Does your operation have the equipment it needs? If not, Northern Platforms is here to help. As a leading Western Canada supplier of SafeRack and OPW products, our team specializes in building railcar loading and unloading systems that protect workers and maintain throughput at the same time. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of railcar loading arms and platforms that we offer, broken down by application.
Common equipment considerations: Loading arm, grounding/bonding, vapour management where required, overfill protection, spill containment, gangway or access platform, fall protection, heated or jacketed components
Railcar Loading Systems for Refined Fuels (Gasoline, Diesel, Jet Fuel)
Refined fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel require loading systems that support fast, controlled, and clean transfer. Because these products are flammable or combustible, the system must be designed to reduce ignition risk, control vapours where required, prevent spills, and keep workers safely positioned during loading. Key design considerations for refined fuel loading systems include:
Type of railcar: General service tank car for flammable or combustible liquids
Type of loading: Top or bottom loading; gasoline is commonly handled with closed loading and vapour recovery (where required)
Common equipment considerations: Loading arm, dry disconnect or tight-fill couplers, vapour recovery arm or line, grounding/bonding, overfill protection, emergency shutoff system, gangway or access platform, fall protection
Railcar Loading Systems for Natural Gas/LPG (Propane, Butane)
Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) is transported in pressurized tank cars and presents a very different risk profile than crude bitumen or refined fuels. Loading systems must maintain proper pressure during loading and unloading. Additionally, platforms and racks must meet strict industry standards (NFPA 53). Key considerations for these loading systems include:
Common equipment considerations: Pressure-rated loading arm, secure couplers, emergency shutoff valves, breakaway protection, vapour return or equalization line where required, gas detection, gangway or access platform, fall protection
Railcar Loading Systems for Ammonia (NH3)
Railcar loading systems for LPG and ammonia share several characteristics. Both products are transported under pressure, both require secure connections, and both rely on closed transfer systems to maintain containment. However, ammonia introduces an additional layer of risk: it is highly hazardous to workers if released. As a result, ammonia loading systems must be designed with particular attention to leak prevention, emergency shutoff, vapour or vent management, and safe operator access. Key design considerations for ammonia loading systems include:
Common equipment considerations: Loading arm, emergency shutoff system, secure couplers, vapour/vent management, gas detection, eyewash and safety shower access, gangway or access platform, fall protection
Railcar Loading Systems for Molten Sulphur
Molten sulphur is one of the more complex bulk liquid loading applications because the product must be kept hot enough to remain in a liquid state. If the product cools during transfer, it can begin to solidify inside the loading arm, piping, valves, or railcar connection point. Details about molten sulphur loading systems:
Type of railcar: Insulated tank car designed for molten sulphur service
Type of loading: Heated top loading through the railcar hatch
Key loading concern: Maintaining product temperature, preventing solidification, managing H₂S exposure, avoiding spills or residue, and protecting operators from burns
Common equipment considerations: Steam-jacketed or heat-traced loading arm, heated piping, vapour management or venting provisions, spill control, gangway or access platform, safety cage, fall protection, eyewash and safety shower access
Crude, LPG, refined fuels, ammonia, and molten sulphur all move by rail, but they all require different infrastructure. Each product has its own requirements for tank car fittings, loading arms, vapour control, fall protection, safety systems, and more.
As a full-service provider, Northern Platforms specializes in designing and installing complete turn-key railcar loading solutions for crude oil, refined fuels, propane, butane, ammonia, molten sulphur, and more. We have nearly 30 years of experience and have worked with some of the largest industrial operations in Western Canada.
Contact Us for a Free Quote
Ready to get started? Contact our team with your project details today.
Is your specific application missing from this list? We’d still love to hear from you. Request a quote through our website or call our office to get started on a turnkey railcar loading platform customized specifically for your operation.
Promoting safe access is the cornerstone of all industrial sites. From routine inspections to maintenance, loading, repairs, and equipment operation, workers need reliable ways to reach the areas where work actually happens.
But safe access does not look the same in every facility. Some sites need permanent platforms built around fixed equipment. Others need mobile platforms that can move between work areas. Understanding the difference between these platform types is key to choosing the right solution for your application. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between modular, mobile, and fixed industrial work platforms, including where each option is commonly used and how they support safer, more efficient work.
What Are Industrial Access Platforms?
Industrial access platforms are engineered systems that provide safe, elevated work areas for inspection, maintenance, and operations tasks. They typically combine:
A work deck or platform
Stairs or ladders for access
Guardrails, toe boards, and gates for fall protection
Generally speaking, industrial access platforms fall into three major categories: fixed, modular, and mobile. Let’s break down some key details about all these systems.
Mobile Access Platforms
Mobile access platforms are rolling or movable platforms that can easily be repositioned to where they’re needed and locked in place during use. Typically, you’ll find mobile platforms in applications where:
The work moves around the site (e.g., maintenance on multiple pumps, valves, or vehicles)
Equipment of similar height is spread across a large area
You need temporary access during shutdowns, turnarounds, or project phases
Installing a permanent structure is not practical or cost‑effective
Some examples from Northern Platforms include:
RollaStep MP Series mobile work platforms, which combine the stability of a fixed platform with the mobility of a rolling stair. Ideal for flatbed truck loading and unloading.
SafeRack MAUI Mobile Truck Loading Platform is a mobile tank truck access platform designed for safe loading access. It includes a stable base, telescoping ladder, and safety cage, with optional powered movement for easier positioning.
While mobile platforms can be useful, they should be avoided for high-traffic sites with consistent loading and unloading operations. In these situations, opt for a permanent/fixed loading rack.
Modular Access Platforms
Modular access platforms are built from standardized, pre-engineered components, like stairs, platforms, handrails, ladders, and supports, that bolt together easily. Generally, modular access platforms are ideal for:
Sites where access needs evolve over time
Projects on tight schedules that can’t wait for custom fabrication
Facilities that prefer bolt-together, no-welding installations for safety and speed
Applications where reconfiguration and expansion are expected
Systems like ErectaStep use a small set of standard components (universal platforms, stairs, ladders, tower supports, handrails) that can be combined into almost any configuration: crossovers, valve platforms, mezzanine access, ladder platforms, and more.
In practice, modular systems cover the majority of common industrial use cases, especially for valve access, pipeline crossovers, metering stations, industrial catwalks, rooftop access, and more. However, they are generally not used for truck and railcar loading and unloading.
Fixed Access Platforms
Fixed access platforms are permanently installed structures tied into the building, steelwork, or foundations. They don’t move and are engineered for long-term service in a defined location. Fixed platforms make sense when:
The access need is permanent and clearly defined (e.g., top of a tank, a mezzanine, or a fixed conveyor)
Loads are high or frequent, and continuous anchoring is required
Integration with existing building structure or process equipment is critical
The site must satisfy specific code or insurer requirements for permanent access
Northern Platforms has extensive experience building permanent loading platforms for a variety of applications. For further details about these projects, contact our office.
Industrial Access Platforms from Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms supplies and supports all three categories:
Mobile access platforms: Rolling work platforms and cantilever platforms for safe, mobile access to warehouse shelves, flatbed trailers, and other equipment
Modular access platforms: ErectaStep modular stairs and platforms for crossovers, valve access, metering stations, assembly lines, and more.
Fixed access platforms and loading systems: Truck and rail loading platforms integrating platforms, gangways, loading arms, and fall protection as complete systems.
Not sure what platform is best for your application? Our team specializes in assessing operations and proposing solutions that solve unique issues. For customers based in Alberta, we offer free site visits.
Portable stairs are one of those pieces of equipment that look simple from the outside but come in more configurations than most buyers expect. The right choice depends on what you’re accessing, how often you’re accessing it, whether the stairs need to move around the site, and what height variability you’re dealing with. This guide covers the four main types of portable stairs Northern Platforms carries, what each one is built for, and how to decide which is right for your application.
Type 1: Fixed Portable Stairs
Fixed portable stairs are prefabricated stair units designed for a set height range — typically used to provide access to a specific entry point, elevated surface, or piece of equipment that doesn’t change. Despite the name, they’re portable in the sense that they can be relocated when needed, but they’re generally positioned and left in place for extended use.
What they’re built for: Trailer and modular building access, elevated platform entry, roof access hatches, construction site office stairs, and any application where a permanent concrete or wood stair isn’t warranted but a stable, compliant access point is needed in one location.
Key specs to look for:
Height range matching your specific application (ErectaStep fixed portable stairs are available in 7 sizes from 28″ to 63″)
IBC, OSHA, and OH&S-compliant construction
Field-adjustable legs for uneven surfaces — essential for outdoor and construction site applications
Slip-resistant tread surface
Platform size adequate for the entry point (4×6′ and 4×4′ platforms available)
Entry configurations: direct, left, right, or multiple entry; double stair options for high-traffic access points
When it’s the right choice: You need a compliant, stable stair at a fixed location and don’t want to build or pour concrete. For temporary site trailers, construction phase access, or any elevated entry that needs to meet code without a permanent structure.
Type 2: Tilt-and-Roll Portable Stairs
Tilt-and-roll stairs are mobile stair units that can be tilted back on integrated rear wheels to move from one location to another, then set down flat for stable use. A single operator can reposition them without equipment or assistance.
What they’re built for: Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centres where workers need to access shelving, mezzanines, or equipment at different points throughout a shift. Anywhere that a stair needs to serve multiple locations on the same floor.
Key specs to look for:
Wheel size and material — larger wheels handle uneven or outdoor surfaces better
Load rating on both the platform and the steps
Handrail configuration — full-height handrails on both sides for industrial applications
Locking mechanism when stationary — caster locks should engage quickly and hold firmly
Step width adequate for carrying tools or equipment while ascending
When it’s the right choice: Your workers need stair access at multiple points in a facility, and repositioning needs to be fast and single-operator. A fixed stair at every location isn’t practical; a tilt-and-roll unit serves the whole area.
Type 3: Rolling Self-Levelling Stairs
Rolling self-levelling stairs take mobility a step further. These units are designed to be repositioned frequently and adjust their platform height to match varying access heights — so the same unit can serve different pieces of equipment or vehicles without reconfiguration. The RollaStep G Series is the leading example of this type: a variable-height, self-levelling stair and platform with gas spring height adjustment and a locking pin to secure the set height.
What they’re built for: Process facilities, tank farms, refineries, and maintenance operations where workers access equipment at multiple heights throughout the day. Loading areas where vehicle or equipment heights vary. Any application where a single stair unit needs to replace multiple fixed-height platforms.
Key specs to look for:
Height adjustment range — the RollaStep G Series adjusts to accommodate a wide range of access heights
Self-levelling step and platform mechanism — steps should automatically level at every height setting, not require manual adjustment
Platform load rating — the G Series carries a 300 lb platform load limit
Caster quality — 360° locking casters with no-flat construction for outdoor and uneven surfaces
Platform size — the G Series provides a 6 square foot work surface, accommodating an operator with tools
Non-slip tread — self-draining, aggressive tread for wet and cold weather conditions
When it’s the right choice: You’re dealing with variable access heights across your site and want one unit that handles all of them. Particularly valuable in oil and gas, chemical processing, and maintenance environments where equipment heights vary, and workers move through multiple tasks in a shift.
Type 4: Cantilever Rolling Stairs
Cantilever rolling stairs are the most specialized type of portable stair — designed for applications where the access point is above or beyond an obstacle that prevents a standard stair from getting close enough. The platform extends out beyond the base of the unit, allowing workers to get above piping, containment walls, tank berms, or vehicle rooflines without the stair base contacting the obstacle or the equipment being serviced.
The RollaStep C Series is the industry standard for this type: a counterweighted cantilever platform that extends 2’5″ beyond the base, with 360° locking swivel casters that allow precise placement around sensitive equipment.
What they’re built for: Tank truck and railcar loading and unloading access, tank hatch access in process facilities, equipment access where piping or containment prevents direct approach, and chemical or petroleum handling environments where contact with the equipment must be avoided.
Key specs to look for:
Cantilever extension length — must reach far enough to position the operator above the access point
Counterweight design — a properly counterweighted unit should be stable with an operator on the platform without tipping
Caster locking — must lock securely before any operator climbs; look for total-lock casters that lock both rotation and swivel
Platform and handrail configuration — full handrails, adequate platform depth for working with equipment or hoses
OSHA compliance — non-negotiable for any industrial application
When it’s the right choice: You’re loading or unloading tank trucks or railcars, accessing tank hatches, or working above or around any obstacle that prevents a standard stair from approaching directly. This is the unit that replaces the improvised ladder-over-the-berm solution that no one should be using.
Portable Stairs from Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms carries the full RollaStep and ErectaStep portable stair lineup. We carry all four types above, and they are in stock and ready to ship. As an authorized distributor with nearly 30 years of experience supplying access equipment to oil and gas, construction, and industrial operations across Western Canada, our team can help you match the right unit to your specific application before you buy. Contact us today to get started!
Let’s face it: rooftops are filled with hazards. Between exposed pipes, HVAC ducting, cable trays, and unpredictable weather, every trip to the roof is a potential safety incident waiting to happen. The good news? Many of these incidents are entirely preventable—and installing a crossover walkway system is one of the most effective ways to make your rooftop safer, more accessible, and fully compliant with Canadian safety regulations. Keep reading to learn more about this key safe access system!
Rooftop Safety Risks
Every rooftop is different, but the dangers are often the same. Workers performing routine maintenance, inspections, or equipment repairs frequently encounter obstacles that create tripping, slipping, and falling hazards. Common rooftop risks include:
Pipes, conduit, and cable trays running across walking paths
HVAC systems and ductwork that block direct routes
Unprotected edges and parapet walls near work areas
Skylights and roof hatches that create fall-through hazards
Sloped, uneven, or weather-damaged surfaces that become slippery in rain, snow, or ice
These obstacles force workers to improvise—climbing over pipes, stepping around equipment, or walking dangerously close to unprotected roof edges. That’s exactly why a crossover walkway system is so valuable: it gives your team a clear, engineered route over and around rooftop obstructions, eliminating the guesswork and the danger.
What are Crossover Walkways?
A crossover walkway is a raised, non-penetrating platform system designed to give workers safe passage over rooftop obstacles such as pipes, conduit, HVAC lines, and other obstructions. Rather than stepping over hazards or taking long detours, workers simply walk over and across.
Crossover walkway systems are typically modular, meaning they can be configured and customized to fit the unique layout of your rooftop. Depending on the height of the obstacles and the needs of your operation, a comprehensive rooftop crossover system may include:
Crossover walkways: Flat platforms used when obstacles are low and minimal elevation change is needed
Crossover stairs: Stepped systems ideal for navigating taller or more clustered obstructions, providing elevated clearance and secure footing
Benefits of Rooftop Crossovers
Rooftop crossovers deliver both safety and operational advantages any time workers need to access equipment or travel across the roof. By turning improvised routes into engineered access paths, they help protect people, property, and productivity.
Key benefits include:
Reduced slips, trips, and falls by providing a designated, level path over pipes, conduit, ductwork, and other obstacles.
Protection of the roof membrane by keeping foot traffic off vulnerable areas, reducing punctures, tears, and premature wear.
Safer all-weather access thanks to non-slip treads and stable platforms.
More efficient maintenance work because workers can take the most direct, safe route to rooftop equipment instead of detouring around hazards.
ErectaStep: The Gold Standard in Modular Crossover Walkways
At Northern Platforms, we regularly recommend ErectaStep’s modular crossover platform system for rooftop applications. ErectaStep uses just five standardized components—prefabricated metal stairs, universal platforms, industrial handrails, aluminum ladders, and tower supports—to create a limitless number of modular platform configurations.
Here’s what makes ErectaStep the go-to choice for Canadian operations:
All-aluminum construction that’s as sturdy as steel but significantly lighter
OSHA and OH&S compliant
Quick assembly with no need for welding, fabrication, or special tools required
Fully reusable and reconfigurable
Shorter lead times compared to custom-welded solutions
As a certified ErectaStep supplier, Northern Platforms keeps these systems in stock and ready to ship from our warehouse in Leduc, Alberta. With a digital real-time configuration tool, the team can design, draw, and quote your custom crossover walkway solution within minutes.
Northern Platforms: Your Experts in Rooftop Safety
Ready to make your rooftop operations safer, smarter, and more efficient? As Western Canada’s trusted safe access equipment supplier, Northern Platforms has been helping companies protect their workers since 2002. From crossover walkways and modular platforms to guardrails, safety gates, and more, our team has the expertise and the products you need! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
Assembly lines are constantly evolving. Whether you operate in food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, or heavy industrial production, layouts shift, equipment moves, and new lines are added as operations grow. Looking for a system that accommodates these changes with ease? Modular access platforms provide a flexible solution for facilities that rely on conveyor systems, bottling lines, packaging stations, and elevated inspection points. Keep reading to learn more
Access Challenges for Production Facilities
Modern production environments are busy, compact, and full of potential trip and fall hazards. As new equipment is added and conveyor routes change, it’s common to see temporary ladders, step stools, and makeshift platforms appear on the floor just to “get by” for day-to-day tasks. Over time, this patchwork approach increases risk and slows operators down.
Common access challenges include:
Navigating over and around conveyors, bottling lines, and packaging equipment without interrupting production.
Providing safe, repeatable access to elevated inspection points, maintenance panels, and valves.
Maintaining clear egress routes and emergency access while equipment layouts change.
Staying compliant with safety regulations and internal corporate standards as lines expand or shift.
Without a properly engineered access solution, operators end up taking longer routes, performing unsafe climbs, or relying on non-compliant equipment that was never intended for industrial use. Modular access platforms address these challenges by creating permanent, code-compliant pathways that integrate directly into the production environment.
Modular Access Platforms for Food and Beverage Facilities
In food and beverage facilities, access isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about hygiene, product quality, and audit readiness. Spills, washdowns, and frequent cleaning cycles can turn improvised access solutions into serious slip and contamination risks.
Modular access platforms are particularly well-suited to food and beverage applications because they:
Create designated crossover points over conveyors, mixers, tanks, and packaging lines, keeping operators away from moving components and splash zones.
Use materials and finishes that stand up to washdowns and high-moisture environments, helping support sanitation programs.
Make it easier for quality and maintenance teams to reach inspection points, weigh scales, sensors, and control panels without disrupting production.
Can be reconfigured as recipes, SKUs, or packaging formats change, ensuring the access solution grows with the line instead of holding it back.
Instead of rebuilding catwalks or welding new structures every time a line is modified, facilities can adjust modular platforms to match the new layout, minimizing downtime and construction work inside sensitive production areas.
Why Choose ErectaStep Modular Access Platforms
Northern Platforms supplies high-quality modular systems from ErectaStep, one of the industry’s most trusted manufacturers of industrial access solutions. Key features of these systems include:
Pre-engineered, bolt-together components
Durable industrial-grade construction
Reconfigurable stair and platform modules
Guardrail systems designed for compliance and safety
Rapid installation with minimal site disruption
For facilities that expect change, ErectaStep’s modular design makes it possible to modify existing installations rather than replace them entirely. When combined with Northern Platforms’ turnkey support, from layout consultation to installation, your facility receives a solution tailored to your operational needs.
Contact Northern Platforms Today
Does your operation need safe crossover points or elevated inspection areas that integrate into your operation with ease? The Northern Platforms team is here to help. As the leading ErectaStep supplier in Western Canada, we can design, assemble, and install your modular access platforms in no time. With over 20 years of experience, we have completed hundreds of successful projects in the oil and gas, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries.
Choosing the right elevated access system comes down to one key question: is your access need temporary, mobile, or permanent? Industrial facilities rely on safe, compliant access solutions, but not every worksite requires fixed infrastructure. In some cases, portable or rolling stairs provide the flexibility crews need. In others, a permanent access platform delivers greater stability and long-term value.
Wondering whether permanent or portable stairs are right for you? In this blog post we’ll discuss key features and break down the differences between these solutions. Keep reading!
What are Industrial Portable Stairs?
Industrial portable stairs are mobile access systems designed to provide safe, temporary elevation access in warehouses, construction sites, maintenance facilities, and loading areas. Depending on the configuration, they could include:
Non-slip treads
Handrails or full guardrail systems
A top platform for secure transitions
Locking casters or wheels
Heavy-duty aluminum or steel construction
Typically, portable stairs fall for industrial operations fall into two key categories.
Stairs for Temporary Buildings
Temporary modular stairs are designed to provide stable, structured access without requiring full structural installation. These systems are commonly used for:
Jobsite trailers
Temporary buildings
Elevated equipment access
Project-based application
They are typically assembled on-site and can be relocated or reconfigured as operational needs change. While not permanently anchored to the facility structure, they provide a secure, durable solution for mid- to long-term temporary access requirements.
Mobile or Rolling Stairs
Mobile rolling stairs, or portable stairs on wheels, are designed for frequent repositioning within a facility. Equipped with locking casters, these systems allow crews to move the stairs between work areas quickly and safely.
They are commonly used in:
Warehouses
Maintenance departments
Manufacturing facilities
Distribution centers
Rolling stairs prioritize flexibility and ease of movement, making them ideal when elevation points change regularly.
Interested in learning more about the rolling stair options that are currently available at the Northern Platforms? Read our complete guide or call our office for more information.
What are Permanent Access Platforms?
On the other hand, permanent access platforms are fixed structures installed at designated access points. While they can be modular and adaptable, the primary function of these systems is to provide consistent and reliable access to specific areas on your site. Certain options, like the modular work platforms from ErectaStep, can be custom-configured for the specific needs of your site.
How They Compare
Now that you have a clear understanding of your options, you might be wondering how these solutions compare. Use this table to understand the key differences between portable stairs and more permanent options:
Feature
Portable Stairs
Rolling Stairs
Permanent Platforms
Primary Function
Provide stable access for temporary or semi-permanent structures.
Provide flexible access that can be moved between locations
Deliver fixed, long-term access to designated elevated areas
Best For
Mid- to long-term projects requiring consistent access.
Completely customizable and modular. Available in multiple configurations.
Key Takeaway: Which Option is Right for You?
Still not sure which safe access solution is best for your site? Finding the right system is easy when you consider how it will be used within your operation.
If your access point needs to move between work areas throughout the day → Rolling portable stairs are likely the most practical choice.
If you require structured access for a jobsite trailer, temporary building, or project-based application → Temporary portable stairs provide stable, semi-permanent access without full structural installation.
If workers access the same elevated location multiple times per shift → A permanent access platform will typically offer greater stability and compliance consistency.
Make the Right Choice with Northern Platforms
No matter which option you choose, the Northern Platforms team is here to help. We work with facilities across Alberta and British Columbia to design, install, and maintain safety systems that meet real-world standards. When you partner with us, we’ll go above and beyond to understand your site, your needs, and any roadblocks.
