Picture this: you oversee the transfer of materials from your loading platform to a fleet of trucks. Each truck is a different height, size, and shape, making it hard to safely and consistently access the tops of these vehicles in order to load them.
In situations like this, tight timelines and inadequate safety equipment can lead to inefficient and dangerous loading processes, which can put workers at greater risk of injuries and accidents. However, by implementing some simple yet effective safety solutions, such as articulating stairs, you can ensure that your workers are safe, well-equipped, and efficient.
Keep reading to learn more about why articulating stairs are right for your worksite and how Northern Platforms can help you.
What are Industrial Articulating Stairs?
Industrial articulating stairs, also known as self-adjusting stair gangways, are versatile and adjustable stair systems designed to provide access to elevated work areas. Unlike fixed or modular stairs, these systems can be adjusted in real-time to accommodate different heights. This adaptability makes these systems ideal for environments where vehicle heights change frequently.
While industrial articulating stairs may be more expensive than fixed or modular stairs, the adaptability and durability of these products make them a smart long-term investment. While you may pay more upfront, industrial articulating stairs will inevitably help you save money in the long run.
How Do Industrial Articulating Stairs Work?
In most cases, industrial articulating stairs create a safe and ergonomic path to elevated work surfaces like the tops of trucks, tankers, or railcars. In these industries, vehicles rarely have uniform heights, so using traditional fixed stairs is often extremely impractical.
For example, SafeRack’s SAS self-levelling gangways are built to articulate and self-level, which can help accommodate various heights of vehicles. Some key features of this product include:
A powered lift & lower system makes the gangway easy to adjust and safer to use
A positive locking system is available in any position, which helps to protect both drivers and operators automatically.
Many available size and width options to help suit any application.
Track-Mounted Gangways for Added Flexibility
In many industrial settings, articulating stairs are often paired with track-mounted gangways to help with side-to-side movement. Instead of moving trucks or tankers to re-align with the stair system, a track-mounted gangway slides along a rail, allowing workers to reach the vehicle from any angle. This setup saves time, boosts efficiency, and ensures that workers can safely access different areas of the vehicle.
This system is especially helpful when the vehicle has several loading or unloading spots. A track-mounted system lets the gangway be easily moved without having to shift the vehicle, which improves workflow and safety overall.
Industrial Articulating Stairs and More at Northern Platforms
Ready to level up your worksite? Northern Platforms has everything you need to make your operations safer and more efficient. On top of safe access solutions like articulating stairs, we have everything you need to streamline loading and unloading trucks, railcars, and more.
Are you in search of a safe access solution that doesn’t require permanent space? Especially in smaller facilities, dedicating precious space to a permanent access solution may not be feasible. When that happens, there are other options available!
Northern Platforms is here to help. With brands like ErectaStep, SafeRack, and RollaStep in our inventory, we are a dependable choice for trustworthy Canadian access equipment. No matter your industry—oil and gas, marine, pulp and paper, agriculture, rail—Northern Platforms has loading and safety equipment made for you. Learn more about our portable stairs, and Northern Platforms, below.
Safety and Mobility in One
The mobility of portable stairs is its main attraction. Usable in a variety of locations for a plethora of reasons, ErectaStep portable stairs easily roll across your building to increase safety and productivity. A broad base and handrails support stable climbing without compromising on mobility. Employees can carry products and tools with a lower risk of incurring fall injuries. We understand that safety is not only a legal risk but that you care for your employees’ health and safety, too. For your operations, Northern Platforms can help you find whatever safe access equipment is required.
Versatility and Simplicity
In comparison to a permanent floor structure, portable stairs take up less space and can be positioned in a new location as needed. As such, their footprint is greatly reduced. Make navigating your facility significantly easier without increasing your spending dramatically—portable stairs can move to where you need access solutions. So long as your employees are trained in fall protection, our selection of portable stairs is effective for all ground, whether level or not.
ErectaStep Portable Stairs
In particular, ErectaStep’s metal stairs are prefabricated and come with a broad base for stability and are fitted with non-slip tread. The bolt-together design allows unlimited configurations—saving you time and money on lengthy engineering. It comes in a few different sizes to account for facility, use and movability. An adjustable height and aluminum frame means a fast installation process and safe climbing for you and your workers.
ErectaStep is fully IBC and OSHA compliant. Northern Platforms only distributes quality materials because we understand the reasons behind stringent safety regulations. For technical specs, including BIM/CAD files and LEED/HPD information, contact us today.
Only Quality at Northern Platforms
For 20 years, Northern Platforms has been providing Canada with loading platforms, stairs, swing gates, and more. Our family-owned business is based out of Alberta, and our employees aim to meet your needs with incredible service and support. From turnkey installation to maintenance to personalized customer service, Northern Platforms is Western Canada’s go-to distributor.
We work hard to ensure you get the products you need with fast turnaround service. Your equipment will arrive on-site and be installed within days, not weeks, as we do our best to have equipment on hand to cut down on turnaround time. Find the OPW Engineered Systems, ErectaStep, Saferack, and YellowGate products from someone you trust: contact Northern Platforms today.
Access platforms are essential pieces of equipment that can significantly impact production and safety. The goal is to make durable, versatile platforms and ErectaStep platforms stand out among the rest. With features like corrosion resistance, compliance with regulatory bodies like OSHA, and reconfigurable elements, this platform is perfect for all industries and facilities.
If you’re considering investing in a modular work platform, learn about the benefits of the inventory we have at Northern Platforms by reading below.
Easy Installation
When it comes to safety, time is of the essence. Whatever modular work platform equipment a company has should be easy to set up and use. While some access platforms can be time-consuming and difficult to install, opting for an easy-install access solution will negate unnecessary delays and additional costs. ErectaStep modular access platforms offer easy installation and configuration, saving valuable time. Northern Platforms’ line of modular work platforms is quality equipment that businesses across many industries trust for safe access.
Reusability and Mobility
Often, organizations are looking for repurposable mobility. A modular work platform should not only serve its current purpose but be flexible enough to be reconfigured to serve future projects as well. For industries where there are multiple projects in need attention and safety features, Northern Platforms has a comprehensive inventory of modular work platforms to tackle all configurations from simple to complex. Whether you need repositioning or complete repurposing, having a reusable access platform ensures efficiency and safety.
Corrosion Resistance
When a facility’s outdoor areas need modular work platforms, it’s important to obtain work platforms that are resistant to weather challenges. Modular platforms with corrosion resistant materials remain intact over time, free from rust and corrosion that can become a hazard. Investing in a modular work platform that will last for the long term will ensure worker safety and enhance productivity.
Slip Resistance
High-traffic areas, especially ones where workers may be transporting goods or materials or be otherwise distracted, require access solutions with proper precautions. Reduce the risk of slips and falls by opting for slip-resistant access platforms. Slip resistant coatings are critical for preventing accidents and in maintaining a safe workplace. ErectaStep modular work platforms provides sure footing even in uncertain conditions.
Safety Compliance
Required certifications and compliances act as a barrier for mitigating potential hazards. Find an OSHA and IBC compliant platform to ensure cooperation with industry standards. At Northern Platforms, we carry compliant stairs and platforms that petrochemical and oil and gas industries all over Canada use for smooth operations.
Northern Platforms Goes the Extra Mile
For over 20 years, Northern Platforms has been a trusted provider of loading operation equipment, access platforms, gangways, and more to organizations all over Canada. Our modular work platforms offer a range of configurations to address multiple problems for any project. Let our team consult with you to determine the best safe access solution.
Contact Northern Platforms to learn more about our inventory of ErectaStep modular work platforms, or call us at 1-844-426-4929.
Recently, Northern Platforms assisted a tank farm in designing custom industrial work platforms and a secondary containment system to keep their employees safe and secure when accessing the tanks. This is just one example of how ErectaStep modular work platforms’ versatility can ensure the safety and accessibility of an operations’ daily tasks. However, ErectaStep platforms can be used beyond tank farms and spill containment access.
Next, we will tell you more about these industrial work platforms and their versatility. Keep reading to find out more!
Industrial Work Platforms: Making Access and Safety #1
When it comes to design and innovation in industrial work platforms, ErectaStep is truly the leader. Their pre-engineered, pre-manufactured industrial work platforms offer superior quality, durability, and safety, making them an excellent option for petrochemical, manufacturing, and commercial industries where access and safety cannot be compromised. Manufactured using advanced laser-cutting technology, patent-pending designs, and lightweight aluminum, ErectaStep industrial work platforms outperform alternative options in all categories.
At Northern Platforms, we are a trusted distributor of ErectaStep products. Whether you need OHSA/OH&S-compliant industrial work platforms or IBC-compliant stairs, we have you covered!
The Easiest Installation Process
One of the many reasons ErectaStep’s industrial work platforms are so popular is that they feature modular, lightweight aluminum components that are easy to install, reconfigure and disassemble.
Installation for these industrial work platforms only takes a few hours and requires little more than a wrench. That means you don’t need to shut down your production line, obtain hot permits, or utilize special tools or welding. Instead, these industrial work platforms easily bolt together.
However, if you require assistance installing your ErectaStep industrial work platforms because you cannot sacrifice the manpower or want to ensure a perfect installation process, Northern Platforms is here to help! With our turnkey installation services, our team can guarantee that your work platform is installed safely and in a timely manner.
Reach out to Northern Platforms today to learn more about our turnkey services!
Customizable for Various Industries!
Because ErectaStep industrial work platforms are versatile and easily reconfigurable, they have dominated the market. Using five key components (aluminum steps, work platforms, industrial handrails, tower support, and aluminum ladders), ErectaStep modular work platforms can be custom-configured for nearly any worksite, warehouse, tank farm, manufacturing facility, and beyond.
Plus, Northern Platforms’ highly experienced team can help with your customization needs from start to finish. If you need an industrial work platform, our team will visit your site to identify your access needs, challenges, and goals. From there, we use a state-of-the-art custom configurator tool to create your industrial work platform digitally right before your eyes. That way, not only can you see exactly what your work platform will look like once it’s installed, but you’ll also be able to view an accurate quote and detailed drawings.
This entire process takes mere minutes, so instead of waiting for a custom fabrication company to build your industrial work platform from scratch, choose Northern Platforms and ErectaStep!
Ready to Get Started?
As a family-owned and operated distributor, Northern Platforms takes pride in offering our customers personalized safe access solutions, loading racks, fall protection and more. Explore our comprehensive inventory today or contact our team! Together, we can help you create a custom industrial work platform system that fits your facility’s unique needs.
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.
When it comes to safety in industrial settings, there is no compromise. At Northern Platforms, we understand the challenges Safety Managers and Plant Managers face when it comes to ensuring the safety and compliance of their worksites. Fortunately, as your safe access solution experts, the Northern Platforms team is here to help!
Next, we will explain ways to spot potential trouble areas in your facility and how a set of crossover stairs can fix this potential hazard. Keep reading to find out more.
Understanding the Need for Safe Crossover Points
If you are a Safety Manager or Facility Plant Manager, you likely already know the importance of crossover stairs. Workers taking shortcuts over or under production lines is an age-old problem and one that can result in serious bodily harm, accidental death, and fines from governing bodies like OSHA and OH&S. Additionally, slips, accidental falls, and injuries commonly happen around ground-level obstacles and equipment that should have a designated crossover point. Fortunately, crossover stairs from Northern Platforms are the perfect solution.
Identifying Trouble Spots
When considering crossover stairs for your worksite or facility, it is essential to think like an inspector. Keep a keen eye out on how your employees move around your facility, then act immediately. Not only will this mentality keep your staff safe, but it will also give you peace of mind when your next safety inspection happens.
When observing your employees, ask yourself the following questions:
Is there an obstacle (such as a horizontal pipe, production line, or electrical conduit) that crosses an area of your facility’s deck?
Are workers always stepping over said obstacle instead of going around or to a designated crossover point?
Are your workers ducking underneath the obstacle to reach their stations or take a break?
Are your workers taking potentially dangerous shortcuts to cross your facility efficiently?
If you answer “Yes” to any of the above questions, then it’s likely that a crossover stair from Northern Platforms could solve these navigational issues and make your facility safer.
Remember, an injury to one of your workers due to them unsafely crossing over or under an obstacle in your facility can stop your operations. By providing your workers with secure access around obstacles and barriers with Northern Platforms crossover stairs, you’re ensuring their safety on the job, your facility’s compliance with safety regulations, and continuous production.
The ErectaStep Solution
If your worksite, facility or plant is facing safety and navigational issues, Northern Platforms is here to help! Our OSHA-compliant ErectaStep crossover stairs offer an easy-to-assemble solution. This five-piece modular system allows you to customize your crossover stairs to address any length or height your trouble areas require.
Each ErectaStep crossover stair system component is constructed from industrial-grade aluminum (also available in 304 stainless steel) and requires minimal tools and no welding for installation. When you bolt this modular access solution together, the result is a stable crossover stair that will not only last for years but can also be disassembled and reconfigured as your plant or facility grows.
When you need a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and OHSA / OH&S complaint crossover solution, Northern Platforms has you covered with our ErectaStep systems. Let our team help you design the custom access solutions you need with an on-site visit today!
Ready to Make Your Facility Safer?
With help from Northern Platforms’ highly trained and experienced team, we can ensure your facility or plant is safe and compliant. Contact us for a quote on your crossover stairs or to schedule an on-site visit and evaluation today! Remember, Northern Platforms is here to protect you and your workers from workplace injuries and to make loading, accessing, and unloading at your worksite a breeze.
