Is your team in need of safe loading solutions that make it easy to transport difficult cargo like liquids, hydrocarbons, gasses, crude oil, and more? Loading arms are a fantastic alternative to hoses that allow for high efficiency and superior performance. Northern Platforms is proud to be one of Western Canada’s leading suppliers of loading solutions manufactured by industry leaders like SafeRack, OPW Engineered Systems, Emco Wheaton and many others. Below, we’ll examine a few reasons to consider using loading arms and the benefits they offer. Read on to learn more!
What Are Loading Arms?
Loading arms are designed to act as highly efficient, self-supporting loading systems that allow you to safely transfer fluids and gases from storage tanks to mobile tankers suitable for transport by road, rail, or sea. There are numerous types of loading arms, including top and bottom loading arms, and marine loading arms. Each loading arm has multiple applications and is a frequent asset to those in numerous business sectors including oil & gas, chemical/petrochemical, agriculture, aviation, construction, food and beverage, mining and much more. Because of their wide range of use, loading arms have multiple benefits to your loading/unloading operation. Core advantages to using loading arms include:
Enhanced Safety
One of the most beneficial attributes of loading arms is that they are designed to perform operations as safely as possible. Whether you select a top or bottom loading arm, both help to reduce the risk of tripping over hoses, or running into issues while hauling equipment across flooring by leaving your loading and unloading areas clear. Loading arms are also designed to minimize leakage, which keeps both your floors safe from slip hazards and reduces the chance of cross-contamination.
Longevity
Without the proper equipment in place, loading and unloading equipment can put significant strain on your resources, leading to increased strain and faster deterioration. Loading arms are lower maintenance than hoses and, unlike hoses, which need to be hydro-tested each year (meaning you always need a backup), you won’t have to worry about constantly pulling your loading arms out of commission for repairs and maintenance.
Ease of Use
If you’re tired of hauling hoses across your facility time after time, loading arms are a fantastic alternative. Our units are designed to be spring counterbalanced and ergonomic, allowing them to easily assist with your operations with minimal difficulties. Instead of having to constantly adjust around your equipment, you can rest assured that loading arms are able to adapt to your needs instead.
In addition, loading arms can handle the needs of repetitive tasks with little to no issues, avoiding costly wear and tear over time.
Find Loading Arms and More At Northern Platforms Today
Ready to supercharge your loading and unloading operation? 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.
Did you know that each year, countless workplace safety incidences occur as the result of insufficient fall protection practices and solutions being present on the job site? Falls are among the most dangerous occurrences that can happen while loading or unloading your products to/from railcars, and the aftermath of an accident can have serious repercussions for your business in the long term. At Northern Platforms, we believe in providing our clients across Western Canada with safe access and loading solutions that make it easy to perform your day-to-day operations with minimal risk and maximizing productivity.
With many of our clients having railcar loading or unloading operations on their site, we understand the many unique challenges posed by loading railcars. While using loading platforms and loading arms go a long way toward minimizing risk, knowing how to proactively reduce the chances for accidents or fatalities is a must for every company. Below, we’ll detail three of the key ways you can help keep your worksite safe while dealing with railcars. Read on to learn more!
Prevention is Your Best Protection
As anyone familiar with the OSHA standards will know, when it comes to preventing worksite accidents, prevention is the best defence. While you will almost always find aspects that need to be improved over time, diligence and awareness are your two biggest assets when it comes to mitigating risk and creating a space that’s safe for everyone on site.
Railcars pose unique challenges to safety practices due to the many configurations they come in. The variances between railcars can make it hard for employees to be protected. Railcar lengths, heights, crash box sizes & variances all need to be taken into consideration when designing a safe loading or unloading station. With that being said, forethought, planning, and the right tools will help you keep everyone safe and set up for success.
Safely Equipped
One of the most important parts of injury prevention is using the right equipment that allows you to navigate railcars safely. Loading platforms, tracking gangways, safety cages and additional fall protection go a long way to reducing risk and keeping your crew efficient. And don’t forget before you do anything you need to chock the wheels on your railcar and set up your blue flag! Partnering with an experienced team like Northern Platform makes it easy to find exactly what pieces you need for your specific set-up, and allows you to have the peace of mind of knowing that all products will perform exactly as promised.
Train, Train, Train
Even with the right equipment in place, you should always ensure that all members of your crew have adequate training to know how to safely navigate your equipment, safety gear such as harness, and come equipped with their own PPE as required. Education is one of the most important parts of setting the foundation for a safe worksite and gives your team confidence as well as reassurance that they know what is required of them to get the job done with minimal risks.
Know the Challenges of Your Site
Every worksite is different, as are the needs of the railcars you have coming and going. Be aware of any challenges, limitations and special considerations you need to deal with be it from your facility, your cargo, or anything else you deal with. Thinking three steps ahead will save you time and money in the long run, not to mention keep everyone safe, happy and healthy!
Ready to Design the Perfect Railcar Safety Set Up?
Northern Platforms is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our available solutions.
Is your railcar loading or unloading operation set up for success? Looking for a way to increase your onsite safety while also boosting productivity? Northern Platforms has you covered. As one of Western Canada’s most trusted providers of safe access and loading solutions from top brands like SafeRack, OPW, Emco Wheaton and more, you can count on our team to help you create a custom system that’s perfectly tailored to your needs. Learn more about the benefits of finding loading solutions for your specific application, as well as our wide range of available products below!
Safety Matters
With strict OSHA and OH&S standards governing industrial worksites, it comes as no surprise that safety compliance is often one of the biggest concerns when it comes to designing a safe loading rack. While it can be easy to overlook details and to rush ahead, the simple reality is, implementing safety measures and utilizing equipment like gangways, loading arms, spill containment & other products drastically reduce the risks that are presented at loading & unloading racks. Each year countless avoidable accidents serve to remind us of the ever-present danger that comes with loading and unloading railcars, and the unique challenges presented by railcars make diligent precautions even more necessary.
Railcars can tend to significantly vary from unit to unit, which can often make loading difficult without additional equipment in place. Loading platforms, which are typically equipped with tracking gangways to allow for miss spotting and variances in railcars allow you to provide the fall protection and safe access required to keep your employees safe at all time. Additional measures like safety showers, eye wash stations and platform task lighting help to facilitate easier access for crew members while reducing the chances of serious injury during loading/unloading.
Loading Arms
Want to supercharge your loading capabilities without compromising on performance or safety? Loading arms are your best bet. With both top and bottom loading arm available, overcoming the challenges typically posed when it comes to rail loading is easier (and faster) than ever!
Spill Containment
We understand that sometimes you can lose a few drips while loading or unloading your railcar, however you are required to contain those drips or spills. Northern Platforms is proud to bring a wide array of spill containment solutions from Ultratech International including railcar track pans!
Gangways, Rolling Stairs, and More
When it comes to safe access solutions, Northern Platforms is your first choice partner. Our inventory features a wide range of products suited for railcar loading, as well as multiple other applications. From the industrial sector to manufacturing, construction, marine, and everything in between, we have you covered. With nearly 20 years serving Western Canada under our belt, you can trust our team to partner with you to find the perfect solution today! Contact us now to learn more!
Are you looking for a solution that allows you to transport liquids, hydrocarbons, gases and everything in between safely & efficiently? Whether your current operations rely heavily on hoses and you’re considering making some upgrades or have a new facility and are looking to implement the best solutions from the start, deciding between hoses and loading arms is an important decision to consider carefully. While hoses have plenty of benefits to offer when it comes to loading or unloading railcars and trucks, loading arms have become a more trusted and versatile solution for those dealing with viscous liquids, heavy loads, and ultimately for anyone looking to significantly enhance safety and productivity overall.
As one of Western Canada’s leading suppliers of safe loading solutions, including top and bottom loading arms for trucks and railcars, Northern Platforms is proud to be your source for products made by the top manufacturers on the market, including SafeRack, OPW Engineered Systems, Emco Wheaton and many others. Below, we’ll examine a few reasons to consider using loading arms and the benefits they offer. Read on to learn more!
Reducing Risk, One Load at a Time
One of the best aspects of using loading arms is that they are designed to improve the safety and efficiency of your loading or unloading operation. No matter which style of bottom loading arm you choose, bottom loading arms reduce the tripping hazard often associated with hoses, and give you the added benefit of improving the housekeeping at your loading station while also improving the safety of your loading or unloading area. Loading arms are also less likely to leak or spill while loading, lowering the chances of slips and falls by crew members. With Safety integrated into loading arms from the very start, the end result is a job site you can feel confident on, and a loading operation that can proceed unhindered.
Long-Lasting
There’s no denying that both loading hoses and loading arms are a significant investment where your bottom line is concerned, so making sure you can get the longest (and best) life cycle out of your product is always front of mind for company owners. By law hoses are required to be hydro tested every year, which usually means you need to have spare hoses on the shelf, or risk downtime while your hoses are hydro tested. Loading arms however, are not required by law to be hydro tested each year. Designed to be low maintenance and to handle the realities of day-to-day demand, bottom loading arms give you peace of mind and superior ROI, time after time.
Ease Of Use
It may seem overly simplistic as a consideration, but one of the most important aspects you need to have in mind when searching for a bottom loading solution is how easy it is to operate. Even though hoses may be straightforward, there are limitations and difficulties associated with their operation including challenges moving around from load site to load site due to their size and weight, along with the fact that they frequently require multiple crew members to operate. In contrast, loading arms are spring counterbalanced and are incredibly ergonomic and work with you to expedite the process and make loading fast, simple, and safe.
Better for Repetitive Tasks
The reality for almost all bottom loading and unloading operations is that they need equipment that can perform the same tasks over and over again with minimal disruption or change needed. Hoses need to be constantly moved or adjusted, whereas loading arms are always ready to go and are quickly and easily deployed into service. This means you’ll never have to worry about costly delays and can get right down to work when it counts!
Boost Your Safety and Productivity with Northern Platforms Today
Ready to supercharge your loading and unloading operation? 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.
Do you know the full scope of the benefits offered by industrial safety gates? Though many of us interact with these key safety features on a daily basis, it can be easy to overlook the extensive perks of using such products on your job site. At Northern Platforms, one of our biggest passions is helping our clients find the right safety solutions for their needs and we’re proud to supply Western Canada with leading products, including swing gates by Yellow Gate to help achieve the safest worksites possible. Below, we’ll cover a few of the main benefits of using self closing safety swing gates. Read on to learn more!
Safety First
It’s no secret that today’s safety standards are stricter than ever, and for good cause. Implementing safety routines and using the right equipment goes a long way to preventing the countless potential accidents and deadly occurrences that happen on ill-prepared job sites each year. Fall protection is one of the biggest considerations when it comes to those working with catwalks, platforms, loading platforms, rolling stairs, and related equipment. Swing gates act as an effective passive protective measure for industrial and commercial settings, keeping your crew safe, happy, and keeping productivity where it needs to be as a result. Below are just a few of the many applications where swing gates excel:
1. Roof Top Rescue
If you’ve got crew members navigating rooftops, you need to have fall protection in place. Swing gates are a fantastic option that allows you to safely provide a dependable barrier that gives peace of mind and drastically reduces your chance for incidences. Swing gates have become a popular option on commercial and industrial rooftops, providing both ease of access without compromising on their intended safety features.
2. Ladder Security
Each year countless OH&S / OSHA violations occur due to unprotected ladder openings. Without the proper safety measures in place, falls become an inevitability, and leave you liable in the long run. Self closing safety wing gates are an easy way to add safety and give your workers much-deserved protection as they go about your tasks, keeping you on the right side of the law and everyone out of the hospital.
3. Walkways
Dealing with tight spaces or a busy worksite that needs a safe path for your employees? Swing gates and railings can help! YellowGate products are highly customizable and come with modular capabilities, making it easy to design a walkway that allows your team to navigate safely and efficiently all day long.
4. Productivity Boost
Did you know that safer workspaces often have a much higher productivity rate than those that lack the proper measures? Swing gates do far more than just preventing accidents: they promote a culture that’s focused on doing the job right with minimal errors across the board. With your crew free to focus on the job at hand instead of worrying about compensating for ever-present dangers, you’ll enjoy plenty of productivity and all the benefits that follow.
Swing Gates at Northern Platforms
Ready to swing into action? Northern Platforms is here to help! Located in Leduc, Alberta, our team is proud to offer clients across Western Canada access to leading products from manufactures like YellowGate, SafeRack (we are Western Canada’s exclusive distributor of SafeRack), and more. Contact us today to learn more about YellowGate solutions!
Is 2021 your year of kicking workplace safety and efficiency into high gear? If your team is ready to take command and streamline operations even further, loading arms, like those made by OPW Engineered Systems & Emco Wheaton are an invaluable investment. Designed to be flexible, stable, and to eliminate the many risks associated with loading trucks and rail cars, loading arms are versatile and perfect for a wide range of applications.
If you’ve been considering making the investment in a top or bottom loading arm, and are wondering what the best fit for your setup is, Northern Platforms is here to help. As Western Canada’s largest source for OPW Engineered Systems & Emco Wheaton, we’re here to connect you with the solutions you can depend on. Below, we’ll cover a few aspects to consider when choosing a loading arm for your operations. Read on to learn more!
Bottom Loading vs. Top Loading Arms: What You Need to Know
As the names suggest, there are some distinct differences in how bottom and top loading arms operate, as well as unique benefits to both. Bottom loading arms are designed to be operated from ground level, which provides additional safety and the robust swivel and spring counterbalance of units allows the arm to reach farther, making it easier to reach more openings.
Top loading arms, again, are true to the meaning of their name, and load railcars or trucks from above. One of the biggest benefits to top loading arms is that they have a huge range of options available and are typically designed for your specific application to safely load and unload railcars and truck, all while handling high flow rates with ease. With multiple models available, finding the right fit for your application is easy, and when partnering with a licensed distributor like Northern Platforms Ltd, you can rest easy knowing that you have the perfect match for your exact needs.
Hoses and Compatibility
The debate between hoses vs loading arms when it comes to safe onboarding and offloading is always a point of contention when it comes to finding the right loading solution. While it’s important to remember that most loading arms are designed for overall ease of use and handling, before you commit to investing in one, you will want to ensure that your trucks and/or railcars are compatible with a non-hose option. Seamless integration is generally very easy and custom solutions and modifications greatly reduce the risk of issues, however, at times clashes may occur. Here are some things to consider with each option:
Hoses
Loading Arms
Hoses require annual pressure tests, are very heavy to use with valves at tanker connection points, and cannot be easily heated or fitted with vent/purge valves. They are difficult to stow when not in use, are prone to wear, and can be driven over or dropped — potentially leading to catastrophic failure. They also pose a tripping hazard for workers.
Hoses require annual pressure tests
Are difficult to stow neatly when not in use
Can be driven over
Can be dropped
Are very heavy to use if fitted with a valve at the tanker connection point
Cannot be easily heated or have vent/purge valves fitted to it
Prone to catastrophic failure
Loading arms are more balanced and much easier to move — even by a lone operator. They can reach more openings and are designed to not hit the ground, which protects valves and couplers. They can be left hanging in the air while the operator prepares the tanker truck connection, and can be parked easily and neatly. They can also be fitted with manual or actuated liquid valves, as well as optional purge/vent facilities.
Balanced and easy to move throughout the movement envelope
Designed not to hit the ground – protecting the valves and couplers
Allows for a one-person operation
Fitted with manual or actuated liquid valves.
Fitted with optional purge/vent facilities
Can be moved into position with ease and left hanging in the air while the operator prepares the tanker connection
Parked neatly.
When looking to integrate a loading arm with your existing loading or unloading operation, we highly recommend partnering with an experienced team who will be able to evaluate your current operation. When it comes to finding the right loading arm for your specific application, it’s critical to take into consideration existing equipment like piping & metering, gangways, truck & railcar information and overhead obstructions to be sure the loading arm is an optimal fit. Drawing on over 50 years of combined industry experience, Northern Platforms is always happy to send one of our experts to your site to conduct a thorough evaluation to guarantee a perfect match, every time. If you need help finding your safety match, just give us a call!
SafeRack Equipment, Only at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is the largest distributor of OPW Engineered Systems & Emco Wheaton products throughout Western Canada, making us your first choice for loading arms and more. Our inventory features several of our manufacturers products, including API couplers and more! Contact our team today to learn more about loading arms as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!
