When dealing with LPG loading and unloading, there are two important factors to consider. First, propane and other gases are difficult and dangerous to deal with. During transportation, the railcars are pressurized to keep the chemicals in a liquefied state. This allows for easy movement of a high volume of natural gas by rail. However, the biggest challenge is safely loading and unloading, as this substance can be highly volatile if not handled correctly. For example, if the railcar pressure is not carefully maintained, the LPG can become a gas again, resulting in a deadly explosion.
Secondly, any company that stores, handles, or transports liquid petroleum products is subject to the regulations set out in NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. This document helps mitigate risks, ensures safe installations, and prevents failures that could lead to fires and explosions. The complexity of these regulations, paired with the hazards of handling these chemicals, highlights the importance of proper and comprehensive safe loading systems from a qualified provider.
The Solution: Safe Railcar Loading & Unloading Systems
If you plan to deal with LPG in your rail operations, you will need a fully NFPA 58 compliant loading station. This includes safe access to the top of the railcar through a loading platform, safety cage, and gangway. It will also need to feature automatic shutdown valves in case of an emergency such as a fire, leak, or railcar rollaway. Your system should also include tight connections, vapour recovery systems, and adequate fall protection.
“Bull Horn” Loading Arm: A single arm that divides into dual connections. LPG railcars typically have three connections (two product lines and one vapour line).
“A” Frame Loader: Favoured for its flexibility, long reach, and easy maneuverability. It is ideal for loading racks that feature dual unloading lines.
When all these elements are combined, you can rest assured that your railcar loading system is efficient, safe, and compliant.
Trust Northern Platforms for Customized LPG Loading Systems
When selecting your equipment, you’ll want to design a system you can count on to keep things running smoothly, especially since your system will be used daily. That’s where an expert safe access provider comes in. These professionals have the expertise and experience to consider your site’s specific needs and install a system that works best for you. For example, when you partner with Northern Platforms, our team will visit your operation, interview your workers, and engineer a solution based on their answers. In addition to loading systems, we can provide recommendations for crossovers, work platforms, and more to help ensure you have the safest and most efficient loading system possible.
Ready to get started? Learn more about how Northern Platforms can revolutionize your operations, and schedule your site visit today!
A catwalk system, also known as a runway, is a narrow pathway or extended platform that gives workers safe access to elevated working areas. These systems help workers easily access maintenance areas, hard-to-reach equipment, and other parts of their facility. Are you looking to integrate a catwalk system into your warehouse? Keep reading to learn how ErectaStep’s modular and prefabricated catwalk system integrates seamlessly into your space without welding or custom fabrication.
What are the Elements of a Modular Catwalk System?
This system has five main components for catwalk construction that can be assembled and configured without welding or custom fabrication. From simple walkways to valve access platforms, use these elements to create the perfect solution for your worksite:
Catwalk systems are one of the most versatile solutions on the market and can be used in countless industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, food processing, and more. Northern Platforms can help you set up industrial platforms, bridge maintenance walkways, construction site platforms, shipyard access platforms, and more. Erectastep’s modular catwalk systems have even been used in wineries to help elevate safe and easy access for workers!
What are the OSHA and OH&S Standards for Catwalks?
Occupational regulations for catwalks are important because they guarantee safe working and walking standards for individuals using a catwalk system in the workplace. All of ErectaStep’s bolt-together components are pre-engineered to comply with OSHA standards, including handrail specifications, tread depth, and riser height.
Free of fall hazards, including protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.
Inspected regularly and maintained when necessary.
Able to maintain the maximum intended load.
Additionally, here are the more specific OSHA regulations around handrails, width, and load requirements:
Handrail requirements: Required for catwalks located 4 feet or higher above a lower level.
Width requirements: Minimum width is 18 inches. If accessed by a stairway, the catwalk must be the width of the stairway (minimum 22 inches).
Load requirements: Must support the maximum load, which includes the weight of employees, equipment and materials.
Toeboard requirements: Must be used to prevent objects from falling off elevated walkways. Minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches and withstand a force of at least 50 pounds.
Opening requirements: All openings must be protected by fall protection systems if they pose a risk of falls.
Trust Northern Platforms for Catwalk Systems, Modular Work Platforms, and More
Based in Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms has provided safe access solutions to Canadians since 2002. We have catwalk systems for sale and ready to ship, as well as other safe access solutions from reputable manufacturers like RollaStep, SafeRack, and YellowGate. Not sure what type of system will work for you? Call us, and one of our experts can visit your site and provide recommendations to make your workplace safer and more efficient. Get started today!
Efficient and safe access to buildings and areas on your worksite is crucial for all operations. But, in some circumstances, it might not make sense to invest in a permanent solution. That’s where portable stairs come in. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of portable stairs, their key features, and why it pays to invest in high-quality models like ErectaStep from qualified suppliers like Northern Platforms. Keep reading to learn more!
What are Portable Stairs?
Portable stairs are adjustable work platforms designed to provide access to temporary buildings, trailers, and other areas on construction, industrial, and commercial sites. These safe access solutions are usually installed when permanent stairs aren’t necessary or practical, like temporary worksites or remote jobs. Some employers might also opt for portable steel stairs as a permanent solution since they are a cost-effective and durable alternative to concrete or wood stairs.
Multiple configurations are available, including direct, left, right, or multiple entries. Double stairs are also available.
How High-Quality Portable Stairs Can Save You Money
Avoid Costly Construction
Enabling safe access for your workers is crucial; stairways are just one way. However, external stairs can cost a lot to fabricate and install, especially when using concrete. On the other hand, if you opt for a cheaper material like wood, you’ll experience increased liability due to rot, decay, and improper construction. That’s why metal stairs are ideal: they are less expensive than concrete but more durable than wood.
With pre-fabricated metal stairs, you can significantly reduce material and labour costs. All elements easily bolt together on-site without welding or heavy equipment, making the installation fast and painless. Plus, they are made from durable galvanized steel with large, slip-resistant platforms, meaning your workers will be protected, every step of the way.
No Permits, No Fines
In some cases, you might need a permit if you are building a permanent exterior staircase yourself. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure your stairs comply with your area’s local rules and building regulations. If you aren’t careful, incorrect stair construction can lead to costly fines, taking a significant financial toll in the long run.
Avoid uncertainty (and hefty penalties!) with ErectaStep prefabricated portable stairs, which are OSHA, IBC, and CCOHS compliant. This product is built with tread, riser, and width regulations in mind, meaning you can count on passing your safety inspection with flying colours.
Northern Platforms: Your Go-To for Quality Portable Stairs and More
Here’s the truth: fall protection systems save workers’ lives, regardless of industry. For example, railcar loading operations need an effective system that protects workers, prevents accidents, and helps keep everything running smoothly. But building a top-notch system is more complicated than you might think. Without professional insight, you might not know where to start.
Step 1: Partner with a Qualified Safe Access Equipment Supplier
When it comes to fall protection, there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Each environment will have different needs, demands, and challenges. But, if you aren’t a qualified safe access professional, it might be hard to identify these unique pitfalls. That’s why partnering with an expert like Northern Platforms is essential. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to design fall protection systems with workers in mind. We’ll survey your site and your operations to identify any hazards. We recommend partnering with our team as soon as possible so we can ensure that your system is comprehensive and works together to comply with local and national safety regulations.
Step 2: Assess Your Needs
When we visit your site, we’ll ask you personalized questions to better understand your operation. For example, we might ask if you want a system that can accommodate different railcar sizes. If so, we’ll offer tailored solutions that are adaptable and customizable. Or, we might ask you for accurate and comprehensive data, such as drawings of the railcars you need to be able to access. Here are some other questions to consider when building your railcar fall protection system with Northern Platforms:
How are you moving your railcars around your site (e.g. track mobile, portable power, or a third-party provider)?
How are you loading/unloading your railcar?
How many tracks are you dealing with?
Step 3: Design Your System
Once you’ve answered the above questions, we can start creating your system. In our experience, the following equipment is essential for all types of loading and unloading applications:
The biggest advantage of working with Northern Platforms is that we’ll care for every piece of the puzzle. For an efficient system, your gangways, loading platforms, and arms must be compatible. Instead of dealing with multiple vendors and worrying about compatibility, Northern Platforms will create a seamlessly integrated turnkey system. Plus, our experts are on call if anything goes wrong.
Railcar Fall Protection Systems at Northern Platforms
Ready to start improving safe access in your railyard? Northern Platforms has got you covered with our expansive inventory of safe access, fall protection, and loading equipment. From safety cages and spill containment to wheel chocks and derailers, we have everything you need to design the safest system possible. Contact us today to schedule a railcar fall protection system assessment.
If you’ve driven on the highway, there’s a high likelihood that you’ve seen a tanker. These trucks are integral to the oil and gas industry and are designed to transport liquids and gases by road. They are built with stable, rounded corners and can be trusted to transport flammable and unstable substances like gas, oil, and hazardous chemicals. Trucks need low centres of gravity and internal bulkheads or baffles when transporting fuel in a tanker. This is because fuel expands and contracts depending on its temperature. Tanker trucks might also transport other more stable liquid substances for human consumption.
How to Build the Best Fuel Tanker Unloading System
Looking to make your unloading operations the best in the business? The answer is simple: invest in a bottom-loading arm. While using hoses for loading and unloading in the fuel tanker industry is common, loading arms are superior for several reasons. Unlike hoses, they do not need to be recertified every year. Additionally, they are much safer for your crew. While Northern Platforms offers both bottom and top loading arms, we typically recommend bottom loading if your operation deals primarily with fuel. Here’s why bottom loading is best for fuel tanker unloading:
Helps prevent fires: bottom loading limits liquid agitation and turbulence, which can cause sparks and fires. These systems also typically feature grounding features.
Allows vapour recovery: bottom loading systems can be modified to recover displaced vapours, which can significantly reduce your environmental impact.
Reduces the risk of falls: As the name suggests, top loading is more dangerous since operators have to load and unload from the top of the truck, which creates a potential falling risk.
Extended lifespan (over 5 years) with frequent use.
Short lifespan with frequent use.
Site Safety
Easy and safe to operate. Can be outfitted with fall protection systems for additional safety.
Increased risk of tripping and other worker injuries.
Safety Features
Can easily be outfitted with additional safety features like dry disconnects, breakaway couplings, and overfill protection.
Can use breakaway couplings, dry disconnects, and hiltap fittings.
Certification Requirements
Low maintenance, no recertification required.
Must be maintained and require annual pressure tests.
Build a Comprehensive Fuel Tanker Loading and Unloading System with Northern Platforms
Ready to get started on making your operations safer and more efficient? We stock high-quality loading arms from EMCO Wheaton and OPW Engineered Systems, which are designed for optimal performance. These loading arms are ideal for unloading petroleum products, chemicals, and liquefied gases. Plus, when you partner with an experienced loading solution provider like Northern Platforms, you can ensure that your system will perfectly fit all your loading needs. We offer turnkey installation, expert maintenance, and consulting services. Explore our loading arm inventory and schedule a site visit with the Northern Platforms team today!
