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!
In many industrial loading environments, loading arms and gangways are treated as separate pieces of equipment. A loading arm may be selected based on reach and flow requirements, while a gangway may be chosen based on platform height and vehicle access.
However, here’s what most site managers don’t realize: these two systems need to communicate. Without proper integration, you’ll be faced with slow operations, increased worker risk, and more.
At Northern Platforms, we specialize in designing and installing completely coordinated truck and railcar loading systems. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of sourcing both your gangway and your loading arm from the same provider.
How Gangways and Loading Arms Work Together
Gangways and loading arms serve different purposes, but they operate in the same work zone.
The gangway gives operators safe access to the truck or railcar. The loading arm transfers product to or from that same vehicle. In many applications, the operator needs to deploy the gangway, enter the work area, position the loading arm, make the connection, complete the transfer, disconnect the arm, and exit safely.
For that process to work, both systems need to be designed around the same access point, movement path, and operator workflow. The gangway needs to land where the operator works, and the loading arm needs to move into position without interfering with the gangway, safety cage, platform, piping, canopy, or surrounding equipment.
When they are designed together, the full loading process becomes safer, smoother, and easier to operate.
The Risks of a Poorly Designed System
When loading arms and gangways are not designed together, sites may experience several different issues, including:
Clearance conflicts: Both loading arms and gangways have their own movement paths. If these components are not planned together, these systems can collide or block each other.
Poor operator access: Outside of major collisions, small misalignments can force operators into uncomfortable and unsafe positions.
Slower operations: Poor integration can also significantly slow down operations. Every delay, from re-spotting vehicles to moving one loading arm to access another, adds up over time.
Worker risk: In the worst-case scenarios, poorly designed systems can cause unsafe conditions for workers.
Expensive retrofits: Eventually, poorly integrated systems start creating more problems than they solve. At this point, site managers will need to invest in a retrofit or a replacement, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Choose Northern Platforms for Integrated Loading Systems
Instead of looking at gangways and loading arms as separate purchases, Northern Platforms supports industrial facilities with coordinated loading systems that take your complete environment into account. That includes how the operator accesses the vehicle, where the gangway lands, how the loading arm moves, where the connection is made, and whether the full system supports safe and efficient work.
We work with truck and railcar loading applications across Alberta and British Columbia, helping facilities design systems that account for real site conditions, operator workflow, and long-term performance. Here are the benefits of working with us:
One Provider for Every Aspect of Your Loading Platform
Sourcing your gangway and loading arm from the same provider can make the design process more efficient.
When one team is responsible for the full loading position, it is easier to coordinate:
loading arm reach and movement
gangway location and travel
safety cage placement
platform height and layout
fall protection requirements
This reduces the risk of equipment conflicts and helps ensure the system is designed around how it will actually be used.
Site-Specific and Purpose-Built Design
No two loading environments are exactly the same. For example, a loading system for an LPG terminal may have different requirements than a food processing facility. At Northern Platforms, we take all these factors into account. The result? A system that is uniquely tailored for your application.
Support for New Installations and Retrofits
We have extensive experience supporting both new loading system installations and retrofit projects. For new installations, we can help coordinate the loading arm, gangway, platform, safety cage, and surrounding access equipment from the beginning. This allows the system to be designed with proper clearances, workflow, and equipment movement in mind.
For retrofits, we can review the existing loading area to identify interference points, access issues, structural concerns, and opportunities for improvement. This is especially important for facilities that have expanded or modified their loading systems over time.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are planning a new loading rack, replacing an existing gangway, adding a loading arm, or dealing with an inefficient loading area, Northern Platforms can help. Contact us to start discussing your site today!
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!
Railcar loading and unloading is no place for guesswork when it comes to working at height. Between changing railcar spots, varying hatch locations, and busy railyards, you need fall protection that keeps operators safe without slowing your operation down. One of the most common questions for rail sites in Western Canada is whether to invest in permanent railcar fall protection systems, rely on temporary or mobile options, or use a combination of both.
Why Railcar Fall Protection Matters
Working on top of railcars exposes operators to significant fall risks, especially during loading, unloading, venting, and inspection. Without the right access and fall protection, it’s easy for “quick checks” to turn into serious incidents.
A complete railcar fall protection strategy typically includes:
Permanent railcar fall protection systems are fixed structures designed into your facility from the start—or added later as part of a major upgrade. These can include single-spot or multi-spot loading platforms with integrated gangways, safety cages, and fall protection built directly into the rack.
Permanent systems are a strong fit when:
You load and unload from the same track locations every day
Your product mix and railcar types are relatively consistent
You want a long-term, engineered solution with minimal reconfiguration
Key advantages of permanent railcar fall protection include:
Consistency. Operators use the same access and fall protection setup each time, which supports training and safe habits.
High throughput. Multi-spot platforms can handle several railcars simultaneously, improving productivity.
Durability. Engineered structures are built for long-term use in harsh Canadian climates, with minimal day-to-day adjustment.
Integrated design. Loading arms, spill containment, and fall protection can be planned together as one system.
For high-volume, fixed-spot rail operations, a permanent platform with integrated gangways and safety cages is often the backbone of the safety plan.
Temporary and Mobile Railcar Fall Protection
On the other hand, temporary or mobile railcar fall protection solutions are designed to move with your operation. Instead of committing to a fixed structure at a single location, mobile systems can be repositioned wherever they’re needed.
These systems are ideal for:
Facilities with multiple tracks or sporadic railcar spots
Sites that see changing railcar types or leasing patterns
Operations that need safe access during shutdowns, outages, or maintenance projects
Locations where a permanent structure isn’t feasible or allowed
Rather than relying on ladders or improvised access, mobile platforms provide a purpose-built, compliant way to get operators safely to the top of the car.
Highlight: SafeRack MAUI Railcar Mobile Access Unit
Northern Platforms supplies SafeRack’s MAUI Railcar Mobile Access Unit—a portable fall protection solution designed specifically for railcar work across multiple locations on your site. This unit combines mobility, stability, and integrated fall protection in one system.
Key features include:
Self-supporting design with a 500 lb load capacity
No-flat tires for reliable movement across railyard surfaces
Double-locking winch for smooth, controlled height adjustment
4-rail safety cage that raises handrail height to 42″ around the hatch area
Slip-resistant walk surface for secure footing in all seasons
Parallel or perpendicular configurations to suit tight spots and different track layouts
Adjustable ladder heights (10′–14′ and 12′–16′ models) to fit varying railcar heights
For operations that need railcar fall protection in more than one spot or that can’t justify a permanent platform on every track, the MAUI provides a practical, compliant way to keep people safe without sacrificing efficiency.
Expert Railcar Fall Protection from Northern Platforms
Ready to explore your railcar fall protection options? The Northern Platforms team is here to help! Explore our products through our website or contact us today for more details!
Truck loading platforms are the foundation of many operations across Alberta. But is your equipment really improving efficiency and safety on your site? We’ve previously discussed how the Northern Platforms team can assess your current system for overall efficiency and safety requirements. But did you know that we also offer preventative maintenance? Keep reading to learn more about this key service offering.
Truck Loading Platform Assessments
A robust truck loading platform system integrates multiple components working together to eliminate fall hazards and streamline operations:
Safe access equipment: Safety cages, gangways, and loading arms that provide secure pathways to elevated work areas
Engineered platforms: Rolling platforms and fixed truck loading platforms designed for specific trailer types and loading configurations
Site-fit controls: Solutions matched to your cargo properties, traffic flow, space constraints, and operational requirements
Preventative Maintenance for Truck Loading Platforms
In addition to our assessment services, the Northern Platforms team offers comprehensive preventative maintenance packages for all kinds of systems, including truck loading platforms. Most equipment manufacturers include scheduled maintenance requirements in their IOM manuals. These maintenance requirements are often a condition of warranty coverage for your truck loading platform. Our preventative maintenance programs include:
Visual inspection of welds, structural connections, and load-bearing components
Lubrication of pivot points, hinges, and moving assemblies
Hardware torque checks to ensure bolts and fasteners remain secure
Functionality testing of safety mechanisms, gates, and locking systems
Documentation of inspection findings and maintenance actions
The Key Benefit of Preventive Maintenance
Preventative maintenance matters because it catches problems when they’re small and inexpensive to fix—not when they’ve escalated into major component failures. For example, consider a loading arm with a minor seal leak. Caught early during a routine inspection by Northern Platforms, a seal kit replacement only costs $400 to $900 in parts and labour.
But if that leak is ignored, it can have a profound impact on your loading arm–often leading to swivel joint failures or other major issues. Replacing your loading arm can cost up to $10,000.
When you break it down like this, the answer is clear: preventative maintenance pays for itself 10 times over.
Why Choose Northern Platforms
Everything Northern Platforms supplies, we can install. This turnkey approach delivers several advantages over separating equipment procurement from installation and maintenance:
Warranty Protection: When the same company supplies and installs your truck loading platform, warranty coverage is iron-clad. There’s no ambiguity about whether installation errors voided manufacturer protections, and your installation will keep track of mandatory maintenance schedules.
Faster Timelines: A single point of contact means fewer scheduling delays, streamlined communication, and faster commissioning. In other words, your truck loading platform is operational sooner and serviced faster.
Correct Specification: Installation teams familiar with the equipment catch specification errors during site surveys, preventing costly rework or incompatible components.
One Stop Shop: Having Northern Platforms handle both supply and installation means accountability is crystal clear. If something needs attention, you know exactly who to call.
Contact Us Today!
Are you looking for a safety equipment supplier that does it all? Northern Platforms is the company for you. We bring decades of experience in installing and maintaining truck loading platforms across Western Canada, ensuring your systems perform safely, reliably, and cost-effectively for years to come. Call us to learn more and schedule your free site assessment today!
Do your workers regularly access, inspect, and maintain rooftop systems for your building? If so, proper rooftop fall protection is crucial. But with infrastructure limitations, hot work restrictions, and long lead times, building a proper fall protection system might feel difficult.
Rooftop HVAC units, mechanical equipment, and building systems often demand hours of regular maintenance. However, the truth is that servicing these systems regularly exposes workers to significant fall hazards. In fact, most Canadian provinces require fall protection systems for all work performed above 3 metres.
But here’s another roadblock: most passive fall protection solutions on the market require drilling into the roof, which isn’t permitted for many operations. Without temporary or non-penetrating options, workers face falling risks 24/7.
The Solution: Non-Penetrating Guardrails
Does the above situation sound familiar? If so, Northern Platforms has the ideal solution for you: the YellowGate RS rooftop fall protection system. This freestanding, mobile, and modular system delivers the same fall protection as anchored systems while leaving your roof membrane completely intact. Some key features of this product include:
42” (1067mm) tall, which meets OH&S compliance requirements
Lightweight and easy to assemble
Corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain
Some common applications include:
Rooftop HVAC maintenance: Seasonal filter changes, refrigerant servicing, and control system checks all require safe rooftop access. Non-penetrating guardrails provide fall protection without compromising the roof membrane.
Building envelope work: Temporary protection during roof inspections, parapet wall repairs, and facade maintenance becomes safer with portable guardrails that move with the work.
Industrial facilities: Rooftop process equipment, ventilation systems, and utility infrastructure demand regular access. Chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, and food processing operations use non-penetrating guardrails without creating penetration risks.
Other Rooftop Safety Products from Northern Platforms
Rooftop safety extends beyond guardrails. Northern Platforms supplies a complete range of modular access and fall protection solutions designed for rooftops and elevated work areas across Western Canada:
Modular Work Platforms: ErectaStep bolt-together platforms create safe elevated work surfaces for rooftop equipment access and maintenance. Configure platforms to fit your specific rooftop layout—no hot-work permits required.
Modular Stairs and Access: Pair modular work platforms with ErectaStep stairs for complete rooftop access systems.
Safety Gates and Swing Gates: YellowGate self-closing safety swing gates complement non-penetrating guardrail systems. Install at stairway landings, platform edges, or mezzanine openings for comprehensive fall protection.
For more information about building a complete OH&S-compliant rooftop safety system, contact Northern Platforms today.
Why Choose Northern Platforms
As an exclusive ErectaStep distributor for Western Canada, Northern Platforms is your go-to provider for modular work platforms, portable stairs, safety swing gates, and more. Here’s why you should choose us for your next rooftop safety project:
Modular platforms in stock now: We keep all elements of ErectaStep systems in stock at our Leduc warehouse, meaning we can have your order shipped to your site before the end of the week.
Rapid response time: Thanks to our in-stock inventory and central Alberta location, we offer project turnaround times that exceed expectations. For example, on a recent project, we quoted a project on Tuesday, shipped equipment on Wednesday, and the system was operational by Thursday.
One-stop shop: Keeping your facility safe and compliant can be difficult, especially if you are relying on multiple suppliers for multiple products. At Northern Platforms, we offer all the safety equipment you need under one roof. Count on us for rolling stairs, safety cages, mobile access units, safety swing gates, and more!
Local expertise: We’ve been serving Western Canada since 2002 and have served countless industries. We’ll bring our expertise, insights, and high-quality service to every single call.
Ready to upgrade your rooftop safety? Contact Northern Platforms for a no-obligation consultation. Our specialists will assess your rooftop access needs, recommend optimal non-penetrating guardrail configurations, and provide transparent proposals for supply and installation. We bring decades of experience delivering modular access platforms and rooftop fall protection across Western Canada—ensuring your systems protect workers, preserve warranties, and perform reliably for years to come. Call us or request a quote through our website now!
