From the petrochemical and biofuel industry to pharmaceutical manufacturing, the ability to easily and safely load and unload chemicals quickly and accurately is crucial. At Northern Platforms, we understand that efficient loading processes not only minimize downtime but also reduce the risk of spills and accidents.
However, enabling your operations to achieve the safest, most efficient, and compliant loading process possible means investing in equipment that’s engineered to handle the unique needs of chemical transfer applications. This is where our inventory of OPW Engineered Systems‘ top loading arms can help. Let us explain more below…
Types of Top Loading Arms for Chemical Loading
Top loading arms are critical for railcar and tanker truck chemical loading operations as they offer a range of benefits, including precise fluid control, adaptability, and reliability. At Northern Platforms, our OPW top loading arms inventory is engineered to provide the horizontal and vertical movement necessary to reach various compartments of railcars and trucks without the need for re-spotting.
When looking specifically at top loading arms for chemical loading applications, there are three main types Northern Platforms highly recommends:
1) Fixed Reach Style
OPW fixed reach top loading arms are popular for their simplicity and reliability. Designed for operations where the load vehicle parks at a specific distance from the riser pipe, this style of chemical top loading arm features swivel planes of rotation that facilitate smooth movement throughout the loading process. With options for valve placement and the ability to adapt these arms to tight-fill or close system loading, fixed reach chemical top loading arms offer a straightforward yet effective chemical loading solution.
Additional Features:
Available in 2″, 3″ and 4″ sizes
Available in carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum
Choice of flanged, threaded or all-welded construction
2) Unsupported Boom Style
For chemical loading operations that require variable reach capabilities, the OPW unsupported boom style top loading arm from Northern Platforms should be your top choice. These loading arms’ medium reach capabilities and moderate flexibility make them a good option for applications where moving the load vehicle for accurate fluid transfer is possible. While unsupported boom style chemical top loading arms may be a bit limited in their capabilities, they are simple to operate and fold back for compact storage.
Additional Features:
Available in 2″, 3″, 4″ and 6″ sizes
Available in stainless steel, carbon steel or aluminum
Choice of flanged, threaded or all-welded construction
3) Supported Boom Style
Like its unsupported counterpart, the supported boom style top loading arm offers excellent reach. By incorporating support sections, this chemical top loading arm maximizes its reach and weight handling capabilities, making it an excellent choice for demanding chemical loading operations. Whether transferring sulfur, propane, or even asphalt, the OPW supported boom top loading arm offers unbeatable flexibility and performance.
Additional Features:
Available in 2″, 3″, 4″ and 6″ sizes
Available in aluminum, carbon steel or stainless steel
Choice of threaded, flanged, or all-welded construction
Simple Solutions for Complex Industries
At Northern Platforms, we understand the complexities of chemical loading operations. That’s why we offer a complete range of top loading arms explicitly designed to meet your loading, safety, environmental, and industry requirements. From our OPW fixed reach and supported boom styles to our ability to create a specialty solution that seamlessly integrates into your current loading platform, our chemical top loading arms are engineered for efficiency, reliability, and safe loading practices.
Whether your operations handle NGL, refined fuel, ammonia, or gondola railcar loading applications, you need a railcar loading system that protects your workers, facility, productivity, and bottom line. As Canada’s leading distributor of SafeRack safe access solutions, Northern Platforms is here to help you design and build a railcar loading system that does all that and more!
Next, we will tell you about our personalized approach to designing railcar loading systems and how a particular SafeRack gangway can benefit your operations. Keep reading to learn more!
A Personalized Approach to Railcar Loading Systems
While other safe access and loading solution distributors will take a cookie-cutter approach to your railcar loading needs, Northern Platforms does things a bit differently. At Northern Platforms, we commit seriously to building strong, life-long relationships with our customers. Our team won’t simply rely on emails or phone calls to understand your railcar loading operations. Instead, we take that extra step to ensure you receive personalized service. That means a dedicated sales team member will visit your site in person, see with their own eyes the challenges you may be facing, and take time to discuss the details of your particular applications.
By taking a personalized approach to designing, installing, and maintaining your railcar loading systems, Northern Platforms can provide a holistic understanding of how our safe access solutions, railcar loading platforms, and gangways can benefit your operations.
Meet the Flat Ramp Telescoping (FRT) Access Gangway
Northern Platforms’ comprehensive inventory of SafeRack safe access solutions includes various railcar loading platforms and gangways that are perfect for ensuring the safety and productivity of your operations. In particular, the Flat Ramp Telescoping (FRT) Access Gangway is a popular model for railcar loading because of its innovative design and durability.
The FRT Gangway features a slip-resistant walkway and telescoping extension, perfect for eliminating narrow gaps between your loading platform and the railcar. FRT gangways have a 21″ telescoping extension that allows the gangway to accommodate various railcar configurations. These gangways are constructed with 1” stainless steel bearing quality pivot rods and machine-quality pivot points for greater durability, longevity, and safety. With the FRT Gangway’s rugged, oversized parts and counterbalanced adjustable springs for easy raising and lowering, this gangway is sure to stand the test of time. Self supporting with adjustable chain stops, a 500 LB load capacity and a spring counterbalance system that allows the gangway to be easily raised and lowered, the FRT gangway is up for any challenge.
Available in 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″ and 72″ widths and various lengths, and aluminum, galvanized steel, or stainless steel, the Flat Ramp Telescoping Access Gangway is an excellent option for NGL, refined fuel, ammonia, and gondola railcar loading applications. Let the Northern Platforms team show you how the FRT Access Gangway can enhance your railcar loading systems!
Turnkey Services that Won’t Interfere with Your Operations
At Northern Platforms, our top-notch service doesn’t stop at providing expert guidance and top-quality railcar loading platforms, gangways, and loading arms. We also offer turnkey installation and maintenance services. That way, you can rest assured that your railcar loading platforms and gangways are ready to go when you need them most. From scope development, conceptual layouts and cost estimates to project execution, installation, and yearly maintenance, Northern Platforms is your trusted partner for greater operational safety and efficiency!
Your Source for Safe Access Solutions
Whether you need a new railcar loading platform, loading arms, gangways, or spill containment, Northern Platforms is your 100% Canadian source for safe access and loading solutions.
Contact our team today to learn more about our turnkey services or to get a quote on the Saferack Flat Ramp Telescoping (FRT) Access Gangway. Let our team help you design a custom railcar loading solution that ensures the safety of your workers.
Now that warmer weather has begun, the cement and asphalt industries are about to kick into gear for peak construction season. One way you can ensure the efficiency and safety of your cement and asphalt truck loading operations is by investing in a quality truck fall protection system from Northern Platforms.
Next, we will outline some of the critical components of these systems and two products from SafeRack that were designed explicitly for the cement industry. Keep reading to find out more!
What Makes for a Solid Truck Fall Protection System?
At Northern Platforms, high-quality, safe access solutions are key to our commitment to providing our customers with the truck fall protection systems they need. From designing custom solutions to installing ready-made options, we have the expertise to ensure your operations are safe and efficient. When it comes specifically to truck fall protection systems, some key components you’ll need include:
Loading Arms
Safety Cages
Operator Gangways
Loading Platforms
Safety Gates
And Spill Protection
Depending on the material you’re loading and unloading and the scope of your operations, additional components such as operator buildings and safety showers may also be required. However, with decades of experience under our belts, Northern Platforms has the expertise to ensure your truck fall protection is solid. Our expert team can help reduce the risk of worksite incidents and productivity losses due to downtime by ensuring the safety and consistency of your truck-loading operations. That way, your operations can continue smoothly without interruption, regardless of your industry.
Specialized Solutions for Cement & Asphalt Loading
Loading and unloading cement, dry bulk powder, dry ash, and asphalt present some fairly unique challenges for your fall protection systems. For instance, the high cycle rates, multiple hatches, oversized and multi-truck configurations, loading from a height, and nonstandard hatch opening orientations will impact which fall protection system components will best suit your needs.
At Northern Platforms, two essential SafeRack products—the SAS Gangway and G4 Series Offset Cage — can help ensure the safety and efficiency of your cement and asphalt truck loading operations.
The G4 Series Offset Cage, designed specifically for the cement industry, includes innovative features like flared and tapered rungs for full motion while in use. Compatible with all SafeRack gangways and cage configurations, this heavy-duty aluminum safety cage can withstand harsh conditions, offering versatility and durability. With its patented tapered extended profile for demanding high-cycle applications, this is the perfect safety cage for any cement operation.
Similarly, the SAS (Self-Adjusting Stair) Gangway, with its extra-strong tube design and numerous range of widths and lengths, provides safe and easy access to trucks of varying sizes. This eliminates the need for multiple different-sized gangways, allowing your operations to enhance your bottom line. Its one-piece stair design also reduces the number of necessary welds, thereby lowering the risk of failures. At the same time, the self-adjusting feature ensures minimal effort and easy retrofitting for enhanced safety.
Northern Platforms’ team can explain the minute details of these truck fall protection components and how we can integrate them into your new or existing system. So, don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information.
Your Source for Fall Protection Systems and More!
Since 2002, Northern Platforms has been Canada’s trusted partner for designing, installing, and maintaining safe access solutions, loading platforms, loading arms, and more. As a family-owned and operated business, we take our commitment to safety to heart. We understand how workplace accidents can impact families, businesses, and communities, and that’s why we strive to provide the quality products companies need to reduce those risks. Whether your operations manage cement truck loading, ammonia as hydrogen railcar unloading or bulk water distribution, we have the access and loading solutions you need to keep your team safe!
Contact Northern Platforms today to learn more about our safe access solutions and to have our team design a truck fall protection system that suits your operation’s needs.
Trains and railcars come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. As a result, when establishing a new railcar fall protection system or replacing an existing one, you’ll need a system flexible enough to accommodate every configuration that rolls into your operations. At the same time, your railcar fall protection system should also enable you to efficiently load and unload the cars while protecting your workers from potential hazards.
At Northern Platforms, our highly experienced team can help you determine the best options for your railcar fall protection needs. Let us explain more below…
Questions to Ask Regarding Your Railcar Loading/ Fall Protection System
While Northern Platform’s expert team can help you determine which railcar fall protection system will best suit your needs, we require substantial data regarding your operations to ensure we recommend the best option for your facility. When searching for a new fall protection and loading system for your railcar operations, ask yourself the following questions:
Are you working with an owned railcar fleet, or are your customers sending you their cars?
How many railcars are you loading/unloading at any given time?
How many tracks are in the work area?
Is your rail track curved or straight?
Do you need an adaptable system?
These are just a few questions the Northern Platforms team will use to understand your railcar fall protection needs better. Ultimately, a site visit will help us determine your needs, challenges, and goals. So, if you’ve been looking at upgrading your fall protection system for your railcar loading operations, reach out to Northern Platforms and let our team check out your worksite in person!
Custom Solutions for Unique Demands
As Western Canada’s leading distributor of safe access solutions, loading arms, and loading racks, Northern Platforms offers numerous solutions to meet your facility’s demands–including custom needs. No matter the industry you’re working in or the material you are transporting via rail, we can design a custom fall protection system to solve your operation’s unique challenges. With decades of experience, our team can fully integrate any new loading rack or platform into your existing system, enabling you to load/unload railcars faster, safer, and more efficiently.
Let’s look at two railcar fall protection options Northern Platforms can help you design and install:
Track-Mounted Railcar Loading Platforms
With SafeRack’s loading platforms and track-mounted gangways, Northern Platforms can add a fall protection system to your railcar loading operations, enabling you to load any size railcar. The track-mounted gangways slide horizontally along the loading platform, letting your employees easily access railcars at any point of the track system without moving the train. With a track-mounted gangway on railcar loading platform, you can see fast loading and unloading times, reduced equipment costs, and an improvement in your operation’s overall productivity.
Multi-Hatch Railcar Loading Racks
The proper loading rack and safety cages can greatly reduce falls and slips during railcar loading operations, especially in multi-hatch applications with multiple load points. Northern Platforms’ inventory of SafeRack loading racks, safety cages, gangways, canopies, and loading arms can provide your operations with an extra layer of protection, making multi-hatch railcar loading a breeze. By increasing the safety net during multi-hatch railcar loading applications, your staff can work more efficiently and safely, directly impacting your bottom line.
Ready to Partner with Northern Platforms?
For more than 20 years, Northern Platforms has been Western Canada’s leading provider of safe access solutions, fall protection systems, and loading arms and racks. With our comprehensive inventory and expertise, we can help you design a railcar fall protection system that suits your facility’s unique needs.
Whether your site requires simply safety solutions such as derailers or wheel chocks or needs a complete fall protection and loading system revamp, Northern Platforms has you covered!
Loading a fuel tanker comes with significant risks due to the flammability of the liquid and its vapours. That’s why having a safe and efficient fuel tanker loading system is critical for your operations. If your current tanker truck loading system is showing its age or is no longer working to its full potential due to a change in your operations’ scale or scope, Northern Platforms is here to help!
Next, we will discuss tanker truck loading systems and how our team can help you design a system that enhances your operation’s safety and efficiency. Keep reading to find out more!
Understanding Tanker Truck Loading Systems
When loading or unloading tanker trucks, it’s essential to understand how these systems work first. That way, you can better understand your operation’s needs.
Whether you’re loading a fuel tanker, water truck, or sulfur tanker truck, the system components used follow the same basic principles:
Reduce the risk of environmental contamination.
Ensure operators’ safety.
Maintain a controlled loading/unloading process.
To achieve the above, tanker truck loading systems utilize top or bottom loading arms, loading platforms, gangways, safety cages, and hoses. Depending on the fuels, chemicals, or liquids you’re transporting, the system components you will use will vary as material compatibility, splash loading, and environmental and safety regulations will impact your options.
Additionally, the scope and scale of your tanker truck loading operations, the size of trucks you’re working with, and the environment your facility is in will also impact your tanker loading systems. For instance, if you have a bulk water dispensing station up in the freezing North, you’ll need loading system components that can withstand below-zero temperatures.
Fortunately, Northern Platforms is here to help! As a family-owned and operated business with more than two decades of experience in safe access and loading solutions, our team can help you find the right components and equipment for your fuel tanker loading systems. Whether you’re transporting water, biodiesel, or hydrogen as ammonia, we have the expertise and equipment to help you outfit your entire operations!
Tailored Solutions for Enhanced Operations
Regardless of the types of liquids or chemicals your operations are loading and unloading, Northern Platforms has all your safe access and loading equipment needs covered! As Western Canada’s leading safe access equipment, loading rack, and loading arm distributor, we have a comprehensive inventory of fuel tanker loading systems from trusted manufacturers like SafeRack, OPW Engineered Systems, Ultratech and more.
When you need a new fuel tanker loading system, our team can ensure you get a tailored solution by visiting your work site and working closely with you and your team. That way, we can better understand your operations’ current challenges, goals, and scope. From there, Northern Platforms will draft a fuel tanker loading system that will not only ensure the safety and functionality of your operations but also aid in increasing productivity.
With Northern Platforms’ professional turnkey solutions, we can guarantee that your loading systems are installed and maintained in optimal condition. So, if you need a system that will make loading or unloading water, fuel, or chemicals safer and more efficient, turn to the experts at Northern Platforms!
Get a Quote Today!
At Northern Platforms, we are committed to providing our customers with superior quality products, on-time delivery, and outstanding service. Contact us today to get a quote on your fuel tanker loading system or to learn more about our loading arms, loading racks, gangways, and more!
With the warmer temperatures comes the busy season for cement, asphalt, concrete, and fly ash operations. The last thing your business needs during peak season is a job site accident or injury to derail or stop production. Fortunately, with the proper safe access solutions, such as truck access platforms and safety cages, you can reduce the chances of an accident and ensure productivity. This is where Northern Platforms, with our comprehensive inventory of SafeRack products, can help! Let us explain further below…
Challenges in Cement Loading and Unloading
When loading and unloading cement trucks, there are several unique challenges and risks, especially regarding fall protection and truck access. In particular, high cycle rates, oversized and multi-truck configurations, multiple hatches, and nonstandard hatch opening orientations are a few factors that impact your operation’s efficiency and workers’ safety.
Since cement operations typically involve loading/unloading materials from a height, there is also a significant fall risk. One way to ensure the safety of your employees is to utilize a truck access platform or gangway, as well as a safety cage from Northern Platforms. Our offering of SafeRack gangways and cages provides a safe, enclosed walkway for your personnel to use when navigating between different levels, while the safety cage prevents them from slipping or falling off the edge. That way, not only are you improving the safety of your operations but also enhancing efficiency as your staff does not have to worry about working in potentially unsafe conditions.
At Northern Platforms, we recommend two critical safe access solutions for our customers in the cement industry–the SafeRack G4 Series Offset Cage and SAS Gangway. Let’s explore these truck access platform components below:
G4 Series Offset Cage
This innovative and durable safety cage was explicitly designed for the cement industry. The G4 Series Offset Cage features flared and tapered rungs, enabling the lid to have a full range of motion even while the equipment is in a working position. At the same time, the design of this safety cage ensures that it and the truck access platform it’s connected to will not have any interference when lowered on top of your cement trucks.
Like all SafeRack products, the G4 Series Offset Cage is manufactured with safety and longevity in mind. It is made with heavy-duty aluminum, advanced manufacturing techniques, and robotic welding to ensure its capabilities in demanding high-cycle applications. With the G4’s versatility to be a left or right offset, this is the perfect safety cage for any cement, asphalt, or dry ash operations.
SAS Gangway
When you need an easy-to-use and extremely rugged truck access platform, the SAS Gangway should be your first choice. Built to articulate and self-level, it can easily accommodate a variety of truck heights, with a working range of 40° below and 45° above horizontal. With extra-strong tube designs for safety cage mounting, a one-piece stair design, and reduced weld points, this truck access platform is built to last even in the most challenging applications.
Available at Northern Platforms in 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″, and 72″ widths and numerous lengths, the SafeRack SAS gangway is an excellent truck access platform option for operations handling cement, asphalt, or trucks of varying sizes.
Ready to Invest in Safety?
Northern Platforms can help you make your worksite safer by retrofitting your cement truck loading system with the SAS gangway or outfitting your operations with both the SAS platform and G4 Series safety cage. With our team’s help and our turnkey services, Northern Platforms can ensure that your operations are safe and efficient, no matter the material or vehicles you’re loading/unloading.
