Are you looking to buy railroad blue flags for your railyard in Alberta or BC? Northern Platforms supplies a variety of railyard safety signage, including blue flags and blue lights. Keep reading to learn more about these signs, the provincial requirements in Alberta and British Columbia, and the options available at Northern Platforms. Plus, we’ll also cover some additional railcar safety equipment you can purchase for a complete, fully protected railyard.
What are Blue Flags?
Blue flag railroad safety signs are cautionary signals indicating that workers are on, under, or in the vicinity of rail equipment. They serve as a universal indicator that other workers or locomotives should not approach, move, or couple with the impacted railcar.
When are Blue Flags Required?
Blue flags are required for all rail sites whenever railcars are being worked on, loaded, or unloaded, regardless of what material is being dealt with.
Depending on your jurisdiction, there may be additional requirements or regulations that apply to blue flags on your site. For example, in Alberta, some key additional requirements include:
Placement of the blue flag on a section of track or on a railway vehicle
The same crew that places the blue flag must also remove it.
Operators must be trained on proper blue flag procedures. Written instructions are also required.
Curious about the blue flag requirements in your location? The team at Northern Platforms has extensive knowledge of safety requirements in both Alberta and British Columbia. Contact us today for more information.
Types of Railroad Blue Flags Available at Northern Platforms
While all blue flags serve the same fundamental purpose, these safety signs are available in many different options, including:
Blue Flag Signs (Daytime)
The standard railroad blue flag sign is a physical sign plate constructed of durable material, minimum 30 cm × 38 cm, printed on a blue background with the word “STOP” in white capital letters at least 10 cm high. It is mounted on a pole, affixed to the rail, positioned at right angles to the track, and raised to approximately five feet above the top of the rail so it is clearly visible to approaching movements.
Northern Platforms carries several Aldon railroad blue flag signs. Common sign plate options include “DO NOT MOVE,” “STOP – Employees Working,” “STOP – Tank Car Connected,” “STOP – Crew At Work,” and “No Locomotives Beyond This Point,” among others. Custom signage is also available, and signs can be ordered in English, French, or Spanish.
Blue Lights (Nighttime and Low-Visibility)
Under Canadian Rail Operating Rule (CROR) 26, blue flag protection requires both a blue flag by day and a blue light by night. Northern Platforms can also provide blue lights, including solar-powered, flashing, and magnetic options.
For more information about the different options available, request a quote through our website or call our office for more information!
Additional Products for Complete Railyard Safety
In addition to railroad blue flags, Northern Platforms also supplies a variety of railyard safety equipment, including:
Derails
A derail is a physical mechanical device mounted to the rail that, when engaged, will intentionally guide a railcar or locomotive off the track before it can reach the protected work zone. Derails are often paired with blue flags and offer an extra layer of protection if a locomotive or car somehow passes a blue flag that should have stopped it. In this case, the derail forces it off the track rather than allowing it to continue into the area where workers are present.
Wheel Chocks
Even a small gust of wind or the vibration from a nearby loading operation can send an unsecured railcar rolling. To help prevent dangerous “runaway” situations, railcar wheel chocks are essential.
Steel-spur railcar wheel chocks bite into the rail to hold the car in place, preventing this uncontrolled movement during loading, unloading, or maintenance operations. They are available in a variety of styles, including options for both exposed rail and flush rail.
Normally, railyards use standard placards to indicate which way a track switch is thrown. While this system works during the daytime, it can create serious safety concerns at night. If an incoming crew can’t easily read the switch direction, they could send a railcar down the wrong track and directly into a loading operation. To solve this problem, Northern Platforms supplies Aldon switch cubes.
Switch cubes are illuminated and reflective indicators that clearly show which direction a switch is thrown, regardless of visibility conditions. This product comes in a variety of configurations and options and is particularly useful for facilities with multiple tracks and loading positions.
Northern Platforms is Your Source for Railcar Safety Equipment
For most railyards, blue flags are just the beginning. In order to create a safe working environment for all operators, these sites often need wheel chocks, loading platforms, spill containment solutions, and more. That’s where Northern Platforms comes in.
At Northern Platforms, we supply a variety of Aldon railyard safety products for Western Canadian industrial operations. Our catalogue includes blue flag signs, blue lights and solar lighting systems, derails and derail accessories, wheel chocks, switch cube indicators, tank car sockets, and more.
Additionally, we are a turnkey provider for high-quality railcar loading systems, including complete system design and installation of railcar loading arms and fall protection.
Contact Us for a Railcar Safety Equipment Quote Today
At Northern Platforms, we have nearly 30 years of experience improving the safety and efficiency of industrial operations in Western Canada. We proudly serve businesses in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, food and beverage, and more. Interested in partnering with us on your next project or facility upgrade? Explore our products, request a quote through our website, or call our sales teams today. We can’t wait to work with you.
Promoting safe access is the cornerstone of all industrial sites. From routine inspections to maintenance, loading, repairs, and equipment operation, workers need reliable ways to reach the areas where work actually happens.
But safe access does not look the same in every facility. Some sites need permanent platforms built around fixed equipment. Others need mobile platforms that can move between work areas. Understanding the difference between these platform types is key to choosing the right solution for your application. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between modular, mobile, and fixed industrial work platforms, including where each option is commonly used and how they support safer, more efficient work.
What Are Industrial Access Platforms?
Industrial access platforms are engineered systems that provide safe, elevated work areas for inspection, maintenance, and operations tasks. They typically combine:
A work deck or platform
Stairs or ladders for access
Guardrails, toe boards, and gates for fall protection
Generally speaking, industrial access platforms fall into three major categories: fixed, modular, and mobile. Let’s break down some key details about all these systems.
Mobile Access Platforms
Mobile access platforms are rolling or movable platforms that can easily be repositioned to where they’re needed and locked in place during use. Typically, you’ll find mobile platforms in applications where:
The work moves around the site (e.g., maintenance on multiple pumps, valves, or vehicles)
Equipment of similar height is spread across a large area
You need temporary access during shutdowns, turnarounds, or project phases
Installing a permanent structure is not practical or cost‑effective
Some examples from Northern Platforms include:
RollaStep MP Series mobile work platforms, which combine the stability of a fixed platform with the mobility of a rolling stair. Ideal for flatbed truck loading and unloading.
SafeRack MAUI Mobile Truck Loading Platform is a mobile tank truck access platform designed for safe loading access. It includes a stable base, telescoping ladder, and safety cage, with optional powered movement for easier positioning.
While mobile platforms can be useful, they should be avoided for high-traffic sites with consistent loading and unloading operations. In these situations, opt for a permanent/fixed loading rack.
Modular Access Platforms
Modular access platforms are built from standardized, pre-engineered components, like stairs, platforms, handrails, ladders, and supports, that bolt together easily. Generally, modular access platforms are ideal for:
Sites where access needs evolve over time
Projects on tight schedules that can’t wait for custom fabrication
Facilities that prefer bolt-together, no-welding installations for safety and speed
Applications where reconfiguration and expansion are expected
Systems like ErectaStep use a small set of standard components (universal platforms, stairs, ladders, tower supports, handrails) that can be combined into almost any configuration: crossovers, valve platforms, mezzanine access, ladder platforms, and more.
In practice, modular systems cover the majority of common industrial use cases, especially for valve access, pipeline crossovers, metering stations, industrial catwalks, rooftop access, and more. However, they are generally not used for truck and railcar loading and unloading.
Fixed Access Platforms
Fixed access platforms are permanently installed structures tied into the building, steelwork, or foundations. They don’t move and are engineered for long-term service in a defined location. Fixed platforms make sense when:
The access need is permanent and clearly defined (e.g., top of a tank, a mezzanine, or a fixed conveyor)
Loads are high or frequent, and continuous anchoring is required
Integration with existing building structure or process equipment is critical
The site must satisfy specific code or insurer requirements for permanent access
Northern Platforms has extensive experience building permanent loading platforms for a variety of applications. For further details about these projects, contact our office.
Industrial Access Platforms from Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms supplies and supports all three categories:
Mobile access platforms: Rolling work platforms and cantilever platforms for safe, mobile access to warehouse shelves, flatbed trailers, and other equipment
Modular access platforms: ErectaStep modular stairs and platforms for crossovers, valve access, metering stations, assembly lines, and more.
Fixed access platforms and loading systems: Truck and rail loading platforms integrating platforms, gangways, loading arms, and fall protection as complete systems.
Not sure what platform is best for your application? Our team specializes in assessing operations and proposing solutions that solve unique issues. For customers based in Alberta, we offer free site visits.
Portable stairs are one of those pieces of equipment that look simple from the outside but come in more configurations than most buyers expect. The right choice depends on what you’re accessing, how often you’re accessing it, whether the stairs need to move around the site, and what height variability you’re dealing with. This guide covers the four main types of portable stairs Northern Platforms carries, what each one is built for, and how to decide which is right for your application.
Type 1: Fixed Portable Stairs
Fixed portable stairs are prefabricated stair units designed for a set height range — typically used to provide access to a specific entry point, elevated surface, or piece of equipment that doesn’t change. Despite the name, they’re portable in the sense that they can be relocated when needed, but they’re generally positioned and left in place for extended use.
What they’re built for: Trailer and modular building access, elevated platform entry, roof access hatches, construction site office stairs, and any application where a permanent concrete or wood stair isn’t warranted but a stable, compliant access point is needed in one location.
Key specs to look for:
Height range matching your specific application (ErectaStep fixed portable stairs are available in 7 sizes from 28″ to 63″)
IBC, OSHA, and OH&S-compliant construction
Field-adjustable legs for uneven surfaces — essential for outdoor and construction site applications
Slip-resistant tread surface
Platform size adequate for the entry point (4×6′ and 4×4′ platforms available)
Entry configurations: direct, left, right, or multiple entry; double stair options for high-traffic access points
When it’s the right choice: You need a compliant, stable stair at a fixed location and don’t want to build or pour concrete. For temporary site trailers, construction phase access, or any elevated entry that needs to meet code without a permanent structure.
Type 2: Tilt-and-Roll Portable Stairs
Tilt-and-roll stairs are mobile stair units that can be tilted back on integrated rear wheels to move from one location to another, then set down flat for stable use. A single operator can reposition them without equipment or assistance.
What they’re built for: Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centres where workers need to access shelving, mezzanines, or equipment at different points throughout a shift. Anywhere that a stair needs to serve multiple locations on the same floor.
Key specs to look for:
Wheel size and material — larger wheels handle uneven or outdoor surfaces better
Load rating on both the platform and the steps
Handrail configuration — full-height handrails on both sides for industrial applications
Locking mechanism when stationary — caster locks should engage quickly and hold firmly
Step width adequate for carrying tools or equipment while ascending
When it’s the right choice: Your workers need stair access at multiple points in a facility, and repositioning needs to be fast and single-operator. A fixed stair at every location isn’t practical; a tilt-and-roll unit serves the whole area.
Type 3: Rolling Self-Levelling Stairs
Rolling self-levelling stairs take mobility a step further. These units are designed to be repositioned frequently and adjust their platform height to match varying access heights — so the same unit can serve different pieces of equipment or vehicles without reconfiguration. The RollaStep G Series is the leading example of this type: a variable-height, self-levelling stair and platform with gas spring height adjustment and a locking pin to secure the set height.
What they’re built for: Process facilities, tank farms, refineries, and maintenance operations where workers access equipment at multiple heights throughout the day. Loading areas where vehicle or equipment heights vary. Any application where a single stair unit needs to replace multiple fixed-height platforms.
Key specs to look for:
Height adjustment range — the RollaStep G Series adjusts to accommodate a wide range of access heights
Self-levelling step and platform mechanism — steps should automatically level at every height setting, not require manual adjustment
Platform load rating — the G Series carries a 300 lb platform load limit
Caster quality — 360° locking casters with no-flat construction for outdoor and uneven surfaces
Platform size — the G Series provides a 6 square foot work surface, accommodating an operator with tools
Non-slip tread — self-draining, aggressive tread for wet and cold weather conditions
When it’s the right choice: You’re dealing with variable access heights across your site and want one unit that handles all of them. Particularly valuable in oil and gas, chemical processing, and maintenance environments where equipment heights vary, and workers move through multiple tasks in a shift.
Type 4: Cantilever Rolling Stairs
Cantilever rolling stairs are the most specialized type of portable stair — designed for applications where the access point is above or beyond an obstacle that prevents a standard stair from getting close enough. The platform extends out beyond the base of the unit, allowing workers to get above piping, containment walls, tank berms, or vehicle rooflines without the stair base contacting the obstacle or the equipment being serviced.
The RollaStep C Series is the industry standard for this type: a counterweighted cantilever platform that extends 2’5″ beyond the base, with 360° locking swivel casters that allow precise placement around sensitive equipment.
What they’re built for: Tank truck and railcar loading and unloading access, tank hatch access in process facilities, equipment access where piping or containment prevents direct approach, and chemical or petroleum handling environments where contact with the equipment must be avoided.
Key specs to look for:
Cantilever extension length — must reach far enough to position the operator above the access point
Counterweight design — a properly counterweighted unit should be stable with an operator on the platform without tipping
Caster locking — must lock securely before any operator climbs; look for total-lock casters that lock both rotation and swivel
Platform and handrail configuration — full handrails, adequate platform depth for working with equipment or hoses
OSHA compliance — non-negotiable for any industrial application
When it’s the right choice: You’re loading or unloading tank trucks or railcars, accessing tank hatches, or working above or around any obstacle that prevents a standard stair from approaching directly. This is the unit that replaces the improvised ladder-over-the-berm solution that no one should be using.
Portable Stairs from Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms carries the full RollaStep and ErectaStep portable stair lineup. We carry all four types above, and they are in stock and ready to ship. As an authorized distributor with nearly 30 years of experience supplying access equipment to oil and gas, construction, and industrial operations across Western Canada, our team can help you match the right unit to your specific application before you buy. Contact us today to get started!
Fuel loading and unloading can create serious safety, environmental, and operational challenges. From flammable vapours to product spills, even a routine transfer can become risky, especially if you don’t have the right equipment.
That’s why more and more site managers are investing in proper safety systems, such as loading arms with integrated vapour recovery. These systems help capture displaced vapours during loading or unloading, reducing emissions and helping protect operators, equipment, and the environment.
A vapour recovery system is a closed-loop configuration designed to capture hydrocarbon vapours that are displaced or released during the transfer of volatile liquids.
These systems are used across a wide range of industries, from petroleum terminals and chemical plants to food and beverage facilities and gas stations. In every application, the goal is the same: keep Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) out of the air.
How Do Vapour Recovery Systems Work?
In the context of tanker truck loading and unloading, the basic principles of vapour recovery systems are simple. The process unfolds in three stages:
1. Vapour Capture When the loading arm connects to the tanker truck, a vapour recovery coupler or hose creates an airtight seal at the connection point. As product flows in, displaced vapours are drawn into the vapour return circuit rather than escaping through the fill opening.
2. Vapour Transfer The captured vapours travel back through the loading arm’s vapour return line, either via a piggyback hose welded to the product arm, or through a dedicated second arm in a dual-arm configuration.
3. Vapour Recovery and Re-use At the receiving end, captured vapours are processed — either returned directly to the product storage tank, compressed and condensed back into liquid form, or fed into a vapour combustion or treatment unit.
The end result is a closed system: product flows in, vapours flow back, and nothing escapes to atmosphere during normal operation.
Benefits of Vapour Recovery Systems
More and more operations managers are adding vapour recovery systems to their tanker truck loading systems. Here’s why:
Environmental Impact
Hydrocarbon vapours released during fuel loading are composed primarily of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Canada’s Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) establishes regulations on VOC emissions from fuel loading and storage operations, and provincial regulators in Alberta and BC have their own emissions requirements for petroleum handling facilities. Vapour recovery systems capable of capturing upwards of 95% of displaced vapours are required by these regulations.
Worker Safety
Displaced vapours can also be dangerous for workers. Without vapour recovery, operators can be exposed to a cloud of flammable vapour throughout the loading process, which creates a serious hazard.
A sealed vapour recovery system eliminates that exposure at the source. Workers on the loading platform aren’t breathing displaced product vapours and fire hazards are substantially lowered. For sites already managing fall protection, PPE requirements, and emergency shutoff systems, vapour recovery is an important piece of the overall site safety picture.
Operational Efficiency
The right vapour recovery system can also reduce time on the loading rack. At Northern Platforms, we use OPW’s Drylok™ Vapour Recovery Technology, which helps reduces the average time to connect a loading arm to railcar valves to 35–40 seconds. Operators simply turn a lever to connect; no pipe wrenches, cheater bars, or hammers required. That reduction in connection time adds up fast across a high-volume loading operation.
Vapour Recovery in Tanker Truck Loading and Unloading
At Northern Platforms, we use OPW Engineered Systems products to offer two primary vapour recovery loading arm configurations:
Piggyback Style Arm A simpler and more compact design where the vapour return line is welded directly to the product loading arm. The vapour hose runs parallel to the arm structure and connects at the dome hatch alongside the product drop tube. This configuration works well for lower-volume applications or sites where space at the loading rack is limited.
Dual Arm / Siamese Configuration The more commonly specified design for higher-volume or more demanding applications. This configuration uses two separate loading arms, one for product transfer and one for vapour recovery, joined together at the inner boom structure so they operate as a single, counterbalanced unit. The dual arm arrangement provides better flow capacity for the vapour return circuit and is the preferred setup for most fuel terminal and petroleum loading applications.
In addition to core system design, Northern Platforms offers a range of customization options to match the specific demands of your product and operating environment, including steam jacketing, heat tracing, insulation packages, and specialized couplings. Contact us with your site requirements, and we can recommend the right configuration for your operation.
Request a Quote Today
Interested in a new fuel tanker unloading system or looking to improve your existing operation? The Northern Platforms team is here to help. Contact us today with details about your project for a free quote. For businesses based in Alberta, we also offer free site visits and assessments.
From crude oil, ethanol, chemicals, LPG, and everything in between, railcars move an enormous volume of product across Western Canada every day. But not every tank car is built the same, and not every loading system should be either. In other words, the equipment, safety controls, and regulatory requirements for a pressurized LPG railcar look very different from what you need for a non-pressurized option.
At Northern Platforms, we help industrial operators across Western Canada design and install turnkey loading solutions engineered for their specific application. We have experience with both pressurized and non-pressurized systems. Keep reading to learn more about how these systems are different and how we can help.
Understanding Tank Car Types
Before diving into equipment, it helps to understand the fundamental distinction between the two main categories of tank cars.
Non-Pressurized (General Service) Tank Cars
Non-pressurized tank cars, marked as TC-117 in Canada, are general service vessels designed to carry materials at pressures typically below 25 psi. These cars transport a wide range of products, including:
Agricultural commodities
Diesel fuel and petroleum products
Crude oil and ethanol
Food-grade liquids
Non-hazardous chemicals
These cars typically feature visible fittings and valves at the top, and may also include a bottom outlet valve for unloading. Their design is more straightforward, and loading operations are generally less complex than those of pressurized systems.
Pressurized Tank Cars
Pressurized tank cars, designated by TC-105 and TC-112 in Canada, are purpose-built vessels used to transport liquefied compressed gases under pressure, typically above 40 psi. Products commonly transported in pressurized tank cars include:
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) — propane and butane
Anhydrous ammonia
Chlorine
Other liquefied gases and high-hazard materials
These cars feature heavy-duty protective housings over their fittings, steel jackets, and thermal protection systems designed to prevent catastrophic failure in the event of a fire or accident. The key reason LPG must be transported in pressurized cars? Propane and butane exist as liquids only when kept under pressure. The moment that pressure is compromised, the liquid can flash back into a gas.
Loading Systems for Non-Pressurized Tank Cars
Non-pressurized loading operations are the more common of the two configurations. The products involved, such as crude oil, ethanol, diesel, and chemicals, are typically at or near atmospheric pressure, which makes the loading system design more forgiving.
Transfer Equipment
For non-pressurized service, operators can choose from a range of transfer options, including standard top-loading arms, bottom-loading systems, or reinforced flexible hoses. The primary engineering priorities for non-pressurized loading are flow rate, material compatibility, and reach.
Vapor Management
Depending on the product, non-pressurized loading may allow for open venting or vapour balancing rather than full closed-loop vapour recovery. Environmental regulations still govern allowable emissions, but the system architecture is significantly less complex than what’s required for LPG.
Platform and Access
Regardless of what product you are transferring, worker access to the top of a non-pressurized tank car still requires a proper loading platform, gangway, and fall protection. These railcar loading platforms are typically purpose-built to accommodate the types of locomotives you deal with most frequently.
Regulatory Requirements
Non-pressurized loading operations are subject to Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and relevant provincial OHS regulations. Alberta’s OHS Code and WorkSafeBC both require fall protection for workers at heights of three metres or more. Other regulations and requirements vary depending on the type of product that you are dealing with.
Loading Systems for Pressurized Tank Cars
Loading LPG into a pressurized railcar isn’t simply a matter of connecting a hose and opening a valve. The high-pressure, volatile nature of LPG demands a system built from the ground up for these conditions.
Transfer Equipment
The LPG loading arm is the heart of any pressurized railcar loading station. The best systems for railcar applications include:
High-pressure construction: Carbon steel or stainless steel rated for LPG service pressures
Counterbalanced swivel joints: Allow smooth, ergonomic movement so a single operator can position the arm without strain
Leak-resistant sealing systems: Engineered to prevent drips, leaks, and emissions at connection points
Integrated vapour recovery ports: Support a closed-loop system to capture displaced vapours during loading
Emergency breakaway safety couplers: Automatically disconnect and seal in the event of an unexpected railcar rollaway
NFPA 58-compliant design: Meets the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code for safe LPG handling
Pressurized LPG loading requires a fully closed-loop vapour recovery system. As liquid LPG is pumped into the tank car, displaced vapours must be captured and routed back into the storage system. This prevents both environmental emissions and dangerous vapour accumulation around the loading platform.
A properly specified LPG loading arm integrates vapour recovery capability directly into the transfer system, maintaining a sealed circuit from storage tank to railcar throughout the entire loading cycle.
Platform and Worker Access
As with non-pressurized operations, a proper loading platform, gangway, and fall protection system are required. For LPG, this also includes a safety cage surrounding the operator at the top of the railcar during connection and disconnection.
Emergency Controls
Automatic emergency shutoff valves are mandatory for pressurized LPG service under NFPA 58. These valves immediately halt product flow in the event of a detected leak, fire, or unexpected railcar movement. In addition, a grounding and bonding system is required to eliminate static discharge risk.
Regulatory Requirements
Any facility loading LPG must comply with NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. In Canada, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and the Liquefied Petroleum Gases Bulk Storage Regulations may also apply.
Top Loading and LPG Loading Arms from Northern Platforms
Whether you’re loading general service products or high-pressure LPG, Northern Platforms is your single source for railcar loading arms across Western Canada. As an authorized distributor of OPW Engineered Systems, we carry the full line of top-loading arm configurations, and we have the application expertise to match the right arm to your product, your railcar type, and your site.
Our loading arm inventory includes:
Boom-Style (Supported and Unsupported) Loading Arms: Available in 2″, 3″, 4″, and 6″ sizes in carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Built for variable-reach applications and ideal for both LPG and general service railcar loading. Folds back against the platform for compact storage.
Bullhorn (Dual Connection) Loading Arms: The preferred configuration for pressurized LPG railcars, providing dual product connections from a single standpost to accommodate two liquid lines and a vapour recovery line.
Scissor Style Loading Arms: Designed for tanker truck loading applications with a secondary arm that rotates 360° in the horizontal plane, offering a spotting allowance nearly twice its length.
Fixed Reach Style Loading Arms: A simplified three-swivel design for straightforward top-loading applications. Available with an optional outboard valve to reduce drips and leaks on viscous products.
Custom Insulation Packages: For temperature-sensitive loading applications like molten sulphur, fully removable and reusable, available in top and bottom designs.
We’ve been supplying and installing railcar loading systems across Alberta and BC for over 20 years. Whether you need a single replacement arm or a complete turnkey loading station, our team will make sure you get the right equipment for your application.
Get a Quote from Northern Platforms
Ready to add a new railcar loading arm to your site or upgrade your complete loading station? Our team will assess your site, recommend the right configuration, and provide a transparent quote.
