If you’re on the lookout for a way to safely transport gases and liquids from tank to tank, you may be wondering how to choose between using a hose or a loading arm to outfit your operation. While hoses are undeniably helpful when it comes to transferring less viscous substances, loading arms stand to significantly increase efficiency and safety as a whole. Below, we’ll take a close look as to why you should consider top and bottom loading arms for your worksite, including the many benefits they offer in comparison to hoses. Read on to learn more!
Fall Prevention
While hoses can often end up getting left strewn around and presenting a huge falling hazard to your crew, loading arms are much more conveniently stored out of the way and can typically be integrated with existing fall protection equipment for added safety. Loading arms are less likely to leak and created an unwanted spill which further reduces of the risk of slips, trips or dangerous falls.
Less Risk of Sudden Failures
Over time, hoses begin to erode and wear away, particularly when being regularly used for the transport of corrosive materials. If not carefully monitored, hoses pose a risk for suddenly exploding, which presents several layers of danger to everyone on the site. Loading arms, on the other hand, are relatively low maintenance and have a much longer lifespan without ever having to worry about such a volatile reaction down the line.
Easy to Use
Hoses are not always easy to operate, and due to their size and weight, can often be difficult to move around as needed and can sometimes require more than one worker to move them as well as less ergonomic. Top and bottom loading arms are designed to work with you, which reduces strain and lowers the risk of on-site injuries. The spring counterbalance systems on loading arms require very little force to use. With a much longer lifespan favouring loading arms as well it is a wise choice for your bottom line both upfront and in the future.
Efficient
In addition to enhancing on the job safety, loading arms connect to trucks and railcars quickly, meaning you can transfer your material fast and keep operations moving steadily.
Safety
Loading arms are often designed to incorporate different types of safety devices such as:
Safety Breakaway Couplings – In the event of unintended vehicle movement or pull-away, a breakaway coupling separates and has non-return valves that shut both ends of the breakaway protection personnel at the loading/unloading station and prevents spills.
Dry Disconnect Fittings – If you are looking to reduce spillage in your loading/unloading operation, dry disconnect fittings can help you accomplish this. There are a variety of quick and dry disconnect fittings available that are easy to handle, save time, improve safety and protect your personnel and the environment.
Overfill Protection – Loading arms can be supplied with level detection and overfill probes to help prevent unintentionally overfilling a railcar or truck.
Boost Your Safety and Productivity with Northern Platforms Today
Ready to supercharge your loading and unloading? Northern Platforms carries a wide range of loading and unloading arms from top manufacturers like OPW and Emco Wheaton. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory and services all throughout Western Canada.
Looking for a loading solution that’s guaranteed to boost efficiency and safety first? If you’re in need of safe access and loading options that you know are built to stand up to the demands of railcar loading and unloading, Northern Platforms is here to help. With a leading inventory that features the top products from industry juggernauts like SafeRack, OPW, and more, our team is proud to supply Western Canada with options they can trust for every operation. Below, we’ll highlight some of the top factors to keep in mind when choosing the right loading arm for your needs. Read on to learn more!
First Things First
Before going through the many options available for loading arms, it’s important to know what kind of tank you’ll be transferring to/from (rail vs truck, for example), as well as where you’ll be loading from- top or bottom. Each loading arm has a unique set of characteristics and certain applications will require a higher level of precision for success. With these factors accounted for, you can move on to selecting a unit.
Bottom vs. Top Loading Arms
As the name suggests, bottom loading arms work by having the operator stationed on the ground, which provides an enhanced level of safety. The spring counterbalance on the arm allows for much faster loading time, and the design of bottom arms typically allows them to reach more openings than other models.
Top loading arms offer a wide range of options for your operation, from a basic fixed reach arm for splash loading to a flexible reach supported boom arm with vapor recovery. This adaptability can save quite a bit of money while enhancing your efficiency across the board. Other options like scissor or boom arms are adaptable for rail and tank trucks with numerous options available like dry disconnect fittings, hatch plates/vapor recovery and overfill protection.
Determining Compatibility
One of the most important aspects when choosing a loading arm is determining compatibility with your existing system. Seamless integration will help to avoid costly errors and maintain superior operations with minimal strain. Experienced loading solution providers will be able to integrate loading arms with the systems you have in place already including gangways, platforms and fall prevention cages, giving you peace of mind and protecting your ROI.
Railcar Loading Arms At Northern Platforms
As Western Canada’s leading source for platform and loading solutions, Northern Platforms is proud to supply numerous loading arm products to our clients from top industry producers like OPW. As a global leader in the development of loading and coupling systems, OPW’s designs are perfectly suited for a wide range of needs all the way from standard drum filling operations to the unique requirements of the petrochemical industry and more. Known for superior performance and durability, OPW Engineered Systems offers solutions you can trust, job after job.
Are you in need of mobile truck access units that allow for safe and efficient operations and that can stand up to the unique demands of an industrial environment? Northern Platforms is proud to be a leading supplier of safe access solutions and is the exclusivedistributor for SafeRack products in Western Canada. Since 2002, our family-operated business has partnered with clients all across the region as well as the pacific northwest to provide unparalleled service, exceptional products, and most importantly: safety solutions you can trust. Below, we’ll highlight one of our truck mobile access products, SafeRack’s MAUI unit. Read on to learn how this incredible system can help protect both your crew and your equipment.
Meet Maui
Truck mobile access units play a unique role in workplace safety and efficiency by making it possible to safely inspect and load a wide range of hauling units with ease. Known for their product’s exceptional performance and durability, SafeRack’s MAUI is built to provide safe, dependable operation for all your mobile truck access needs. Built from the highest quality materials, the Maui offers superior durability and requires minimal maintenance. Solid, no-flat tires paired with a rugged base, sturdy rolling platform, and convenient telescoping ladder make operation extremely convenient and reliable. The Maui is equipped to handle loads up to 500 lbs and can easily be reconfigured in the field for a wide range of applications and is OSHA compliant. Available in parallel and perpendicular configurations, SafeRack’s MAUI is the perfect solution for all your truck access needs.
SafeRack Equipment, Only at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is proud to be the exclusive distributor of SafeRack products throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Known for exceptional quality and durability, SafeRack is trusted by those in the heavy industry sectors, all around the world. SafeRack’s dedication to safety and performance makes each of their products trustworthy and a valuable investment for your daily operations both in-house and in the field. When quality matters the most, SafeRack is there to provide exceptional results, no matter the magnitude and demands of your job.
As Western Canada’s exclusive SafeRack partner, Northern Platforms is proud to offer our customers access to SafeRack’s incredible range of products, including the Maui Truck Mobile Access unit and much more. Contact our team today to learn more about Maui, SafeRack, as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!
Is your terminal or loading/unloading operation in need of solutions that allow you to safely load & load railcars efficiently? Since 2002, Northern Platforms has been Western Canada’s go-to source for safe access solutions and is proud to feature a diverse inventory of solutions including SafeRacks railcar loading platforms. As the exclusive source for SafeRack products in Western Canada, our team offers exceptional service, including turnkey installation and preventative maintenance assistance. Read on to learn more about the benefits of railcar access platforms.
Heavy-Duty Support
Rail transport is depended on for freight transport for a wide variety of industries ranging from agriculture to oil and gas, forestry, and more. With a single railcar weighing close to a quarter of a million pounds, having viable loading options is essential to workplace safety, as well as efficiency. From single cars to multiple hatch platforms and more, loading and unloading is much easier with an access platform designed to handle the unique challenges associated with such equipment.
Safety when it comes to loading railcars involves the inclusion of multiple features that reduce the risks of sudden falls, as well as ensuring that all equipment is in prime working order. Railcar platforms typically feature the following for safety:
Optional canopies to protection operators from the elements
SafeRack’s line of railcar solutions includes industry-leading safety features and provides superior performance for unbeatable ROI.
Find Loading Rack Solutions at Northern Platforms
Ready to find the safe access solutions you’ve been looking for? Contact Northern Platforms today to learn more about our extensive inventory and services across Western Canada.
If your team has recently found itself facing a challenge that involves having to access high up places, load heavy equipment, or navigate difficult areas well above ground level, it’s time to look for an OH&S/OSHA compliant access solution you can trust.
Each year, countless jobs that involve heights result in unfortunate mishaps and injuries that cost companies millions of dollars and ultimately put the lives of their employees at risk. Portable access platforms can be a fantastic way to mitigate such dangers while also increasing your overall efficiency and boosting ROI. With a wide range of applications and easy to use design, portable access platforms are an invaluable resource to any operation. Learn more about the perks of using platforms below!
No Shortage of Applications
First and foremost, one of the major perks of mobile access units is their versatility and adaptability. MAUI Mover runs from 6-8 hours on a single charge and can be adapted for use with trucks and railcars in the field, for example, meaning that you’ll have a safe unit to use, no matter what your application may be. With OH&S/OSHA friendly safety features built-in, your crew can feel confident while working, expediting the process and giving your team a much-needed boost when it matters the most.
Heavy Industry Friendly
Another benefit to the versatility of portable access units is the enhanced compatibility with a wide range of industries, including construction, oil & gas, mining, forests, petrochemical, and many more. The ability to adapt units in the field makes it easy to take them from job to job, and the low maintenance needs of MAUI units means you can rest easy knowing your crew is in good hands.
Perfect for Both Long and Short Term
When it comes to choosing access solutions, it can often be difficult to select between the higher costs of permanent solutions and those that are better suited to short jobs. With portable access units, you get the best of both worlds in the superior durability and performance of the unit, alongside the ease of being able to easily move your portable access equipment from site to site with minimal complications.
Northern Platforms: Your Source For Safe Access Solutions
For over 18 years, Northern Platforms has been proudly supplying Western Canada with leading safe access solutions including portable access platforms, loading racks, loading arms, and more. Based in Leduc, Alberta, our team believes in offering exceptional customer service as wells as unbeatable products to provide an all-around stress-free experience from start to finish. Alongside our vast inventory, you’ll also find extensive services dedicated to assisting with turnkey installation services and preventive maintenance, meaning you can trust us to help your crew reach where they need to go, every step of the way.
Learn more about our portable access platform solutions as well as our extensive range of other items by contacting our team today!
Are you in need of a reliable access solution that makes it easy to perform various tasks at specific heights with ease? Whether you’re in the aerospace field, agricultural, or retail sector, there are infinite amounts of applications for mobile platforms that make it easy to perform maintenance and day to day activities at higher levels than what is considered easily accessible. From loading hoppers and railcars to servicing tanks and even simply stocking shelves finding an asset that allows you to reach certain heights safely and efficiently is an invaluable resource that’s sure to provide constant ROI. Within the safe access industry, there are two common solutions relied upon for such scenarios: ladders and mobile access platforms. While ladders are the ‘tried and true’ tool of the trade, mobile platforms are increasingly turned to due to their stability and enhanced safety no matter the application. Below we’ll compare and contrast some of the main benefits of ladders and mobile platforms, as well as explore a few of the options available at Northern Platforms. Read on to learn more!
Step Up For Success: Ladder Pros and Cons
Often considered the “old faithful” of the safe access industry, there’s no denying that ladders have quite a few benefits to be found, as well as a wide range of applications to be explored. Most ladder units are lightweight and easy to move around, as well as easy to store when not in use, making them ideal for locations that may have minimal space to work with. In addition, their ease of use is paramount, and their long-lasting life cycle makes them a sure bet for those in need of a solution that will go the distance.
Contrastingly, some of the drawbacks to using ladders are their significantly narrower steps which can pose a safety risk, lack of a dedicated work platform, the potential for difficulty with height restrictions, and lack of other safety aids such as rails. Simply put, while ladders are great for simple jobs, they may struggle to provide the best assistance for more complicated endeavors.
A Level Up: Mobile Access Platforms
Similar to ladders, mobile access platforms are fantastic for reaching high areas with ease, all while increasing safety! Where they excel over their ladder counterparts is the sheer amount of versatility offered. Mobile access platforms are no only suitable for a wide range of jobs but are portable, customizable and easy to use, all while offering increased safety with built-in railings, supports, and more. Suitable for numerous applications, mobile platforms quickly offset their higher startup costs by offering you a resource that’s ready to go wherever you may need.
Mobile Platforms and More at Northern Platforms
Since entering the Western Canadian market in 2002, Northern Platforms has offered our customers access to the leading safe access equipment, loading racks, and loading arms available industry-wide. As a family-owned and operated organization, our backbone is built on exceptional service, alongside products you know and trust. We are proud to stock products from the top names in the business, including SafeRack (Northern Platforms is proud to be the exclusive dealer for SafeRack in Western Canada), ErectaStep, RollaStep and more. Among our inventory, you’ll find products like RollaSteps 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!
