Safety and efficiency during tanker truck loading applications cannot be compromised. At Northern Platforms, we understand how crucial these processes are for your operations. That’s why we are here to help you find the right tanker truck access platform for your facility.
Below, we will tell you about our SafeRack access platforms and gangways inventory and how our team can work with you to create a custom solution for your operations. Continue reading to find out more!
Your Source for Tanker Truck Access Platforms
Whether your operations are loading tanker trucks with bottom hatches, top hatches, or both, Northern Platforms has you covered! As a leader in safe access and loading solutions, we carry a vast inventory of truck loading platforms and access solutions from SafeRack that can upgrade your operations’ efficiency, safety, and productivity.
However, the team at Northern Platforms goes beyond meeting your operational needs; we also aim to exceed your expectations by delivering quality products and professional turnkey services. Our process of outfitting your loading operations with a tanker truck access platform starts with an on-site visit. This enables our team to understand your daily challenges and objectives. From there, we will develop a tanker truck loading access solution that will help you increase productivity, keep your workers safe, and ensure compliance with OSHA and other safety regulations.
Looking for Flexibility In Your Loading?
One of the outstanding SafeRack products we carry at Northern Platforms is their track-mounted safe access gangways. These gangways slide horizontally along the loading platform, allowing your crew to quickly and safely access any place along the track system without stopping to move the tankers. With Northern Platforms’ SafeRack track-mounted loading gangways and access platforms, you’ll have the flexibility to spot vehicles of all sizes and types, speeding up your loading or unloading processes.
The SafeRack track-mounted gangways are built with all of the safety features and mechanisms of their standard gangways and come equipped with a safety cage. This time-saving advantage, combined with the gangways’ durable, long-lasting design, means your operations will not only keep your crew safe but also enhance your bottom line.
Custom Safety Access Platforms
At Northern Platforms, we understand that when it comes to tanker truck access platforms, one size may not fit all. As leaders in safe access solutions, we offer a range of loading rack and access platform solutions to meet your facility’s needs, including the one-of-a-kind type. With decades of experience under our belts, the Northern Platforms team can work with you to integrate any new solution fully into your existing operations. Whether that requires crafting a custom tanker truck access platform or simply adding a few fall protection components, Northern Platforms will work with you to find a cohesive, efficient, and productive solution that works for you!
Ready to Get Started?
As a Canadian-owned and family-run company, Northern Platforms understands firsthand the importance of safety and efficiency in loading operations. With our expert team, turnkey services, and a comprehensive inventory of access solutions, loading arms, and loading racks, we are sure to find a tanker truck access platform solution that works for your operational demands.
Let our team guide you through your options today! Contact us to learn more about our SafeRack offering or to begin the custom access platform process.
Fuel tanker trucks are used across North America to transport large volumes of liquids and gases. With a rise in demand for biofuels especially, your fuel tanker system must have the right components to ensure smooth and safe operations.
As your source for safe access solutions, loading arms, and fall protection systems, Northern Platforms is here to help you make your tanker loading and unloading processes as safe as possible. Continue reading to learn more about how our bottom loading arms, in particular, can enhance the safety and efficiency of your operations.
Understanding Fuel Tanker Loading Systems
The systems and equipment required for fuel tanker loading operations encompass a range of components. From gangways and loading racks to loading arms and spill containment, fuel tanker loading systems are complex, especially for larger facilities dealing with numerous tankers.
One of the essential components of a fuel tanker loading system is loading arms. Loading arm systems are crucial as they provide a safe means of accessing the content of the tanker trucks. These components connect to the tanker and the loading dock to provide a secure connection point for loading and unloading operations. Northern Platforms offers a range of top and bottom-loading arm configurations from trusted manufacturers like OPW Engineered Systems.
Next, we will explain why bottom-loading arms are often the safest option for fuel tanker loading systems.
Advantages of Bottom Loading in Tanker Truck Operations
Northern Platforms’ inventory of OPW bottom-loading arms is available in a wide range of configurations. They offer operations many benefits that not only protect their workers but also enhance efficiency. These advantages include the following:
Fire Prevention
Top loading a fuel tanker often involves the splashing of flammable liquids, which can result in a build-up of electrical charge within the tanker itself. Electrical discharge can happen for several reasons, and the opportunity to generate a spark is increased by moving workers and equipment above the truck. Using a bottom-loading arm can reduce this risk, as they create less turbulence in the tank and often feature grounding systems.
Spill/ Leak Prevention
Even minor petrochemical spills can be severe, from damage to the environment, creating the potential for a fire, pollution control, and loss of product perspectives. Bottom loading arms can reduce or eliminate the possibility of spills and leaks at loading terminals and service stations, especially when paired with a dry disconnect.
Vapour Recovery
As many within the industry know, transferring fuels and chemical products can significantly contribute to local pollution and environmental damage. Bottom loading can make petrochemical vapour recovery easier than top loading. OPW’s bottom loading arms can be adapted to recover displaced vapours, making your operations safer and more environmentally friendly.
Operator Safety
Top loading a fuel tanker requires your employees to be off the ground above the truck, creating a potential fall risk. At the same time, many fuel tanker loading systems are outside, making loading/unloading more dangerous during poor conditions at an elevated height. By using bottom-loading arms, your operators remain on the ground throughout the loading process, making it easier to react in an emergency and keeping them safe.
Cost-Effective
Compared to top-loading islands or racks, bottom-loading islands are often less expensive to build and maintain. Without the need to maintain or replace walkways, gangways, or overhead loading structures associated with top-loading, your operations can enhance your bottom line and invest that money elsewhere.
Your Source for Loading Arms and More!
At Northern Platforms, we proudly carry a comprehensive inventory of OPW top and bottom loading arms, quick & dry disconnects, and more. Our team is well-versed in fuel tanker loading systems, so if you’re looking for a custom solution for your operations, Northern Platforms is here to help!
Contact us today to learn more about our OPW bottom-loading arms or to speak with one of our safe access solution experts regarding your fuel tanker loading systems.
Without the right equipment, flatbed loading can be dangerous for truck operators and nearby personnel. At Northern Platforms, we can help you reduce the risk of injury or accident during these difficult applications. With our inventory of RollaStep rolling stairs and work platforms, we will surely find the proper access solution for your application.
Next, we will tell you about the RollaStep MP Series and how it can make flatbed loading much more accessible. Keep reading to find out more!
Introducing the MP Series: Features and Design
Northern Platforms proudly carries a comprehensive inventory of RollaStep rolling stairs and mobile work platforms. In particular, the MP Series is a highly mobile work platform that offers uncompromising safety as it combines the workspace and stability of a fixed platform with the mobility of a rolling stair.
The MP Series can safely accommodate multiple operators alongside their parts and equipment with a large 9’x3’ work platform, powder-coated handrails, and full-size 45° rise stair stringer. Manufactured from lightweight aluminum and OSHA-compliant, the MP Series from Northern Platforms is a versatile and well-built piece of access equipment that can make loading, unloading, maintenance and more that much easier.
Versatile, Configurable, and Customizable
While the MP Series offers exceptional safety and engineering, there are even more benefits to these rolling stairs. For instance, the removable handrails allow you to cantilever the end handrail or remove an entire side to access flatbed trailers or reach over an obstruction. The handrails can be quickly slid in and out of place without tools, allowing your team to reconfigure these rolling stairs as needed.
Northern Platforms can customize your MP rolling stairs completely for your unique needs. So whether you need a cantilever platform with angled handrails during aircraft applications or padded bumpers to prevent damage to equipment or trailers, Northern Platforms has you covered!
Flatbed Fall Protection with Custom Rolling Stairs
Speaking of customized access solutions, we often see one configuration for the MP Series at Northern Platforms: an extra long length with no handrails on one side specifically for flatbed loading applications. As mentioned, the MP Series rolling stairs can be customized for flatbed applications. This unit provides truck operators the ease and safety of loading and securing their cargo before continuing their travels. The locking 8” swivel casters make moving the unit a breeze, while the safety yellow powder-coated handrails ensure visibility. So, if your loading bay works with flatbed trucks day in and day out, consider investing in a custom MP Series rolling stair and take the safety and efficiency of your operations up a step.
Your Source for Preventative Maintenance and More
Aside from our wide inventory of industry-leading safe access solutions, loading arms, gangways and more, Northern Platforms also offers preventative maintenance services. Our knowledgeable team is trained to perform complete maintenance on each type of equipment we sell. This means that if your manufacturer’s manual says your rolling stairs require semi-annual or annual maintenance, our team is here to help!
We can even work with you to develop a custom maintenance schedule, including detailed work completed reports, that meets your facility’s and equipment’s needs. With replacement parts available and preventative maintenance support, Northern Platforms is your source for safe access solutions and more!
The Safe Access Solutions You Need Close to Home
Located in Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms is your Western Canadian source for safe access solutions, loading arms, fall protection and more. Contact us to get a quote on an MP Series rolling stair from RollaStep or to learn more about our equipment maintenance services!
Together, let’s make your operations safer and more efficient.
Bottom-loading arms offer several advantages over other types of loading equipment. At Northern Platforms, we carry a complete range of OPW Engineered Systems’ loading arms perfect for sulfur and LPG loading applications.
Below, we will highlight our top three models for sulfur and LPG loading and a bottom loading arm accessory that can make molten sulfur loading safer. Keep reading to find out more!
Unsupported Boom Bottom Loader
The OPW Unsupported Boom Bottom Loading Arm is designed to provide a flexible, long-range, reliable operation that is easy to use in sulfur and LPG loading operations. This heavy-duty bottom-loading arm has five swivel planes of rotation, allowing for adjustments when changes in elevation or tilting due to the vehicle being loaded or unloaded occur. If you’re looking for a versatile, heavy-duty, and durable bottom-loading arm for your LPG or sulfur-loading applications, the OPW Unsupported Boom Bottom Loader from Northern Platforms has you covered!
Here are a few other features and benefits of this loading arm:
Available in 2″ to 6″ sizes
Available in carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
Fully customizable
Can be safely stored in a “jack-knife” position for safe clearance of vehicles
Easy to operate and maneuver
Features a low profile design with a long reach, making it ideal for railcar unloading
Easily connects under trucks
Eliminate the need for hoses
A-Frame Loader
Another great bottom-loading arm option from Northern Platforms is the OPW A-Frame Loader. This loading arm is a popular option for LPG loading applications. Its unique configuration enables flexibility and a long reach while remaining convenient and easy to use. Typically used for tanker truck bottom-loading applications, the A-Frame Loader can also be utilized in top-loading/ unloading operations, making it a versatile option. And just like the Unsupported Boom loader, this bottom loading arm also adjusts for changes in tilt or elevation during loading operations.
Next are some additional benefits and features of the OPW A-Frame Loader available at Northern Platforms:
Available in 2″ to 4″ sizes
Available in carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
LPG options feature an all-welded construction
Crossovers can easily be achieved
For multiple product applications, this loading arm can be mounted closely to others
Stores in an upright, near-vertical position for closer installation proximity
Fully customizable
Eliminates the need for hoses
CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader
The last bottom loading arm we’d like to highlight is the OPW CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader. This loading arm’s simple yet rugged construction provides efficient handling and coupling to tank adaptors. At the same time, the flange-by-flange base swivel joints ensure reliable performance and easy maintenance. The counterbalance adjustment is also smooth and straightforward, making the loading or unloading process quick and efficient.
Below are some other features and benefits of the CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader:
Features 4″ arms with a 114″ reach
Manufactured from carbon steel and aluminum
Includes a Dual Split Flange (DSF) inlet swivel for durability
Includes low-temperature fluorocarbon seals
The multiple-compartment loading capabilities save time
Crossover capabilities easily meet API envelope requirements
Comes with braided stainless steel or Rackmaster composite hose
Insulation for Molten Sulfur Loading
If your facility is specifically loading or unloading molten sulfur, then a bottom loading arm alone is not enough to ensure safe and efficient operation. At Northern Platforms, along with our inventory of bottom loading arms, we also offer a variety of loading arm accessories, such as the OPW Custom Insulation Packages. These removable and reusable insulation packages provide superior heat retention, safety, and an uncompromised range of motion, making them an excellent choice for temperature-sensitive loading applications. Available in 2″, 3″, 4″, and 6″ sizes and carbon steel or stainless construction, the OPW Custom Insulation Packages from Northern Platforms will ensure that your molten sulfur loading operations are safe and temperature protected.
Your Source for Loading Arms!
Are you ready to find the bottom-loading arms your operations need to ensure safety and efficiency? Trust Northern Platforms in Leduc, Alberta, to have you covered!
Contact us today to learn more about our offering of OPW bottom-loading arms and let our team help you find the right loading equipment for your application.
Industrial safety gates are an often overlooked safe access solution. However, they are a crucial piece of safety equipment that can protect your workers and ensure OSHA compliance. At Northern Platforms, we carry a large inventory of YellowGate self-closing swing gates, perfect for a wide range of facilities and plants. Keep reading to learn more about these safety gates!
Meet the YellowGate Self-Closing Swing Gate
At Northern Platforms, we carry a variety of safe access solutions that aren’t your typical safety equipment. For instance, our offering of Yellowgate self-closing swing gates is, in fact, a crucial safe access solution as it satisfies 1910.23 Guarding Floor & Wall Openings & Holes OSHA requirements. However, many plant managers and facility owners may not realize this, leaving their crew members at a higher risk of a fall injury.
The YellowGate self-closing swing gate is one of the most flexible gate products on the market. This gate can cover openings between 16” and 36” and is field adjustable with a simple wrench. The flexibility this self-closing swing gate offers not only keeps your facility safe and compliant but also can save you time and money. More on that later.
Here are some of the outstanding features of the YellowGate self-closing swing gate:
Stainless-Steel Mounting Hardware
Lightweight Aluminum Construction
Rust-Proof
Powder-Coated Safety Yellow
No Exposed Springs
Universal Mount for Easy Installation
Includes Stainless-Steel Mounting Kit and Tension Adjustment Tool
Versatile Mounting for All Applications
As hinted, the YellowGate self-closing swing gate can save you time and money. How? Well, since no facility or worksite is identical, you’ll need several safety gates across various locations and attached to many different surfaces. Since this self-closing swing gate comes with a universal mounting kit, it can be installed onto walls, square and round tubing, and angle iron in parallel and perpendicular positions. No welding, cutting, or drilling is required, so installation only takes a matter of minutes and a few hand tools. With this versatility, you can repeatedly use the YellowGate self-closing swing gate across many applications, saving you time and money.
Adjustable Swing Direction for Ease of Use
Compared to other self-closing swing gates available, Northern Platforms’ YellowGate swing gates are unlike the competition. These gates are designed to be as easy to adjust as possible. Say, for instance, you need to change the swing direction. With the YellowGate self-closing swing gate, doing so is as simple as changing the position of one bolt.
Additionally, the YellowGate safety swing gate can be opened to a maximum angle of 108° in either direction. This flexibility and ease of use means you are not limited in where or how you use this gate. At Northern Platforms, we keep a large inventory of the YellowGate self-closing swing gates. If you’d like a bulk order or need a new gate as soon as possible, we have you covered!
Expert Support with Turnkey Installation and Maintenance Services
Aside from our comprehensive inventory of safe access solutions from trusted manufacturers like ErectaStep, YellowGate, SafeRack, and RollaStep, we also offer turnkey installation and maintenance services.
When it comes to our installation services, our team will come to your site to discuss your specific needs and projects. Then, we will use our decades of experience to match the right set of equipment to your application. From conceptual layouts and scope development to quotes, project execution and installation, Northern Platforms is here to help you every step of the way.
On the other hand, our maintenance services are available semi-annually or yearly. The Northern Platforms team will even work with you to develop a custom maintenance schedule and plan to ensure the operational functionality of your equipment. Our team can perform complete preventative maintenance services on all the equipment we supply.
With detailed work reports included, Northern Platforms is your source for expert turnkey services.
Your End-to-End Partner
Are you ready to add a YellowGate self-closing swing gate to your facility or plant? Then don’t wait! At Northern Platforms, we have plenty of inventory in stock and ready to ship. Contact us today to place your order and make your workplace even safer this year.
For your construction site, facility, or worksite to be OSHA-compliant, you need the right access equipment. Fortunately, this is where Northern Platforms can help! With our years of experience and knowledgeable team, Northern Platforms can help you find the proper safe access solutions for your site. One such piece of equipment often overlooked is portable stairs for temporary job site trailers. Next, we will tell you more about our portable stairs offering. Keep reading to find out more!
Meet the ErectaStep Portable Steel Stairs
Since 2002, Northern Platforms has been your source for access solutions from trusted manufacturers like ErectaStep. Amongst ErectaStep’s product offerings is its line of OSHA- and IBC-compliant portable stairs. These rugged, powder-coated stairs are manufactured from galvanized steel and feature adjustable legs, making them perfect for interior and exterior applications.
For instance, if your job site trailer, temporary waste bin, or office trailer requires sturdy and reliable stairs for easy access, the ErectaStep portable stairs are a great option. With permanent and custom configurations available, these portable stairs are an excellent choice for construction sites, industrial facilities, waste management sites, and more!
Features Worth Investing In
Like all ErectaStep products, their portable stairs come standard with safety-enhancing features such as large, slip-resistant platforms and field-adjustable telescopic legs. These platforms are available in 4’x6′ or 4’x4′ sizes and can have steps attached to any side. If you require a portable stair with steps on the front or two sides, the ErectaStep portable stairs have you covered!
Available in sizes ranging from 28″ (71cm) to 63″ (160cm) high, these portable stair units can be adapted for nearly any terrain, making them a great option for worksites across Canada. At Northern Platforms, we carry a comprehensive inventory of the ErectaStep portable stairs in stock and ready to ship. So, when you need one of these units, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and make accessing your job site trailer one step safer.
Below is a quick spec overview of the two models of the ErectaStep portable stairs available at Northern Platforms:
IBC & OSHA Compliant Models
For commercial and residential applications
4’x6′ Platform
Heavy Duty Platform with 100 psf (pounds per square foot) load requirements
Balusters with 4″ (102mm) spacing
OSHA Compliant Models
For industrial use applications only
4’x4′ Platform
Medium Duty Platform with 50 psf (pounds per square foot) load requirements
Handrails with standard balusters
Caring for Our Community
In addition to serving our fellow businesses with turnkey services, safe access and loading solutions, Northern Platforms also gives back to our community. Over the years, we have proudly partnered with and sponsored numerous community organizations and initiatives to show support and care for the community in which we live and work. Some of our most recent sponsorships and initiatives include:
Platinum Sponsor for Harry Ainlay Titans High School Senior Football Program
Sponsorship for Tee it Up for Mental Health Golf Tournament
Gold Sponsor for the Cameron Daye Memorial Golf Invitational
Donations to the Stollery Hospital
Donations to the Alberta Cancer Foundation
And more!
At Northern Platforms, we believe we are only as strong as the communities we work in, so we are committed to giving back.
Get a Quote Today!
With over two decades of experience under our belts and a commitment to our communities, Northern Platforms is your source for quality access solutions, turnkey services, and more. If your worksite would benefit from a set of ErectaStep portable stairs, contact us today to get a quote or to learn more about how the Northern Platforms team can support your business.
