Several industries across the globe depend on rail transportation. Terminals and loading/unloading operations are in need of efficient railcar platforms that are durable, safe and cost-effective. Whether you’re transporting grains, carrying coal & steel, or even moving gasoline & diesel across, railcar platforms are essential for the shipping and railcar transportation industry.
Northern Platforms has been Western Canada’s leading source for safe access solutions, and we feature an extensive inventory of solutions, including SafeRacks railcar loading platforms. Not only are we proud to be the exclusive distributor for SafeRack products in Western Canada, but our team also offers turnkey installation and preventative maintenance assistance to all our customers. Read on to learn more about our SafeRack railcar loading platforms.
Railcar Loading Platforms
When operating a dedicated rail yard or servicing a couple of cars at the facility, using a railcar loading platform offers you an easier and safer loading process. Unfortunately, the size and structure of railcars create many challenges and hazards that put your worksite, crew, and freight at risk. To avoid any work-related injuries, health & safety experts advise using railcar platforms or gangways to ensure safety and smooth production.
The “Safe” In SafeRack Railcar Platforms Is A Necessity
Given the size and weight of railcars, having a safe loading platform is a necessary solution for your worksite, your crew and your freight. Loading and unloading become much easier and safer with the access of a platform purely designed to handle any unique challenges associated with railcars. Loading racks and loading platforms include several features to provide your worksite with the necessary safety while maintaining smooth operation, including:
Railcar access gangways and safety cages
Tracking gangway system to allow for railcar mis-spotting
Operator buildings & safety showers to provide your crew protection
Loading and unloading arms
Dry disconnect fittings
Railyard safety items including blue flags and wheel chocks
Spill containment track pans
In any industry, ensuring the safety of your crew and the worksite is not an option. Having safe and well thought out loading and unloading solutions will help reduce the risk of falls and other dangerous work injuries that can occur in loading sites.
Avoid Spillage
When loading/unloading railcars, there is a possibility of leakage or spilling during the process. A few drops might not seem like a danger to the worksite or crew; however, it is required to contain the drips or spills that occur. To properly prevent the spillage, Northern Platform proudly offers a wide variety of spill containment solutions from Ultratech International, including railcar track pans.
Looking For Safe Railcar Loading Solutions?
Contact Northern Platforms today to learn more about our loading/unloading solutions. We are dedicated to creating a safer and more efficient work environment for all industries.
When it comes to managing safety on the job site, having the right equipment in place to navigate the specific challenges of your space. Rolling stairs and crossover platforms from ErectaStep are fantastic and versatile options that give your crew plenty of ways to navigate the workplace safely and efficiently. As one of Western Canada’s leading suppliers of safe access and loading solutions, Northern Platforms is pleased to partner with customers in the oil & gas, mining, transportation, food & beverage and multiple other industries to ensure that you have everything you need to go about your work as safely as possible.
Northern Platforms is pleased to offer a wide selection of crossover and rolling stair options including top solutions from ErectaStep, which can also be paired with closing safety swing gates and fall protection for maximum performance. Below, we’ll discuss more about the key benefits of crossover platforms, as well as partnering with Northern Platforms. Read on to learn more!
Customization You Can Count On
No two job sites are the same, with different locations requiring varied solutions to work around your unique setup. Crossover platforms are one of the most versatile solutions available and offer you the opportunity to create the perfect fit for your exact space. Whether you need stairs that can go over heavy equipment or awkwardly placed piping etc, or just want the ability to configure with ease, ErectaStep platforms and rolling stairs are the perfect custom fit! Northern Platforms is happy to visit your site to come up with a custom plan and can generate 3D configurations instantly with the help of our technology to help you visualize things with accurate detail.
OSHA & OHS Compliant
OSHA and OH&S standards have strict rules about maintaining safety precautions on-site. Rolling platform ladders, especially when paired with self-closing swing gates offer superior protection compared to regular ladders and allow your crew to perform at elevated levels with minimized risk.
Durable
Crossover platforms manufactured by ErectaStep are extremely durable and built to withstand active use in high-traffic locations. When you need something that just keeps going, ErectaStep stairs and platforms have you covered.
Portable
Unlike other units that are stationary or difficult to move, rolling platforms can be easily relocated, giving you optimal ROI and performance you can count on in all areas of your business.
Rolling Platforms and more at Northern Platforms
At Northern Platforms, our top priority is, and always will be making sure your team has access to the highest quality safe access solutions, including crossover and rolling stairs for your warehouse or job site. We’re proud to partner with leaders like ErectaStep and to stock a wide variety of their solutions in our inventory for your convenience.
For rolling step and platform options that are easy to use, built to last, and designed to give you the best return on your investment, contact Northern Platforms today!
If you are one of the many businesses that deal with numerous kind of vehicles on site and busy facilities that need portable access that you can count on for safety and efficiency, Northern Platforms is here to help. As one of Western Canada’s leading suppliers of safe access solutions, including modular platforms, rolling stairs, loading arms, and more, our team is proud to partner with customers spanning a wide range of industries across the region. At Northern Platforms, we’re here to help you put safety first and make sure you have everything you need to succeed. If you’re looking to add to your safety equipment this year, below are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting loading platforms. Read on to learn how to set yourself up for success!
How to Prioritize Needs
Safety equipment is a major asset for your job site, and in order to make the most of it, it’s crucial to take the time upfront to determine what you need. Not only do you need to make sure you’re compliant with OSHA and OH&S standards, but you also want to make sure you find the right solution for your specific application and facility. Key factors like weight capacities, dimensions, installation capabilities and more should guide your decision and a qualified equipment expert like the team at Northern Platforms can help you narrow things down based on your top priorities.
Custom Vs Standard
Once you’ve narrowed down priorities, you’ll also need to decide between custom or more standard modular platforms. Both have their benefits, and chatting with your representative will help make it clear what is best suited to your dynamic. Custom platforms are ideal for tricky workspaces and for those who want the option to remove pieces that may be redundant or otherwise unneeded. On the other side, you may find that a custom configuration costs a little more or may take a little longer than you have available to be installed. In this case, modular platforms are extremely convenient and can be ready to go right away, giving you a valid solution with no downtime.
Modular Platforms and Rolling Stands at Northern Platforms
Based in Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms is proud to offer Western Canada access and loading solutions you can trust. We are partners with some of the leading names in the safe access industry, including SafeRack (we are Western Canada’s exclusive sourcefor SafeRack), ErectaStep, RollaStep and more. Our inventory features key products like RollaStep’s MP Mobile Work Platform, as well as both the G and C series mobile platforms for your convenience, and when you need extra support to stay ahead, we’re also here to offer turnkey installation services.
Learn more about our mobile platform solutions and rolling stands as well as our extensive range of other items by contacting our team today!
Abiding by Canadian workplace safety standards is crucial for your workers and place of business, regardless of what industry you operate in. But with the right tools and equipment in place, you can significantly reduce the risks faced by your employees. Industrial catwalks, otherwise called access platforms and stairs, can help you properly abide by government regulations and provide several benefits to you and your employees. At Northern Platforms, our line of ErectaStep access platforms and stairs can be your safety solutions. Continue reading to learn more about how ErectaStep industrial catwalks can improve your workplace safety, increase worker efficiency, and more!
What is a Catwalk?
An industrial catwalk is a safety walkway that facilitates the movement of workers and equipment from one location to another. Typically, industrial catwalks, also called access catwalks or access platforms and stairs, function as aisles or walkways within a warehouse or industrial building. These safety walkways enable workers to access hard-to-reach areas safely and conveniently. In the case of manufacturing operations, industrial catwalks make accessing goods and inventory simple. This is especially crucial as many manufacturing facilities typically need a network of pathways to navigate machines, materials, and workstations.
At Northern Platforms, we carry a range of safe access solutions that can easily be implemented in your workplace. Our ErectaStep brand offers a range of configurations and is a great replacement option for temporary scaffolding. We also have a demo trailer so you can see precisely how ErectaStep can improve your site accessibility.
How Catwalks Keep Your Crew Safe
Industrial catwalks are an integral part of the industrial and commercial fields as they provide a range of operational, logistical, and economic benefits. One of their most significant advantages is their flexibility and increased worker efficiency and safety. These safe access platforms are incredibly helpful in reducing emergency evacuation times as they can provide shortcuts across your facility. Access Platforms, like ErectaStep, also increase your workers’ safety by reducing skipping, dropping, slipping, and fall risks. All of our systems come with a 42″ high handrail and a 6″ high toe plate. As a standard handrails/railings are powder coated safety yellow.
Northern Platform’s range of ErectaStep products can improve the safety and navigation of your facility through its versatile design. ErectaStep is made from prefabricated metal stairs, metalwork platforms, industrial handrails, aluminum stairs/ladders, and tower support. When all five of these innovative modular frameworks are combined, you can easily bolt together (no fabrication required!) a network of safe access paths. At Northern Platforms, we know that the safety and security of your employees are vital; that’s why our sales team can visit your site to determine the best possible safe access solutions for your business. While onsite, using our configurator app, our team can model your system and show your drawings of the proposed solution while on site so you can see in real-time what our ErectaStep products can do for you!
Your Source for Industrial Catwalks
Northern Platforms has been Western Canada’s premier source for safe access solutions. Based in Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms has been providing businesses with gangways, platform systems, work platforms, crossovers, and more since 2002. Our team is excited to provide exceptional customer service and unbeatable products to keep your workplace safe. With top brands like ErectaStep and SafeRack in stock, Northern Platforms will have the safety access solutions you know and trust. We also offer a range of services, including turnkey installation and preventative maintenance, along with our extensive inventory. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can make your workplace safer and more efficient. Don’t forget to book a complimentary onsite demonstration with our demo trailer!
Do you know the many benefits of truck loading platforms? All across Canada, trucking and hauling companies rely on safe loading solutions to best facilitate their daily operations, but few stop to consider the immense benefits offered by such products. While loading platforms can be beneficial for almost all industries, they are particularly vital in the petrochemical and dangerous good sectors, where safety failures and improper practices can present even more risk.
At Northern Platforms, we know the value of having the solutions you need ready when it matters most. As a proud partner with leading safe access manufacturers like SafeRack (we are Western Canada’s exclusive source for SafeRack), ErectaStep, RollaStep, and more, our team is pleased to provide high-end solutions for the Oil & Gas, chemical, engineering, construction and related heavy industry sectors. Below, we’ll explore 3 key ways truck loading platforms help keep your job site safe and ensure your team is on the right side of OH&S. Read on to learn more!
Remove Unnecessary Risk
A key component of worksite safety is removing hazardous variables that don’t need to be there. Whether you’re hauling caustic materials, dangerous chemicals, or even just standard fare, loading platforms help to remove avoidable risks including slips and falls, all while improving efficiency. By making sure your crew has a safe way to navigate tanker trucks and other tricky transport vessels, you’re already leaps and bounds ahead when it comes to alleviating the chance for significant incidences on site.
Minimize Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination of cargo is a major concern, especially when handling chemicals and dangerous materials. Loading platforms come with a variety of optional add-ons, including rain canopies and other options that can help protect your protect (and your crew) from the risks associated with cross-contamination. Northern Platforms is happy to partner with your crew to discover what custom solutions are best suited for your needs and can present you with a 3D mockup of your potential setup in real-time for your convenience!
Boost Efficiency
Finally, when you remove safety hazards, you allow your crew to get down to work faster, smarter, and with more confidence. Working fast should never involve risky shortcuts, and Northern Platforms is here to show you how to implement best practices without compromising on speed or efficiency.
Loading Platforms and More at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is a family-owned and operated business based out of Leduc, Alberta. With decades of industry experience behind our name, our top priority is making sure you have access to the best resources available on the market. That’s why we’re proud to partner with vetted manufacturers like SafeRack, ErectaStep, RollaStep and more. Among our inventory, you’ll find a wide variety of products including RollaStep’s MP Mobile Work Platform, as well as both the G and C series mobile platforms. In addition, Northern Platforms also offers turnkey installation services and preventative maintenance support to ensure you’re always covered, every step of the way.
Learn more about our mobile platform solutions as well as our extensive range of other items by contacting our team today!
Hopper cars and rail transport are one of the biggest methods of shipping in North America, with millions of pounds of wheat, crude oil, steel, gasoline and more moving across the continent each year. In order to ensure safe transport measures and reduce your onsite risk, fall protection is an essential asset. At Northern Platforms, we’re proud to put safety and efficiency first. Our team knows the many risks associated with loading and transport, and by partnering with some of the top manufacturers in the safe access industry including SafeRack LLC (we are Western Canada’s exclusive source for SafeRack), we’re here to make sure you have the equipment you need when it matters most.
Below, we’ll talk about some of the top safety tips when it comes to reducing the risks associated with loading railcars. Read on to learn more!
Install Rail Safety Solutions
Falls are one of the biggest risks associated with railcar loading, and installing rail loading fall protection solutions is one of the best ways to mitigate the danger. Hopper cars come in a variety of configurations, meaning that the ability to customize your safe loading solutions is essential. Using safety equipment like gangways, safety cages, loading/unloading racks, and anchor points are all vetted ways to reduce fall hazards and allow your team to work as effectively as possible.
Education is Key
When it comes to establishing safety on your job site, education is key. As much as equipment can help eliminate immediate concerns, if no one is aware of best practices, as well as the safety measures you have in place, you’re far less likely to succeed. Take the time to invest in employee education; your staff, as well as your job site efficiency, will thank you!
Know the Challenges of Your Job Site
Every job site will have its own unique safety hazards you need to account for, and depending on what circumstances you face, varying access solutions will be better suited to your workspace. Customizable options like gangways, railings, safety gates and other interchangeable solutions will go a long way towards creating a better, safer space for all.
SafeRack Equipment, Only at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is the exclusive distributor of SafeRack products throughout Western Canada and is proud to partner with an industry leader dedicated to unbeatable quality and performance. Our inventory features several SafeRack products, including the SafeRack self-adjusting stair gangway and much more. Contact our team today to learn more about SafeRack’s gangways and rail loading options, as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!
