The transportation industry often needs its workers to risk their health and safety by requiring them to climb on top of tanker trucks and flatbeds. While fall protection is highly recommended and even mandatory in most industries, the transportation industry is often overlooked as numerous other safety risks, and challenges demand greater attention. However, fall protection is still a critical system to have in place regardless of the industry you’re operating in.
If you’re looking to improve your tanker truck fall protection system, Northern Platforms has you covered! OHSA/OH&S-certified fall protection is available in numerous models and types. Below we’ll discuss permanent and portable tanker truck fall protection systems available at Northern Platforms. Keep reading to find out which system best suits your facility!
Permanent Fall Protection Systems
While mobile safe access and fall protection systems are increasingly popular for many work environments, permanent fall protection systems can be the more efficient and cost-effective option. This is because permanent fall protection systems only need to be installed once. When they’re finally in place, they often have a longer lifespan than other competing fall protection systems. Permanent fall protection systems for tanker trucks are essential as your employees are regularly exposed to heights. OSHA-certified systems, like truck loading platforms, are some of the most common permanent fall protection systems for the trucking and transportation sector. This is especially true for facilities where tanker trucks are regularly driven in and out of the same loading lane.
At Northern Platforms, we have a range of OHSA tanker truck fall protection systems you can permanently install at your facility. Our team of fall protection experts can visit your site and map out the ideal tanker truck fall protection system for your unique needs. That way, you get the permanent fall protection required to keep your facility operating smoothly.
Portable Solutions
Depending on your facility and tanker truck loading needs, a portable fall protection system like rolling stairs might be a better choice for your operations. Mobile tanker truck fall protection systems are typically designed for facilities with no fixed workstation or loading zone. Often this will apply to loading docks where your employees need to be able to move from tanker truck to tanker truck without interrupting their workflow. Portable access ladders or rolling stairs are an excellent option for these facilities as they do not require disassembly to be moved to their next location. Instead, your crew can roll their OHSA-certified tanker truck portable stairs wherever needed.
At Northern Platforms, we are proud to offer a comprehensive inventory of portable fall protection systems, including rolling stairs from RollaStep and more! Our safe access solution experts can assist you with selecting the best mobile fall protection equipment for your loading dock. Regardless of your facility or industry, our team is here to ensure you have the fall protection and safe access solutions you need to keep your worksite safe.
Tanker Truck Fall Protection from Northern Platforms
Since 2007, Northern Platforms has been Western Canada’s premier distributor of safe access and fall protection solutions. We are pleased to partner with numerous industry-leading manufacturers to bring our customers the high-performance safety solutions they need. In addition to our expansive inventory, we offer several turnkey solutions, including preventative maintenance support and equipment installation services. If you’d like to learn more about our tanker truck fall protection options, contact Northern Platforms today!
When you need safe loading solutions that can significantly benefit your oil and gas operations, you need loading arms from Northern Platforms. Loading arms are an incredible alternative to hoses. They can manage the demands of hydrocarbons, gasses, crude oil and more! At Northern Platforms, we are pleased to offer a range of loading arms that provide efficiency and superior performance. Below we’ll discuss some of the benefits of loading arms and how they can improve your operations loading and unloading activities. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Loading Arms?
Loading arms are self-supporting, highly efficient means of safely transferring fluids or gasses from storage tanks to tank trucks or tankcars. Often used in the road, rail, or marine transportation industry, loading arms are an excellent option for safely transferring chemicals from one holding area to another. Loading arms can be used for top and bottom loading / unloading. Within top and bottom loading arms there are several different styles / models of loading arms that can be utilized to meet your specific needs & requirements. Each loading arm variation is best suited for specific applications and can dramatically benefit the oil & gas, agricultural, chemical, and other industries. Since loading arms have a wide range of use, your operations can see significant benefits. The team at Northern Platforms can assist you with determining the optimal loading arm for your oil & gas applications.
Adaptable for Any Application
At Northern Platforms, various loading arms are available for your operation’s unique applications. For instance, our bottom loading arms give you an improved level of safety as the operator behind this equipment is stationed on the ground beside the loading arm. Bottom loading arms have a spring counterbalance, allowing for faster loading times and a more remarkable ability to reach mobile tanker openings compared to other competing models. These bottom loading arms also improve your operations efficiency, ergonomics, and general safety and cleanliness at your loading rack.
Compared to bottom loading arms, top loading arms are used across several industries, including the oil and gas industry. Top loading arms are available in numerous models and configurations, such as fixed reach and flexible reach arms that can be designed for both closed loop tight connection loading or open hatch splash loading. Other top loading arm models include scissor or boom arms that can be adapted for railcar and tanker truck loading. With options compatible with dry disconnect fillings, hatch plates, and overfill protection, Northern Platforms has the loading arms you need for your railcar and truck loading needs over numerous industries including oil & gas, chemical, agricultural & food / pharma.
Easy to Use
One of the many advantages of loading arms in the oil and gas industry is that loading arms are an alternative to hoses. That means, instead of constantly tweaking and adjusting your equipment, loading arms are ready to do the job and adapt to your loading needs in no time. In addition, loading arms from Northern Platforms can also manage the demands of highly repetitive tasks with minor issues. Unlike hoses which wear down over time, loading arms are more durable. When you need a reliable means of loading and unloading tankers, loading arms from Northern Platforms are here to help!
Trust Northern Platforms for Oil & Gas Loading Arms
Since 2007, Northern Platforms has been dedicated to ensuring that your truck and railcar loading systems are safe, efficient and durable. Northern Platforms understands that your operations need dependable, safe access and loading solutions as a family-owned and operated business. Contact our team today to learn more about our inventory of loading arms and other loading accessories!
Are you considering adding an industrial work platform to your inventory of safe access equipment? Are you unsure where to start? Fortunately, Northern Platforms is here to help! Industrial work platforms are a great way to improve your operations’ efficiency, safety, and mobility, all while ensuring your site remains compliant with local health and safety regulations. Below are a few key factors you should consider before investing in a new industrial work platform from Northern Platforms. Continue reading to find out more!
Figure Out Your Needs
When you’re looking to expand your access equipment inventory to improve workflow, safety, and worker capabilities, you need to know a few critical pieces of information beforehand. First, you need to determine your specific needs regarding your facility and operational capabilities. Things like your overall budget, load capacities, size, preferred manufacturer, and installation requirements are just a few critical things you need to consider before looking further into industrial work platforms. In addition, health and safety compliance is a must-have, so you need to consider what work platforms will best improve your workplace’s safety. The best way to determine your work platform needs is to evaluate your current gaps in performance and how a safe work platform from Northern Platforms can resolve those issues.
Weigh Your Options
As previously mentioned, numerous factors must be considered when deciding to purchase an industrial work platform from Northern Platforms. In addition to these primary factors, you’ll also want to consider whether a standard modular or custom-built platform is better suited for your operations. While each platform offers its own advantages, it’s essential to speak with an experienced safe access solutions expert at Northern Platforms to ensure that your investing in the best industrial work platform for your operations. For instance, a custom work platform can be specifically designed for your unique needs; however, they are often less affordable than ready-made platforms. In comparison, Northern Platforms in-stock modular work platforms are typically quicker to install and more affordable. Still, they may be missing those specific details you would get from a customized platform. Regardless of which industrial work platform you choose, the best fit for your operations will be the one that can accommodate your specific needs and applications while still aligning with your budget and timeline.
Industrial Work Platforms at Northern Platforms
At Northern Platforms, we’ve been assisting operations like yours to determine the best industrial work platforms for their unique applications. Our safe access solution experts can visit your site and help you select the optimal platform for your facility, application, and budget. Located in Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms is proud to be family owned and operated. In addition to our selection of industrial work platforms, we also offer numerous other safe access solutions and turnkey installation services. Contact Northern Platforms today to learn more about our industrial work platforms and other safe access solutions!
Industrial safety gates are a commonly overlooked aspect of safe access solutions and fall protection equipment. While many workers and safety managers interact with these safety gates daily, few people know their numerous safety benefits, applications, and features. At Northern Platforms, we are here to help you ensure your site or facility is safe and accessible. Below we’ll discuss some of the typical applications for industrial safety gates from YellowGate and some of their features and benefits. Continue reading to find out more!
Don’t Skip Out on Safety
Today’s safety standards, compared to years past, are more strict than ever, and for a good reason! Proper safety routines for your facility or worksite, along with the correct equipment, is vital to preventing countless accidents and even worse, a fall or an injury. Fall protection combined with catwalks, work platforms, loading racks, rolling stairs, and similar equipment can dramatically reduce falling accidents. An effective means of passive fall protection are industrial safety gates. In addition to preventing accidents, industrial safety gates or swing gates also promote a work culture focused on safety and completing the job with minimal errors. Workers who are given a safe work environment are often more efficient and productive. Below are a few typical applications for industrial safety gates:
1) Rooftops
If your employees need to cross your facility’s rooftop safely, you need the proper fall protection. Industrial safety gates are a great passive fall protection option that provides your site with a dependable barrier for rooftop access. This handy equipment can give you peace of mind and dramatically reduce the risk of falling injuries. Industrial safety gates from YellowGate are an ever-growing popular option for most commercial and industrial rooftops. They provide easy and safe access and can be adjusted to fit almost anywhere!
2) Ladder Openings
Unprotected ladder openings are the fault of countless OH&S and OHSA violations every year. Falling accidents are almost inevitable without proper fall protection and safety measures around ladder openings, and you are liable for any facility-related injuries or accidents. YellowGate industrial safety gates are self-closing and straightforward to add to any ladder opening. They also provide your workers with the protection they need without getting in the way of their productivity.
3) Walkways or Catwalks
Like rooftop access and ladder openings, walkways and industrial catwalks can significantly benefit from using industrial safety gates. YellowGate industrial safety gates are adjustable from 16″ to 36″ and come with the hardware to mount the gate to almost anything! You can add them to any gangway, walkway, or catwalk system. They’re easy to install and adjust and improve your team’s ability to safely and efficiently navigate your facility.
Industrial Safety Gates at Northern Platforms
Ready to add a few industrial safety gates to your facility or worksite? The team at Northern Platforms is prepared to help! Located in Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms is pleased to provide our customers with high-quality and innovative safe access solutions such as YellowGate safety gates, ErectaStep modular platforms, and much more. Our team can visit your site to determine the best safe access solutions for your applications, workers, and budget. Contact us today to learn more about safety swing gates and how Northern Platforms can create an outstanding safe access solution for your facility.
Do you know the many benefits of truck loading platforms? All across Canada, trucking and hauling companies rely on safe loading solutions to best facilitate their daily operations, but few stop to consider the immense benefits offered by such products. While loading platforms can be beneficial for almost all industries, they are particularly vital in the petrochemical and dangerous good sectors, where safety failures and improper practices can present even more risk.
At Northern Platforms, we know the value of having the solutions you need ready when it matters most. As a proud partner with leading safe access manufacturers like SafeRack (we are Western Canada’s exclusive source for SafeRack), ErectaStep, RollaStep, and more, our team is pleased to provide high-end solutions for the Oil & Gas, chemical, engineering, construction and related heavy industry sectors. Below, we’ll explore 3 key ways truck loading platforms help keep your job site safe and ensure your team is on the right side of OH&S. Read on to learn more!
Remove Unnecessary Risk
A key component of worksite safety is removing hazardous variables that don’t need to be there. Whether you’re hauling caustic materials, dangerous chemicals, or even just standard fare, loading platforms help to remove avoidable risks including slips and falls, all while improving efficiency. By making sure your crew has a safe way to navigate tanker trucks and other tricky transport vessels, you’re already leaps and bounds ahead when it comes to alleviating the chance for significant incidences on site.
Minimize Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination of cargo is a major concern, especially when handling chemicals and dangerous materials. Loading platforms come with a variety of optional add-ons, including rain canopies and other options that can help protect your protect (and your crew) from the risks associated with cross-contamination. Northern Platforms is happy to partner with your crew to discover what custom solutions are best suited for your needs and can present you with a 3D mockup of your potential setup in real-time for your convenience!
Boost Efficiency
Finally, when you remove safety hazards, you allow your crew to get down to work faster, smarter, and with more confidence. Working fast should never involve risky shortcuts, and Northern Platforms is here to show you how to implement best practices without compromising on speed or efficiency.
Loading Platforms and More at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is a family-owned and operated business based out of Leduc, Alberta. With decades of industry experience behind our name, our top priority is making sure you have access to the best resources available on the market. That’s why we’re proud to partner with vetted manufacturers like SafeRack, ErectaStep, RollaStep and more. Among our inventory, you’ll find a wide variety of products including RollaStep’s MP Mobile Work Platform, as well as both the G and C series mobile platforms. In addition, Northern Platforms also offers turnkey installation services and preventative maintenance support to ensure you’re always covered, every step of the way.
Learn more about our mobile platform solutions as well as our extensive range of other items by contacting our team today!
Hopper cars and rail transport are one of the biggest methods of shipping in North America, with millions of pounds of wheat, crude oil, steel, gasoline and more moving across the continent each year. In order to ensure safe transport measures and reduce your onsite risk, fall protection is an essential asset. At Northern Platforms, we’re proud to put safety and efficiency first. Our team knows the many risks associated with loading and transport, and by partnering with some of the top manufacturers in the safe access industry including SafeRack LLC (we are Western Canada’s exclusive source for SafeRack), we’re here to make sure you have the equipment you need when it matters most.
Below, we’ll talk about some of the top safety tips when it comes to reducing the risks associated with loading railcars. Read on to learn more!
Install Rail Safety Solutions
Falls are one of the biggest risks associated with railcar loading, and installing rail loading fall protection solutions is one of the best ways to mitigate the danger. Hopper cars come in a variety of configurations, meaning that the ability to customize your safe loading solutions is essential. Using safety equipment like gangways, safety cages, loading/unloading racks, and anchor points are all vetted ways to reduce fall hazards and allow your team to work as effectively as possible.
Education is Key
When it comes to establishing safety on your job site, education is key. As much as equipment can help eliminate immediate concerns, if no one is aware of best practices, as well as the safety measures you have in place, you’re far less likely to succeed. Take the time to invest in employee education; your staff, as well as your job site efficiency, will thank you!
Know the Challenges of Your Job Site
Every job site will have its own unique safety hazards you need to account for, and depending on what circumstances you face, varying access solutions will be better suited to your workspace. Customizable options like gangways, railings, safety gates and other interchangeable solutions will go a long way towards creating a better, safer space for all.
SafeRack Equipment, Only at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is the exclusive distributor of SafeRack products throughout Western Canada and is proud to partner with an industry leader dedicated to unbeatable quality and performance. Our inventory features several SafeRack products, including the SafeRack self-adjusting stair gangway and much more. Contact our team today to learn more about SafeRack’s gangways and rail loading options, as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!
