Ensuring railcar loading safety is critical for protecting workers, preventing accidents, and keeping operations running smoothly. Whether handling hazardous materials or bulk goods, following proper safety protocols is essential for minimizing risks.
Are you looking for the right safety equipment for your operation? Here are five essential Northern Platforms products that can enhance railcar loading safety for your operations.
At Northern Platforms, we pride ourselves on delivering customized safety solutions. Our team will visit your site, assess your needs, and tailor our recommendations to fit your unique requirements.
Gangways and Loading Platforms
Both gangways and loading platforms are popular solutions for ensuring the safety and productivity of railcar loading operations.
Loading platforms are the most used piece of safety equipment, as they provide workers with a secure place to stand while loading and unloading materials. Usually, these platforms are sturdy and non-slip, allowing multiple workers to stand on them for short periods during loading.
Your railcar loading operation should also include gangways, which bridge the gap between the loading platform and the railcar. This piece of equipment helps protect workers by reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Northern Platforms offers customizable gangways that adjust to various railcar heights, ensuring safe access and compliance with railcar loading safety standards.
Loading Arms
Top and bottom loading arms are crucial for railcar loading safety, especially when transferring liquids or hazardous materials. Unlike traditional hoses, loading arms are durable and offer precise control, reducing the risk of leaks and accidents. Their flexibility and sturdiness make them a safer and more reliable option for efficient material transfer.
Using loading arms instead of hoses can dramatically improve railcar loading safety by minimizing manual handling and preventing spills.
Wheel Chocks and Blue Flags Protection
Next, you will need wheel chocks, which are essential for preventing the railcar from accidentally moving during the loading process. Simple yet effective, these devices are placed under the railcar wheels to keep them stationary.
All railcar loading operations should include blue flags in addition to wheel chocks. Blue flags are visual symbols used to warn approaching railway vehicle operators that rail cars are being loaded and unloaded and to indicate that workmen are in the area.
Track Pans
Effective spill containment is critical to railcar loading safety, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials. Track pans are installed between the rail tracks to capture any spills during loading. This product helps safeguard both the workers and the environment from exposure to harmful substances.
Northern Platforms offers several containment solutions from UltraTech, including track pans, berms, and barrels, to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and prevent environmental damage.
Safety Showers
Having easily accessible safety showers is essential for emergency decontamination in any situation where hazardous materials are present. Safety regulations often require safety showers in all areas where chemicals are handled. Plus, positioning them within reach of the railcar loading area can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Ensure your railcar loading safety meets safety standards by equipping your site with properly maintained and strategically placed safety showers.
Safety Solutions Tailored to Your Needs
When it comes to loading your railcar safely, it is important to examine your existing operation. Northern Platforms is here to help you find safety solutions specifically tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start improving the safety and efficiency of your operations.
When it comes to truck fall protection, there’s no such thing as “one size fits all.” In order to ensure the highest degree of safety and efficiency in your operation, you should develop a system that is unique to you and your industry.
At Northern Platforms, we are committed to helping you find truck fall protection, such as custom loading platforms and loading arms, that seamlessly integrates with your existing equipment. Our experienced sales team can visit your site, assess your needs, and develop a system specifically for you.
The first step in developing a comprehensive truck fall protection plan is understanding what type of truck is coming into your facility. Northern Platforms is ready to provide you with the right equipment for the job, whether it is a dry bulk cargo trailer, a liquid tank trailer, an intermodal tank trailer, or a flatbed trailer. Keep reading to learn what type of truck fall protection is right for you.
Comprehensive Truck Fall Protection Systems
At Northern Platforms, we believe in our expertise, which extends to designing and building complete truck loading and tank trailer fall protection systems. These systems can include:
Custom Loading Platforms: Our loading platforms are engineered to accommodate single truck loading stations to multiple truck loading stations. We understand that trucks and trailers come in various shapes and sizes, so our solutions are flexible and can adapt to different configurations.
Loading Arms: These essential components efficiently load trailers and cargo vessels while ensuring the safety of workers.
Safety Gates: Fall protection is crucial, and our safety gates are designed to prevent accidents and injuries during loading and unloading processes.
Gangways: Gangways offer a safe and convenient means for employees to access the truck or trailer during loading and unloading.
What type of truck are you loading/unloading?
Before we can start designing a truck fall protection program that is tailored to you, we’ll need to know what types of trucks you are dealing with on a daily basis.
Dry bulk cargo trailer
Dry bulk trailers are often used to transport large quantities of loose materials like cement, sand, or grain. Workers must access the top of the trailer to open and close manholes. Since this process requires workers to operate high off the ground, truck fall protection systems are essential.
For this type of truck, Northern Platforms recommends using a safety cage paired with a gangway for optimal performance. The safety cage creates a barrier to prevent falls, while the gangway helps provide safe access to the top of the truck.
Liquid tank trailer
Much like workers dealing with dry bulk cargo trailers, workers dealing with liquid tank trailers often need to get on top of the truck to connect any loading or unloading equipment, inspect the connection site, and more. This dramatically increases the risk of falling, making adequate fall protection essential to safeguarding workers.
Intermodal trailer
Also known as isotainers, intermodal tank containers are used to transport liquids, gases, and powders, both hazardous and non-hazardous, across different transportation modes. These trailers often vary in height, so an optimal truck fall protection system for this type of operation would be highly adjustable and mobile.
Flatbed trailer
As discussed in a previous post, it’s important to be proactive with your truck fall protection. In the case of flatbed trailers, it is very common for workers to get injured when they attempt to cover a load with a tarp.
By using mobile platforms, such as SafeRack’s loading platforms, you can ensure that your workers and contractors are always protected. These rolling platforms provide a safe walking surface beside the flatbed truck while loading. Plus, this truck fall protection system features large swivel casters, allowing the platforms to be easily rolled alongside the flatbed and rolled away when the truck leaves.
Your Source for Truck Fall Protection
No matter what type of truck you are loading or unloading, proper truck fall protection can save lives. At Northern Platforms, we are the industry experts in establishing the best safe access solutions and fall protection systems for any work site. Our team can visit your site, evaluate your needs, and determine the best truck fall protection system for your operation.
One critical area where safety cannot be compromised is in the loading and unloading of trucks. This is where truck fall protection systems come into play, and Northern Platforms offers a comprehensive solution for these crucial needs. Below, we’ll explore the importance of truck fall protection systems and the range of products that contribute to this vital safety aspect. Continue reading to find out more.
Comprehensive Truck Fall Protection Systems
Truck fall protection systems include a wide range of products and safety measures aimed at safeguarding workers during the loading and unloading of trucks. These systems not only protect employees but also ensure the efficient flow of operations, allowing trucks to transfer their loads quickly and safely.
At Northern Platforms, we’ve been a trusted partner in the design and installation of safe access solutions for truck loading and fall protection since 2002. Our solutions include custom steel loading platforms, available in both stationary and portable configurations. These platforms can be equipped with state-of-the-art loading arms, safety gates, fall protection systems, and operator gangways. We also offer the option to install operator buildings, safety showers, and shelters to provide employees with additional protection during loading and unloading processes.
The Importance of Comprehensive Solutions
High-quality safe access solutions are a hallmark of Northern Platforms‘ commitment to providing comprehensive truck fall protection systems. Our expertise extends to designing and building complete truck loading and tank trailer fall protection systems. These systems may encompass various components, including:
Custom Loading Platforms: Our loading platforms are engineered to accommodate single truck loading stations to multiple truck loading stations. We understand that trucks and trailers come in various shapes and sizes, so our solutions are flexible and can adapt to different configurations.
Loading Arms: These essential components efficiently load trailers and cargo vessels while ensuring the safety of workers.
Safety Gates: Fall protection is crucial, and our safety gates are designed to prevent accidents and injuries during loading and unloading processes.
Operator Gangways: Operator gangways offer a safe and convenient means for employees to access the truck or trailer during loading and unloading.
Our decades of experience providing truck fall protection systems have given us invaluable insights into what works best. We supply equipment that not only meets safety standards but also ensures the efficiency and consistency of your loading and unloading operations.
SafeRack SAS Gangways: A Versatile Component
As part of our commitment to safety and quality, Northern Platforms proudly stocks industry-leading products like SafeRack’s SAS gangways. These gangways are designed to articulate and self-level, accommodating varying heights of tanker trucks and trailers. They are built to last, thanks to their one-piece stair design that reduces welds, virtually eliminating failures. Despite their rugged construction, these SAS gangways are easy to use, with a spring counterbalance that requires minimal effort.
At Northern Platforms, our team takes a consultative approach to determine the best truck fall protection systems for your worksite. We offer on-site visits to develop the right system for your specific needs. With expedited delivery, precision-built components, and custom solutions available, SafeRack’s SAS gangways provide a comprehensive solution for your truck fall protection requirements.
Start Designing Your Truck Fall Protection System Today!
Truck fall protection systems are non-negotiable when it comes to ensuring the efficiency and safety of loading and unloading processes. At Northern Platforms, we offer solutions designed to provide reliable and comprehensive fall protection for workers in numerous industries. Additionally, we also offer installation and routine maintenance services to ensure your new fall protection system is correctly set up and ready to go.
Contact us today to learn more about setting up your truck fall protection system with Northern Platforms.
A robust fall protection system is non-negotiable when it comes to ensuring the safety of your truck loading operations. Are you confident that your current system is up to the task? At Northern Platforms, we understand the importance of a comprehensive fall protection strategy for truck loading platforms. Below we will guide you through the process of evaluating, upgrading, and implementing a safety solution that not only keeps your workers secure but also optimizes your operational efficiency. Keep reading to find out more!
Let Northern Platforms Assess Your Current System
A truck loading fall protection safety assessment is the foundation of an effective system. At Northern Platforms, our experts meticulously evaluate every facet of your truck loading platform system, including safety cages, gangways, loading arms, safety showers, and more. We aim to ensure that each component and safety equipment is functioning correctly, delivering the level of safety it was designed for.
Northern Platforms’ diligent approach not only guarantees compliance but also contributes to the smooth continuity of your operations. By maintaining and, if needed, replacing equipment, you’re also maximizing your return on investment in your truck loading fall protection system.
How Effective Is Your Truck Loading Fall Protection?
The effectiveness of your truck loading fall protection hinges on various factors, each tailored to your specific needs and loading site challenges. Northern Platforms‘ safety experts will analyze a range of considerations to evaluate the efficiency of your truck loading platforms and overall safety requirements. This may include:
Cargo Properties and Hazards: The nature of the materials being loaded and unloaded plays a significant role in determining the required safety measures.
Site-Specific Loading Processes: Factors like the volume and size of trailers, traffic flow, space constraints, existing configurations, and current equipment all influence the safety measures needed.
Adherence to Standards: Northern Platforms aligns our safety recommendations with relevant industry safety standards, procedures, and best practices.
Equipment Limitations: Any power limitations affecting electric or hydraulic equipment use are considered to ensure an effective solution.
Maintenance and Changes: Our team assesses whether your existing equipment has been properly maintained and if any alterations to the site layout or loading processes have occurred or are required.
Fall Protection Systems from Northern Platforms
One of the most common causes of workplace injuries is employees attempting to cover flatbed truckloads without proper protection. At Northern Platforms, our innovative fall protection systems eliminate these risks, safeguarding your workers and enhancing their efficiency. Two of the most common systems our team recommends are as follows:
Overhead Tarping Systems: By suspending a tarp from an overhead track, our system enables operators to cover flatbed trailers safely without climbing onto them. A powered winch system and hand-held control make the process easy and secure.
Access Equipment: Our wide range of SafeRack rolling platforms provides a secure walking surface beside flatbed trailers, railcars, tanker trucks and more, streamlining loading processes while maintaining safety.
Partner with Northern Platforms for Your Safety Needs
No matter the type of fall protection system you opt for, partnering with Northern Platforms means gaining access to industry experts committed to your safety. Our team tailors our solutions to your site and needs, ensuring the best possible flatbed or tanker truck loading fall protection system for your operations.
Ready to elevate your safety measures? Contact Northern Platforms today and take the first step toward implementing a top-tier truck loading fall protection system!
The best time to invest in a fall protection system for your truck-loading operations is before an accident occurs. Whether your facility has experienced an accident previously or you’re taking a proactive approach to fall protection, Northern Platforms is here to help. For over 20 years, Northern Platforms has been a leader in distributing safe access solutions, fall protection systems, loading arms, and more. Next, we’ll cover two pieces of equipment that can significantly improve your flatbed truck loading fall protection system. Continue reading to find out more!
Overhead Tarping Systems
One of the most common ways employees get injured is when they’re working around flatbed trucks and attempting to cover a load with a tarp. Without the proper truck loading fall protection in place, workers will often try to climb onto flatbed trailers to complete their duties. This puts them at serious risk of fall injuries. To best prevent falls in the first place, it’s critical to remove access barriers that prevent your workers from safely doing their jobs.
While an overhead tarping system may not seem like your typical truck-loading fall protection system, it’s a critical component of fall protection. An overhead tarping system from Northern Platforms provides your operations with a safer way to cover a flatbed trailer, as it eliminates the risk of climbing onto or walking on the flatbed itself. Instead, the operator would simply connect a tarp to a spreader bar suspended from an overhead track. Then by using a powered winch system and hand-held control, the operator can easily spread the tarp across the entire trailer without leaving the ground. So when considering truck loading fall protection equipment for your operations, remember to check out Northern Platforms’ overhead tarping systems.
Access Equipment
Numerous safe access solutions can provide a safer working area and efficient access for your flatbed trucks. For instance, Northern Platform’s SafeRack rolling platforms are a great option as they provide a safe walking surface beside your flatbed trailers while loading. To use these rolling platforms, your driver will back their flatbed between two platforms, which are then effortlessly moved into place against the side of the trailer. Your workers can then use the platform to reach the trailer level rather than having to climb onto the flatbed, which could be unsafe. At Northern Platforms rolling platforms and many other types of truck-loading fall protection systems are available in a wide range of sizes to meet your fall protection needs! Let our team help you determine the best access equipment and flatbed fall protection system for your operations.
Your Source for Flatbed Truck Loading Fall Protection
No matter the type of truck loading fall protection systems you choose, your drivers, operators, and other staff need to know how to use that equipment properly. So make sure that you invest in the proper training. To establish the best safe access solutions and fall protection system for your worksite, don’t hesitate to partner with the industry experts at Northern Platforms. Our team can evaluate your site and needs and determine the best-flatbed truck loading fall protection system for your operations.
Ready to learn more about implementing a truck-loading fall protection system? Contact Northern Platforms today!
Railyards are unique worksites that require specific fall protection equipment and access solutions to ensure the safety, productivity, and accessibility of workers, equipment, and materials. Fortunately, Northern Platforms has the experience and knowledge to ensure your railyard has the proper fall protection systems. Our team has decades of experience working with various railyards and worksites to design and install safe access solutions and fall protection systems for their unique sites and facilities. Next, we’ll discuss setting up the right railcar fall protection system for your facility and how Northern Platforms can help. Keep reading to find out more!
Finding the Right Railcar Fall Protection System for Your Operations
When it comes to fall protection systems for railcar applications, determining the best strategy for your operations can be challenging for several reasons. This is because numerous factors influence the types of railcar fall protection your worksite will need. Regardless of your industry, your railyard is unique, meaning you’ll need a unique fall protection system. Ultimately, when it comes to railcar fall protection systems, there is no “one-size fits all” system.
Fortunately, our safe access solutions experts are here to help at Northern Platforms! Our team can visit your railyard and assess your site to determine the best fall protection systems for your applications. Depending on your site, the types of railcars you’re working with, and the materials you’re loading and unloading, you may require specific access solutions such as gangways, safety cages, and loading arms.
At Northern Platforms, we work closely with you to ensure you get the best railcar protection systems for your site. Our team has years of experience working with railyards and safe access solutions. When you work with Northern Platforms for your railcar protection systems, you can rest assured that you’re working with industry experts that can meet all of your safe access needs!
Industry Leading Solutions
At Northern Platforms, we proudly stock a comprehensive range of safe access solutions from industry-leading manufacturers like SafeRack, OPW, Emco Wheaton, Ultratech, and more! We stand behind our safe access solutions’ quality, durability, and performance. That’s why our railcar fall protection experts may recommend the following solutions for your fall protection system needs:
Access Gangways
Tracking Gangway Systems
Safety Cages
Safety Showers
Dry Disconnect Fittings
Spill Containment Equipment
Loading Arms
Operator Buildings
And More!
When you need a dependable railcar fall protection system for your worksite, trust Northern Platforms to have the solutions you require! With the help of our powerful digital tools, our team can custom configure a mock-up of our recommended safe access solutions so you can visualize how your fall protection system will look in your facility. So trust the team at Northern Platforms to have the safe and compliant railcar fall protection systems you need!
Northern Platforms, Your Source for Railcar Fall Protection!
At Northern Platforms, we are proud to be your leading Canadian distributor of railcar fall protection equipment like YellowGate, SafeRack, and more! Based out of Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms takes pride in being a trusted family-owned and operated business. We are dedicated to ensuring your facility and railyard have the safe access solutions you need to protect your staff and equipment and maintain productivity. Ready to learn more about setting up a railcar fall protection system in your facility? Contact Northern Platforms today!
