If you’re in need of safe access solutions that make it easy for your employees to safely access to tops of railcars and trucks, safety platforms and gangways are the ideal way to keep your crew safe and keep production efficient. At Northern Platforms, we’re proud to offer our clients across Western Canada access to leading solutions from industry giants like SafeRack. Designed in compliance with OH&S and OSHA standards, SafeRack gangways provide superior protection for all activities occurring on the tops of railcars or trucks and help you stay on track, no matter the application at hand! Northern Platforms is Western Canada’s exclusive source for all SafeRack products including their self-adjusting stair gangway. Learn more about SafeRack, as well as the benefits of partnering with Northern Platforms below!
Why Use Gangways
Gangways and safety cages are typically used to allow people safe access to the tops of railcars and trucks and provide fall protection while on top of those vehicles. Examples of when gangways and safety cages are used include when an operator or employee is loading and unloading rail cars or trucks, when they are inspecting or opening hatches, when they are deploying a loading arm or hose or when they are retaining a sample of the product inside that railcar or truck. Gangways not only serve as a safe and efficient way to access the tops of vehicles, they also ensure the employee or operator have fall protection while they are on top of that vehicle.
Types Of Gangways
SafeRack & Northern Platforms Ltd offer three (3) distinct styles of gangways. The Self-Adjusting Stair (SAS) gangway is built to articulate and self level. SAS gangways are designed to accommodate varying heights of vehicles. SAS gangways are typically used in truck loading applications. The Flat Ramp (SFR) gangway is a flat ramp loading platform ideally suited for applications where there the platform and vehicle height are equal. SFR gangways are typically used in hopper car loading applications. The Flat Ramp Telescoping (FRT) gangway is a flat ramp gangway that has a telescoping end that extends out to increase safety and access to the vehicle. FRT gangways are typically used in liquid liquid railcar/tankcar applications. All three (3) styles of gangways that we offer have a 500 LB free standing load capacity and come in a variety of widths and lengths with your choice of materials of construction and are always built to suit each individual application. Options for gangways include safety cages, gangway tracking and power (pneumatic, hydraulic or electric operation).
SafeRack Solutions
With an industry-wide reputation for excellence and performance that just won’t quit, SafeRack has earned its position as one of the most trusted and in-demand manufacturers of gangways and more. Northern Platforms is pleased to carry SafeRack’s line of platforms and gangways. Crafted from high-grade aluminum, SafeRack’s self-adjusting gangway system is designed to fit a vast range of vehicle heights and offer a superior lifecycle thanks to its U-Body design, SAS gangways are rugged, and require minimal effort to raise and lower onto the vehicle you are accessing. SafeRack gangways also offer the option to include a gangway track system to allow for miss-spotting of vehicles, and when you buy from Northern Platforms, you can rest assured your equipment will be shipped as quickly as possible for your convenience.
SafeRack Equipment at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is your exclusive distributor of SafeRack products throughout Western Canada and offers easy access to their extensive range of safe access solutions all across the region. Our inventory features the SafeRack self-adjusting stair gangway and much more. Contact our team today to learn more about SafeRack’s gangways and how they can improve safety on your site!
Does your processing facility deal with a high level of product transfer or shipping that requires your team to be able have quick, easy and safe access throughout your operation? Want to maximize your efficiency without having to compromise on space or safety? Modular platforms are a great way to increase mobility and efficiency, all while ensuring your facility is as safe as possible. Platforms are extremely versatile and can be adapted to fit just about any space, especially if you partner with a talented team like Northern Platforms, who can make it easy to find the perfect fit for your unique application.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a loading platform for your facility. Read on to learn more!
Determining Your Needs
Just like adding any other piece of equipment to your resources, the most important place to start is to determine your specific needs with regard to both facility capacity and operational requirements. Consider aspects like your overall budget, whether you need a platform that can move from location to location, what the safe weight capacity needs to be, if you need external installation assistance, what dimensions you need, and most importantly, what requirements you need to meet in order to be in alignment and compliance with health and safety standards.
Weigh Pros and Cons
As we mentioned above, when you’re deciding on what kind of platform works best for your facility, there’s a wide range of factors that you need to have in mind. In addition to these base necessities, you’ll want to consider if you need a custom fit or a more standard modular platform for your operation. Each offers you distinct benefits, and you’ll want to spend some time chatting with your representative to determine which fit is best for your facility. Custom platforms, for example, will be specifically designed for your needs and thus can easily fit around equipment and utilities, but you may also find that they cost more compared to standard modular platforms depending on your exact needs. Modular platforms, on the other hand, will be less customized but are often convenient and faster to get installed as there’s no time needed for a custom build. The right fit will be whatever model manages to best accommodate the majority of your needs while staying on budget and in alignment with your timeline for installation.
Modular Platforms and More at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is a family-owned and operated business based out of Leduc, Alberta. Our team puts your safety first and is pleased to stock products from the top names in the business, including SafeRack, ErectaStep, RollaStep and more. Among our inventory, you’ll find products like 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!
Are you looking to increase the efficiency and safety of your loading operations? With inventory facing all-time highs in demand, 2022 is the perfect time to focus on streamlining your business performance and optimizing your efficiency. Loading arms are a valuable resource to any company handling gases or liquids, and help keep your process safe while expediting delivery at the same time.
Northern Platforms is proud to be one of Western Canada’s top providers of loading arms, loading solutions and safety access equipment and we proud to bring you products from industry leaders including OPW Engineered Systems, Emco Wheaton, SafeRack and more. Below, we’ll discuss some of the main aspects you’ll want to consider when choosing the appropriate loading arms for your applications. Read on to learn more.
Know the Different Types
Loading arms come in two different variables: top and bottom loading arms. Bottom loading arms allow the operator to remain on the ground for better safety, and utilize a robust swivel joint with spring balance to allow for longer reach and increased access to connections on the truck or railcar. Top loading arms have more options available and can be purchased as either a single fixed reach, scissor arms, boom arms and more, each of which has its own advantage serve your operations in different ways.
Regardless of which model you choose, loading arms have multiple benefits for your business, and can help your production move along faster than ever before.
Compatibility
Loading arms are, first and foremost, designed for ease of use and handling. When determining if your existing loading racks are compatible with arms over ordinary hoses, you’ll want to focus on how integration will work with your existing setup. Loading arms offered by the different manufacturers that we represent are highly adaptable and easy to install/integrate with existing equipment like gangways, platforms and loading racks, meaning that you’ll face fewer headaches and minimal risk while in use.
Loading Arms and more at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is proud to offer a wide variety of loading arm options, including top and bottom loading arms from OPW Engineered Systems and Emco Wheaton Canada. Designed for optimal performance, these loading arm systems are perfect for loading and unloading petroleum products, chemicals and liquefied gases and offer benefits such as quicker connections and seamless integration with existing loading operations.
As Western Canada’s leading source for safe access equipment and loading solutions, Northern Platforms is proud to supply numerous loading arm products to our clients from top industry manufacturers. View our loading arm inventory here, or learn more by contacting us today!
Need safe access solutions and modular platforms systems that make handling inventory and shipping easy? Wanting to ensure your worksite is safe, efficient, and compliant with OSHA / OH&S standards? Northern Platforms has you covered! As one of Western Canada’s leading sources of safe loading platforms and equipment, our team proudly partners with the top manufacturers in the business to make sure that you have everything you need to operate at maximum efficiency, while also maintaining peace of mind. We offer a wide variety of solutions, including leading products from ErectaStep. With an industry reputation for excellence and longevity, ErectaStep access platforms and stairs make it easy for your team to access and navigate higher areas with reduced fall risks. Find out the benefits ErectaStep access platforms and stairs below!
Quality You Can Trust
At Northern Platforms, we know how vital it is to have loading solutions you can trust to perform, no matter the circumstances or applications. We vet our manufacturers to make sure that quality is always a forefront priority, and will never settle for less.
ErectaStep knows how to walk the walk, and with over 2 decades of proven results to their name, they consistently set a high bar for performance and longevity in every situation. Each of ErectaStep’s pre-engineered and pre-manufactured components are built using advanced laser-cutting technology and patent-pending designs in order to ensure superior performance as well as OSHA & OH&S compliance. In addition, ErectaStep’s new International Building Code (IBC) compliant stair series are manufactured and engineered with heavy gauge steel and designed to stand the test of time. Simply put, when it comes to quality, ErectaStep doesn’t mess around.
Versatility
Tired of solutions that are only good for a specific purpose and leave you wanting more? There’s no need to worry! ErectaStep’s line of products is incredibly diverse and designed to offer you a wide range of applications for simplicity and efficiency. Their access platforms and stairs are often used for the safe movement of workers and equipment in elevated areas, but there are almost endless ways to integrate them into your own setup. Best of all, when all 5 parts of ErectaStep’s modular framework are combined (Prefabricated Metal Stairs, Metalwork Platforms, Industrial Handrails, Aluminum Stairs/Ladders and a Tower Support) the result is a comprehensive safe access solution that is sturdy, requires no fabrication and quickly bolts together for optimal convenience.
In addition to ErectaStep products, Northern Platforms is also proud to be a Canadian distributor for YellowGate Self Closing Safety Gates for pairing with modular access systems. The YellowGate Safety Gate offers the adjustability to safely close off openings between 16″ to 36″ to provide a safe working environment in any gated, barrier, or railing needed area. Variable lengths, adjustable swing directions, mobility, and universal mounting systems are a few key features that make the YellowGate Safety gate superior to other comparable products.
Partner with Northern Platforms Today
If you’re ready to set your worksite up for success with safe access and loading solutions that you know you can trust, Northern Platforms is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more about our ErectaStep solutions as well as the many other manufacturers we offer to customers across Western Canada.
Does your team have best practices in place when it comes to spill containment and hazardous material management? Each year, countless worksites across North America experience significant damage and safety risks due to a lack of prevention training, as well as safeguard equipment like spill decks. With costly fines and employee health on the line, skimping on spill containment simply isn’t an option for operations that are handing any kind of liquid on site.
At Northern Platforms, we understand the need for spill containment solutions and partner with industry-leading manufacturers like UltraTech to bring you the top solutions for spills, leaks, and other safety hazards that can make your worksite dangerous. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of integrating spill containment solutions into your operations, as well as the benefits of partnering with Northern Platforms. Read on to learn more.
Why Are Spill Decks Important?
As anyone in the petrochemical, oil & gas industry or terminal business will know, the reality of handling liquids is that spills are an inevitability. In order to uphold OSHA and OH&S standards, you’ll need to have a safeguard in place to protect your facility, but more importantly your staff in the event of a spill or leak. Spill Decks are designed to catch and safely store spills, giving you peace of mind and the opportunity to dispose of chemicals properly. There are many benefits to using spill decks, including:
Safer Clean Up
Two of the biggest risks presented by chemical spills are immediate damage, as well as cross-contamination. Spill Decks are designed to collect any runoff or leakage, store it safely, and give you a chance to safely remove it later on. With such guards in place, you can operate confidently and rest assured that you’re on the right side of OSHA and OH&S compliance and industry best practices.
Better Workspace
Spill decks can be interlocked and used to create a cohesive mat that spans your entire workspace, reducing the risk of chemical spills and making it easy to adhere to remediation guidelines and stop hazards in their tracks. Decks can easily be custom fit to your space and can have screws fit in place to avoid shifting and grant you the durability and performance you need, even under extreme conditions.
Cross Contamination
One of the biggest dangers on any job site is cross-contamination, especially where hazardous materials are concerned. With certain chemicals posing extreme risks if intermingled and environmental concerns that need to be considered/addressed to avoid hefty fees, spill decks give you a significant advantage by containing any liquids or gases that may leak out on your job site. With everything safely contained, your crew can safely dispose of materials without cross-contamination occurring, saving you time, money, and most importantly, promoting safety and best practices at every turn.
Slow Corrosion
Corrosion is a silent killer that can slowly but surely degrade equipment and machinery without the proper prevention tools in place. Even if you have a careful maintenance plan in place, spill decks can help you avoid the hazards that you may be less likely to anticipate when it comes to damage. By containing corrosive chemicals before they have the chance to leach into the ground, your equipment is safer than ever and less exposed to materials that can otherwise break down protective coatings without you even knowing!
UltraTech Spill Deck Solutions at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms believes in ensuring you have everything you need to promote a safe worksite, whether you need something that will help you stay safe at big heights, or right here on the ground. We’re proud to partner with industry-leading providers like UltraTech, which offer you over 400 unique products all with unbeatable quality.
Learn more about UltraTech and other safe loading solutions at Northern Platforms by contacting us today!
Did you know that the hauling and transport industry has one of the highest occupational hazards and injury rates across North America? Without the proper safety equipment in place, loading and unloading can be tricky, and as temperatures drop and snow and ice become a reality on the job site, the risk to your crew, as well as your cargo increases. At Northern Platforms, we know the importance of ensuring a safe job site, and proudly offer industry-leading safe access solutions, including equipment from SafeRack designed to ensure safety while accessing flatbed trailers.
As one of the most depended-on hauling solutions worldwide, Flatbed trailers are an industry staple but are not without their share of risk. Below, we’ll cover some of the basics of handling Flatbed safety concerns. Read on to learn more.
Identifying Risk Factors
One of the most important parts of risk management is taking a proactive stance that promotes prevention over reaction. When it comes to safety it’s critical that you take a proactive approach as opposed to a reactive approach. Flatbed trailers are massive units, typically weighing at least 10,000 pounds with the frame alone, and even more once fully loaded. With multiple models and configurations of flatbed trailers available, having the proper safety measures in place is a non-negotiable for your operations. Typically speaking, there are two main categories of risk where flatbeds are concerned: on-road and off-road (loading). On-road accidents can be caused by over/inefficient loading, cargo shifting, and other such incidences, whereas loading issues happen while cargo is initially being placed on the unit. These kinds of risks include slipping while climbing up or down to access the load, while climbing cargo, or when tarping or tying down cargo.
Risks can be present due to a variety of factors ranging from dangerous climate conditions, lack of training, insufficient safety equipment, and more. Everyone on sites should know what is expected of them, as well as how to react in the event of an emergency to minimize injuries or harm to everyone on your crew.
Prevention Assets
The number one way to prevent an accident on your job site is to have preventive measures in place. When it comes to flatbeds and tarping, this means that acquiring the right equipment is a necessity if you want to lower your risk and ensure that your site is OSHA / OH&S compliant. Loading platforms are light and mobile and can be a great way to circumvent the dangers present when dealing with loading and unloading flatbed cargo, as can mobile platforms and other such equipment. At Northern Platforms, we’re proud to offer flatbed loading solutions from SafeRack. With multiple options available and the ability to add on extra fall protection, you can rest easy knowing that your crew is safe when it matters most.
SafeRack Equipment, Only at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is your exclusive distributor of SafeRack products throughout Western Canada. Our priority is bringing you the best products you can depend on, and we’re 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 line of flat bed fall protection as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!
