disconnect couplings automatically shut off product flow when disconnected, helping to eliminate even the smallest spills. Unlike traditional couplings that release residual product into containment areas, dry disconnects retain any remaining fuel inside the connector itself. This means:
No fuel spills onto the ground
No product drips onto equipment or personnel
No vapour releases during disconnection
No cleanup required between unloading cycles
The retained product typically remains in the coupler and is removed during the next connection, or it can be drained safely during maintenance.
Dry Disconnect Options Available at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms stocks two proven dry disconnect solutions for fuel tanker unloading:
OPW Kamvalok Dry Disconnect
The OPW Kamvalok is an industry-leading dry disconnect system designed specifically for critical and high-value products. Key features include:
Locking handle maintains position to prevent unintended coupler opening or closing
Automatic closure in both directions—both coupler and adapter shut off simultaneously
Optimized for low pressure drop and maximum flow rates
Available in 1½”, 2″, and 3″ sizes to match your system requirements
Material choices: Aluminum or 316 stainless steel construction
Best for: High-volume operations, critical products, facilities requiring maximum reliability and minimal maintenance
Drylok Dry Disconnect Coupler/Adaptor
The Drylok system offers an alternative dry disconnect solution engineered for dependable performance in demanding fuel tanker unloading environments. Key features include:
Designed for optimal flow and pressure performance
Durable construction suitable for high-frequency cycling
Compatible with standard tanker receptacles
Available in multiple sizes and pressure ratings
Best for: Standard fuel tanker operations, retrofit applications, cost-conscious facilities seeking proven reliability
Why Choose Northern Platforms
At Northern Platforms, we’ll partner with you from initial assessment through installation, commissioning, and ongoing support. The result? Fuel tanker unloading equipment that seamlessly integrates into your operation. Here’s why Western Canadian companies choose us:
Single-source accountability: One partner for loading arms, vapour recovery hardware, gangways, and loading platforms, and more.
Proven equipment: We work with industry-leading manufacturers like Emco Wheaton, OPW, and SafeRack.
Custom solutions: Systems designed for your specific fleet, site layout, and operational requirements.
Installation and training: Complete commissioning services and operator training for long-term success
Maintenance support: Ongoing service to keep your system running at peak efficiency
Our experience across diverse industries—from petroleum terminals to chemical facilities—means we understand the unique challenges of different loading applications and can design the right solution for your operation.
Call Us Now!
Ready to invest in fuel tanker unloading equipment? Contact Northern Platforms to schedule your site visit today!
Articulating stairs, or self-adjusting gangways, bridge loading platforms to tanker trucks and railcars. These systems are essential for operations around Alberta and BC, especially when handling mixed fleets or frequent vehicle mis-spotting. However, selecting the right system isn’t simply about choosing between SAS, SFR, and FRT configurations. A successful installation requires careful measurement, specification validation, and alignment with your site’s operational realities. This buyer’s guide walks you through the process of selecting a gangway, from initial site assessment through final specifications. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Choose the Right Articulating Stairs: Step-by-Step
Many existing operations would benefit from adding articulating stairs to their site. However, choosing the right model can be tough–especially if you don’t know what to watch out for. Let’s walk through it, step by step.
Step 1: Take Accurate Measurements
Accurate measurements are the foundation of your system. Before you start shopping, make sure you have these details on hand:
Lowest hatch height
Highest hatch height
Horizontal reach (especially if you experience frequent mis-spotting)
Size limitations of existing platforms
Step 2: Assess Your Operations
Your site’s daily realities also play a crucial role in finding the right system. We recommend documenting the vehicles that consistently use your loading bay:
Truck types: Box trucks, tankers, hoppers—each trailer type has different hatch heights and loading profiles.
Railcar types: Covered hoppers (which need FRT-style telescoping access), liquid tankers, and flat cars also need different accommodations.
Height consistency: Do all vehicles in a category arrive at roughly the same height, or is there significant variation between loads?
If heights are consistent, a Simple Flat Ramp (SFR) is cost-effective and low-maintenance. If heights vary by load, load condition, or suspension state, a Self-Adjusting Stair (SAS) with self-levelling is worth the investment.
Additionally, you should track how often vehicles park off-center or at the wrong hatch locations. Monitor frequency, re-spotting time, and any associated safety risks. If mis-spotting is rare and re-spotting is quick, opt for a stationary gangway. If it’s frequent (more than once per shift), a track-mounted gangway can help significantly increase the efficiency of your site.
Step 3: Decide on Key Features & Specifications
Now that you have a clear sense of your site’s size and needs, you can finalize additional features of your articulating stair system, including:
Gangway width and load ratings
Safety cage design
Power and control systems
Materials
Compatibility with existing systems, including loading arms.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
In order to find the ideal system for your site, ask yourself these questions:
What is the height range of vehicles at your loading bays? Do these heights vary? Measure from the platform deck to typical hatch heights for both trucks and railcars. Include minimum and maximum heights to ensure adequate adjustment range.
How frequently do vehicles mis-spot? If re-positioning happens more often than not, track-mounted or FRT configurations will save significant time and frustration.
What are your platform space constraints? Existing platforms may limit gangway width, cage depth, or track length. Northern Platforms can engineer solutions to fit tight spaces.
Do you need multiple gangways? High-volume facilities may require multiple articulating stair systems. Northern Platforms can design coordinated installations for maximum efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Articulating Stairs
Once you’ve answered all the questions above, you should have a clear understanding of your top priorities. Use these insights to make an informed decision about your articulating stairs. Still not sure which option is right for you? Use this table to help make your decision:
Your Situation
Recommended System
Why It Works
Mixed truck heights, frequent vehicle changes
SAS (Self-Adjusting Stairs)
Self-levels to any height; stairs provide a solid foundation
Liquid railcar loading with mis-spotting issues
FRT (Flat Ramp Telescoping)
Can reach offset hatches; eliminates re-spots
Hopper cars or trucks with consistent heights
SFR (Simple Flat Ramp)
Simple, stable, low-maintenance solution for predictable applications
Multiple vehicle types and unpredictable positioning
SAS with track mounting
Combines height adjustment with a flexible track
LPG, asphalt, or chemical loading requiring quick access
SAS with power assist
Fast deployment and retraction; reduces manual handling
Why Choose Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is Western Canada’s leading supplier of safe access solutions, including SafeRack articulating stairs and gangway systems. We offer:
Expert site assessment: Our team conducts thorough measurements and site evaluations, ensuring specifications match your operational realities.
Turnkey installation: From design through final safety testing, we handle the complete build and integration process.
Preventive maintenance and support: Our maintenance contracts minimize downtime and extend system lifespan, critical for high-cycle operations and harsh Western Canadian conditions.
Local presence: Based in Alberta, we can be on your site within hours.
Contact Us Today!
Ready to get started? Northern Platforms is here to help. Call our office or request a quote through our website now.
Alberta’s energy sector depends on reliable rail operations. From oil sands loading in Fort McMurray to crude terminals near Edmonton and Calgary, hundreds of workers access tank cars daily at significant heights. Slip hazards, extreme weather, and high-exposure openings create serious risks—making professional fall protection systems essential under Alberta OHS Code Part 9. Keep reading to learn more about railcar fall protection in Alberta—and how Northern Platforms can help.
Railcar Fall Protection Regulations in Alberta
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code
In Alberta, fall protection requirements for worksites are determined by the Occupational Health and Safety Code, specifically Part 9. This code requires fall protection in all circumstances where workers could fall 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) or higher from an unprotected edge, platform, or opening. At railcar loading facilities, this threshold is commonly met when accessing the top of tank cars, platforms adjacent to rail spurs, or elevated gangway systems. Additionally, Alberta OHS recognizes “greater risk” situations—meaning that even falls under 3 meters may require protection if the landing surface is uneven, contains hazardous equipment, or presents other aggravating factors.
The Railway Safety Act
For facilities located on or working with federally regulated railway corridors (such as those operated by CN), additional obligations may apply. The Railway Safety Act addresses broader rail operational safety, including track maintenance, railway equipment, signal systems, grade crossings, dangerous goods handling, and the operating rules that control how workers and equipment interact with rail infrastructure. Northern Platforms designs systems that satisfy both provincial and national regulations, ensuring your facility meets all applicable requirements.
Complete Fall Protection Systems for Alberta Rail Operations
For comprehensive protection when accessing tank cars, your system will need several elements, including:
Gangways: Stable walking surfaces that connect docks and tank cars. Many Alberta operations deal with varying tank car heights, so adjustability is key. Northern Platforms product recommendation: SafeRack FRT gangway
Tank car safety gates: A simple added fall protection feature that prevents workers from falling through the crashbox opening on a tank car. Enjoy a lightweight aluminum construction, power-coated finish, and easy installation with linch pins. Northern Platforms product recommendation: Northern Platforms Rail Car Safety Gate
Additional safety systems: Beyond fall protection, railcar loading and unloading operations are required to use railcar wheel chocks and blue flags under Alberta regulations. Northern Platforms product recommendation: Aldon Railcar Wheel Chocks
Northern Platforms provides railcar fall protection to operations across Alberta, including:
Edmonton
Calgary
Red Deer
Fort McMurray
Our expertise spans oil and gas operations, petrochemical manufacturing, agricultural loading, and industrial chemicals. We understand Alberta’s regulatory environment, climate challenges, and operational demands. Ready to learn why we’re Western Canada’s number one choice for railcar fall protection systems? Get in touch with our office today.
Start Building Your Railcar Fall Protection System Today
Your Alberta railcar operations depend on fall protection designed for local conditions and regulations. So whether you are operating a Calgary transloading facility, Edmonton terminal, or Fort McMurray oil sands operation, Northern Platforms brings regional expertise and proven experience to every single contract. Plus, as a complete turnkey service provider, we can provide everything from comprehensive system design to ongoing and consistent maintenance.
Ready to ensure your Alberta rail operations meet local compliance and safety standards? Contact Northern Platforms for a no-obligation site assessment. Our Alberta specialists will evaluate your facility, recommend optimal solutions, and provide transparent proposals for supply and installation. We bring decades of experience securing workers at heights across Western Canadian energy infrastructure.
Northern Platforms is the Western Canadian leader in industrial access solutions, specializing in fall protection systems and turnkey installation services for oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. We supply some of the best products on the market, including SafeRack, ErectaStep, OPW, and more.
Industrial facilities often require workers to navigate standard and wide-span openings at ladder openings, loading docks, mezzanine platforms, high-traffic corridors, and more. In these areas, comprehensive fall protection is absolutely crucial. If you’re looking to protect openings at your facility, Northern Platforms has you covered! OSHA/OH&S-certified industrial swing gates are available in numerous models and sizes. Below, we’ll discuss standard and XL industrial swing gate systems available in our warehouse now. Keep reading to find out which system best suits your facility!
Standard Industrial Swing Gates
One of the best-selling products at Northern Platforms, industrial swing gates are a worthwhile addition to facilities, no matter the industry. This product helps protect your workers from fall hazards, including doorways, equipment passages, ladder openings, and more. With a broad field‑adjustment range and universal mounting hardware, these safety swing gates fit most standard openings and can be configured to swing left or right to match traffic flow. Additional features include a self‑closing design, high‑visibility finishes, and corrosion‑resistant construction.
Case Study: Safety Swing Gates & Alberta Oil and Gas Operations
Safety swing gates are an easy and efficient addition to all industrial worksites. For example, an Alberta oil and gas facility partnered with Northern Platforms to scale fall protection and access control using YellowGate safety swing gates across their site. This project covered roughly 60 openings spanning loading areas, equipment access points, and material transfer zones, demanding a fast‑install, width‑flexible solution that met OSHA/OH&S requirements. By using YellowGate’s standard safety swing gates, Northern Platforms was able to address every opening with a single solution featuring:
Universal mounting to pipe, tube, or other areas.
Left or right swing direction, depending on the situation.
Field adjustability for openings of various sizes.
Complete turnkey delivery from site assessment to supply to installation.
The outcome was simple: dependable fall protection and safer daily operations, without costly custom fabrication or prolonged shutdowns. You can find more information about this project on the YellowGate website or by contacting Northern Platforms.
Need help mapping openings and selecting the right gate? Northern Platforms can assess your site and deliver a compliant, easy‑to‑install swing gate system that scales with your facility.
XL Barrier Gates
Looking for an industrial swing gate for larger openings? The YellowGate XL barrier gate might be right for you. Specifically designed for wide-span areas, this product can be used for loading dock fall protection, traffic control on railyards, and more. Key features of this product include:
Adjustable range: Built to accommodate gaps between 6’ [1829mm] to 12’ [3658mm].
Easy to install design: With no opposite side receiver required, you can reduce installation times and keep your facility clean.
Lightweight: With adjustable tension springs, you can fine-tune your gate for easy lifting and lowering.
Durable construction: Powder-coated aluminum makes this gate suitable for both external and internal applications.
OH&S compliant: If you are using this product for fall protection purposes, the YellowGate XL meets relevant regulations.
Optional add-ons: Add electrical power assist to your barrier gate if needed.
As a proud Western Canadian YellowGate supplier, Northern Platforms has YellowGate XL barrier gates in stock and ready to ship now! With just one SKU, you can easily and quickly protect multiple openings in your facility. Contact us today for more information about this product or to place your order now.
Safety Swing Gates: Available from Northern Platforms Now
Since 2007, Northern Platforms has been Western Canada’s premier distributor of safe access and fall protection solutions. We are pleased to partner with numerous industry-leading manufacturers, including YellowGate, SafeRack, ErectaStep, and more! In addition to our expansive inventory, we offer several turnkey solutions, including preventative maintenance support and equipment installation services. If you’d like to learn more about our industrial swing gate options, contact Northern Platforms today!
Albertan and BC operations regularly deal with high pressures, intense temperatures, and other rough conditions. Are your fittings and loading arms up to the task? Keep reading to learn more about one of the best fittings on the market—and how the Northern Platforms team can help improve your railcar loading system today.
What are Hiltap Fittings?
When industrial operations demand the highest level of safety and reliability, Hiltap fittings deliver. Manufactured by OPW, these specialized quick couplings handle the most challenging liquid and gas transfer applications with ease. They are specifically designed to handle high and low pressures and temperatures.
Benefits of Hiltap Fittings
Hiltap fittings are loved by many of our customers. Here are some of the advantages of this fitting:
Innovative Designs: This fitting features a metal-to-metal wedge seal design that locks under pressure. Don’t worry about the risks of accidental disconnections—this design offers complete protection in every circumstance.
Built for High Pressure and Intense Temperatures: If you regularly deal with high pressures or intense temperatures, you probably already know that many fittings on the market are not designed to handle these circumstances. But if you opt for Hiltap fittings on your railcar loading arms, you can rest assured that they will operate safely and efficiently through wide pressure and temperature ranges.
Complete Regulatory Compliance: Safety and compliance are a must for all truck and railcar loading systems—which is why all Hiltap fittings come with comprehensive compliance documentation, including Canadian Registration Numbers.
Common Applications Hiltap Fittings
Many Albertan industries benefit from the technology and quality of OPW’s Hiltap fittings, including:
Oil and gas: Ideal for high-pressure applications and sour gas handling.
Chemical and petrochemical: Ensures secure and safe transfer of hazardous materials.
Natural gas liquids (NGLs): Pressurized railcars require a loading system and fitting that complies with strict local and national regulations.
Other industries: These fittings are also regularly used for aerospace, nuclear, and cryogenic applications, due to their pressure and temperature handling capabilities.
Popular Hiltap Fittings
At Northern Platforms, we can equip your railcar loading system with several different types of hiltap fittings. Here are some of the options that we currently offer to customers:
3TL Transfer Loading Series: One of the bestselling fittings that Northern Platforms offers, this all-purpose solution provides leak-proof sealing while also maintaining unrestricted flow. Enjoy a quick connection, dry disconnects, and safe venting of any residual pressure.
3U Series: These fittings are specifically designed to replace conventional medium-pressure unions/couplings. This fitting is ideal for smaller transfers that deal with significant temperature cycling.
LQC (Locking Quick Connect) Series: Do you regularly deal with pressurized railcars or tanks? This coupling is guaranteed to never disconnect under line pressure. Opt for this design for operations involving oils, NGLs, acids, and other hazardous materials.
Contact Northern Platforms for Hiltap Fittings and Railcar Loading Systems Today!
Which Hiltap fitting will you add to your operation? With over 20 years of industry experience, the Northern Platforms team can walk you through our options and provide product recommendations tailored to your situation. Plus, if you are looking to upgrade other elements of your railcar loading system, we’ve got you covered. As Western Canada’s leading provider of fall protection and safe access equipment, we have everything you need to design, build, and create the perfect solution. Explore our product offerings online or contact our sales team for more information! Let us help make your operations safer and more efficient today.
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