When it comes to safety in industrial settings, there is no compromise. At Northern Platforms, we understand the challenges Safety Managers and Plant Managers face when it comes to ensuring the safety and compliance of their worksites. Fortunately, as your safe access solution experts, the Northern Platforms team is here to help!
Next, we will explain ways to spot potential trouble areas in your facility and how a set of crossover stairs can fix this potential hazard. Keep reading to find out more.
Understanding the Need for Safe Crossover Points
If you are a Safety Manager or Facility Plant Manager, you likely already know the importance of crossover stairs. Workers taking shortcuts over or under production lines is an age-old problem and one that can result in serious bodily harm, accidental death, and fines from governing bodies like OSHA and OH&S. Additionally, slips, accidental falls, and injuries commonly happen around ground-level obstacles and equipment that should have a designated crossover point. Fortunately, crossover stairs from Northern Platforms are the perfect solution.
Identifying Trouble Spots
When considering crossover stairs for your worksite or facility, it is essential to think like an inspector. Keep a keen eye out on how your employees move around your facility, then act immediately. Not only will this mentality keep your staff safe, but it will also give you peace of mind when your next safety inspection happens.
When observing your employees, ask yourself the following questions:
Is there an obstacle (such as a horizontal pipe, production line, or electrical conduit) that crosses an area of your facility’s deck?
Are workers always stepping over said obstacle instead of going around or to a designated crossover point?
Are your workers ducking underneath the obstacle to reach their stations or take a break?
Are your workers taking potentially dangerous shortcuts to cross your facility efficiently?
If you answer “Yes” to any of the above questions, then it’s likely that a crossover stair from Northern Platforms could solve these navigational issues and make your facility safer.
Remember, an injury to one of your workers due to them unsafely crossing over or under an obstacle in your facility can stop your operations. By providing your workers with secure access around obstacles and barriers with Northern Platforms crossover stairs, you’re ensuring their safety on the job, your facility’s compliance with safety regulations, and continuous production.
The ErectaStep Solution
If your worksite, facility or plant is facing safety and navigational issues, Northern Platforms is here to help! Our OSHA-compliant ErectaStep crossover stairs offer an easy-to-assemble solution. This five-piece modular system allows you to customize your crossover stairs to address any length or height your trouble areas require.
Each ErectaStep crossover stair system component is constructed from industrial-grade aluminum (also available in 304 stainless steel) and requires minimal tools and no welding for installation. When you bolt this modular access solution together, the result is a stable crossover stair that will not only last for years but can also be disassembled and reconfigured as your plant or facility grows.
When you need a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and OHSA / OH&S complaint crossover solution, Northern Platforms has you covered with our ErectaStep systems. Let our team help you design the custom access solutions you need with an on-site visit today!
Ready to Make Your Facility Safer?
With help from Northern Platforms’ highly trained and experienced team, we can ensure your facility or plant is safe and compliant. Contact us for a quote on your crossover stairs or to schedule an on-site visit and evaluation today! Remember, Northern Platforms is here to protect you and your workers from workplace injuries and to make loading, accessing, and unloading at your worksite a breeze.
At Northern Platforms, we understand that finding the right work platform for your facility or worksite can be challenging, as finding the right one-size-fits-all solution isn’t always easy or doable. Fortunately, we have a solution for tricky facilities or locations: our ErectaStep modular work platforms. Next, we will tell you more about this versatile platform and how our team can ensure you get the correct configuration for your operational needs. Keep reading to find out more!
Meet ErectaStep’s Innovative Modular Work Platforms
For over 20 years, Northern Platforms has been an industry leader in critical safe access solutions and loading equipment. One of our most versatile and popular products is Erectastep’s modular work platforms. These lightweight, aluminum work platforms can be adapted for nearly any application and facility. With its modular design, reusability, and simple installation process, our offering of ErectaStep modular work platforms can take your operations to the next level.
Let’s dig into this modular work platform further:
Versatile Modular Design and Components
Using only five components: prefabricated metal stairs, industrial handrails, metal work platforms, aluminum ladders and tower support, Northern Platforms’ ErectaStep modular work platform is a versatile yet sturdy access solution. This work platform is OSHA-compliant, precision manufactured, and fully engineered with quality materials. It also does not require any fabrication and can be configured into metal stairs, crossover stairs and many other designs to aid in movement over dike walls, pipes, equipment and more. So whether your facility needs a single 3’x3′ platform, a 3’x12′ walkway, a 9’x9′ work zone, or some other configuration, Northern Platforms’ inventory of ErectaStep modular work platforms has you covered!
Next are some features of our ErectaStep modular work platforms:
Universal design on all four sides of the platform for application adaptability
Aggressive self-draining tread
No welding, special tools or crane is required for assembly
OHSA-compliant
The lightweight yet durable design makes installation easy
Available in aluminum, galvanized, 304 stainless, and steel
If you’re considering installing an ErectaStep modular work platform into your facility, the Northern Platforms team is here to help! Our highly experienced and trained team will visit your site to identify goals and potential challenges with your facility; that way, we can ensure the job gets done right. We utilize a state-of-the-art custom configuration tool to virtually build your modular work platform, view accurate quotes, and see detailed design drawings in minutes. This lets you see exactly what your new modular work platform will look like once installed.
Northern Platforms’ team can even help you with the installation process! With our turnkey installation services, our team will take charge of the assembly process, ensuring that your equipment is installed safely and on time. This means you can focus on other aspects of your operations while Northern Platforms gets our hands dirty for you. Whether you need support installing your new ErectaStep modular work platform, OPW loading arms, or a railcar loading platform, our team is here to help!
Your End-To-End Partner
Since 2002, Northern Platforms has been your trusted source for SafeRack, OPW, ErectaStep, and many other quality access solutions from leading manufacturers. When you need a custom access solution for your facility or worksite, Northern Platforms in Leduc has you covered!
Contact us today to learn more about our ErectaStep modular work platforms or to find out more about our turnkey installation services!
Ensuring your employees can navigate obstacles or hazards securely is essential to maintaining a productive and safe work environment. This is where catwalk platforms from Northern Platforms come into play, providing a practical and efficient solution to enhance accessibility while minimizing safety risks. Below, we will explore typical applications for catwalk and crossover stairs, emphasizing the significance of these platforms in various industrial settings. Keep reading to find out more!
The Importance of Safety and Accessibility
Industrial catwalks and crossover stairs are essentially the same and are sometimes referred to as crossover ladders or platforms. These solutions play a critical role in improving safety and accessibility across numerous industrial settings. Workers naturally tend to take the shortest and simplest routes, often disregarding potential safety risks. By incorporating catwalk platforms in your facility, you create designated pathways that not only enhance safety but also make it easier for employees to access hard-to-reach areas.
Common Applications for Catwalk and Crossover Stairs
Industrial catwalks and crossover stairs are versatile access equipment that enables your crew to navigate your facility securely. While these safe access solutions can be used in a wide variety of applications, some of the most common applications include the following:
Over Pipes: In many industrial facilities, pipelines and conduits are often elevated and can create obstacles. Catwalk platforms serve as a safe and efficient solution for workers to access these areas while ensuring their safety.
Rooftops: Getting over HVAC and heating/cooling ducting systems on rooftops can be a challenge. Catwalk platforms provide an elevated path for employees to navigate these rooftop installations securely.
Cable Trays and Instrumentation Lines: Industrial facilities often have an intricate network of cable trays and instrumentation lines. Catwalk platforms allow workers to access and maintain these systems with ease.
Containment Berms: In settings where containment berms are in place for spill control, catwalk platforms offer a means to access and inspect these berms, ensuring they are in proper working order.
Customizable Catwalk Platforms
At Northern Platforms, we proudly offer ErectaStep industrial catwalk platforms that are both lightweight and customizable to fit your facility’s unique needs. These platforms are designed with simplicity in mind, making installation straightforward. But if you prefer a hassle-free installation, our team at Northern Platforms can handle the installation work for you!
Digital Customization Configuration
To ensure the optimal configuration for your catwalk platform, Northern Platforms offers the expertise of our team of safe access solution experts. They will visit your facility to identify potential challenges and design a catwalk platform tailored to your specific safety requirements. Using a digital customization configuration tool, we provide detailed blueprints of the access solutions we recommend so you can visualize the finished catwalk platform before installation and understand the final quote.
Catwalks, Gangways, Fall Protection and More
Catwalk platforms are crucial in enhancing safety and accessibility across various industrial applications. These platforms are essential for navigating numerous obstacles, such as pipes, rooftops, cable trays, and containment berms, ensuring your workers can perform their tasks securely.
Northern Platforms, with our customizable and easy-to-install catwalk solutions, is your trusted partner in elevating safety and accessibility in your industrial setting. Trust us to provide the right catwalk platform to meet your needs and enhance your facility’s safety.
Contact us today to learn more about installing an ErectaStep catwalk in your facility!
Handling hazardous chemicals demands precision, expertise, and unwavering commitment to safety. At Northern Platforms, we understand the critical importance of safe chemical transfers, which is why we stock high-quality and reliable loading arm systems. These systems are not only designed to facilitate the secure and efficient transfer of chemicals but also to minimize the risk to workers and the environment. Continue reading to learn more about our top loading arms, dry disconnects, and how Northern Platforms can ensure you have the right equipment for the job.
An Emerging Industry: Biofuels
Before getting into the details of top chemical loading arms, let’s take a moment to understand biofuels. Biofuels, like biodiesel and renewable diesel, have gained prominence as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. These fuels are derived from renewable sources like animal fats, vegetable oil, and waste restaurant grease. While they offer numerous benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, they come with their own set of challenges. Safe and efficient handling of biofuels is crucial to maximize their advantages; fortunately, Northern Platforms is here to help!
The Role of Loading Arms
When handling biofuels or other chemicals, loading arms plays a pivotal role. These arms act as a bridge between fixed loading facilities and chemical tankers, ensuring the smooth and safe transfer of liquids and gases. Essentially, they are the unsung heroes of many industrial processes as they are designed to withstand harsh chemicals while still upholding stringent safety standards.
Additionally, chemical loading arms from Northern Platforms are available in various configurations to cater to specific loading requirements. Among these, top loading arms are designed for filling road or rail tankers from above. They use a manhole or fixed connections, like couplers, to establish a secure link between the loading facility and the tanker. High-quality swivel joints and precise loading arm balancing are the cornerstones of these arms’ design, enabling them to transfer chemicals safely and efficiently.
Dry Disconnects and Loading Arms: The Perfect Pair
While chemical top loading arms provide exceptional safety and efficiency during fluid transfers, it’s important also to highlight the dry disconnect products that enable the transfer process to happen. At Northern Platforms, we stock a range of OPW Engineered Systems dry disconnects specifically engineered to enhance the safety and reliability of hazardous liquid transfers. Within our inventory, you’ll find four exceptional dry disconnect couplings, each with unique features and benefits. Below is a brief overview of how these couplings provide a shield against potential hazards during chemical transfers.
Drylok® – Exceptional Hazardous Liquid Transfer: Designed for the safe transfer of a wide range of hazardous and corrosive liquids, the Drylok® dry disconnect coupler excels in challenging loading-rack environments. Typical applications include handling acids, solvents and petrochemicals.
Kamvalok® – Virtually Eliminating Spillage: The OPW Kamvalok® Dry Disconnect stands out due to its unique poppet action, which virtually eliminates the spillage of residual liquid. Common applications include handling paint, inks, adhesives, petroleum products, and various chemicals. Kamvalok® offers a level of protection that is unmatched.
Epsilon™ – Unparalleled Efficiency: Epsilon™ Dry Disconnect Couplings are designed for efficiency and safety. Featuring an innovative double ball-valve system, Epsilon™ minimizes product loss while providing a reliable double shutoff mechanism.
Twist-Lok™ – Easy and Efficient: OPW’s Twist-Lok™ is the latest addition to their range of Dry Disconnect Couplers. It offers user-friendly operation and simple handling, providing a quick, easy connection with minimal product loss.
Installation and Maintenance Services
At Northern Platforms, our team doesn’t just stop at providing top-quality fall protection and access solutions. We also offer installation and routine maintenance services to ensure that your loading arm systems and gangways are operating in optimal condition. Moreover, our team is happy to visit your site or facility, assess your needs, and help you determine the best chemical top loading arm system for your specific application and facility. When you need expert support, Northern Platforms has you covered!
Your Source for Loading Arms and More!
The safe transfer of chemicals and biofuels is essential for protecting your workers, equipment, and the environment. Loading arms, especially chemical top loading arms, are instrumental in ensuring these transfers occur without incident. Northern Platforms provides top-of-the-line loading arms, fall protection, and safe access solutions prioritizing safety and efficiency. With our decades of experience and dedication to safety, our team ensures that you have the equipment you need to safely transfer chemicals with precision and care.
Contact Northern Platforms today and let our team help you determine the best possible loading arm system for your application.
When it comes to ensuring the accessibility of elevated work areas around trucks, specialized equipment is essential. At Northern Platforms, we understand the unique challenges that companies face. That’s why we offer top-quality solutions and turnkey services to exceed your expectations. Our focus this time is on truck access platforms and how our approach, products, and expertise can make a difference in your operations. Keep reading to find out more!
Why Invest in Quality Products
When it comes to investing in safe access solutions, opting for the cheaper solution can not only lead to risks but also may end up costing more in the long run. While these alternatives may seem attractive due to their lower upfront costs, the quality of these products speaks for themselves. A lower price tag often means compromises on the materials used in production, construction, and overall quality. All of which may cost you more when that access solution breaks down.
At Northern Platforms, we proudly stock quality products from trusted manufacturers like SafeRack, typically built to withstand the rigour of numerous industrial applications. So, when investing in quality safe access solutions, plan for the future and invest in high-quality equipment that will give you a worthwhile long-term return on your investment (ROI). The enhanced safety and efficiency of your operations will ultimately lead to a healthier bottom line.
Truck Access Platforms for Diverse Needs
One of Northern Platforms’ top products is SafeRack’s SAS truck access platforms. The Self-Adjusting Stairs (SAS) access platform is engineered to provide employees with safe and efficient access to elevated work areas around trucks. They are built to articulate and self-level, accommodating varying heights of vehicles. So, regardless of whether you’re loading tanker trucks hauling biofuel or unloading manufacturing chemicals, the SAS truck access platform can ensure your team has secure access.
Moreover, their one-piece stair design reduces welds, virtually eliminating failures. Despite their rugged construction, these platforms are easy to use, thanks to the spring counterbalance that requires minimal effort. Key features of the SAS truck access platform include:
Spring balanced lift and lower system for improved ergonomics
Positive locking system that protects drivers and operators
Plug-and-play setup for fast and easy installation
And more!
At Northern Platforms, we take a consultative approach, offering on-site visits to develop the right system for your needs. With expedited delivery, precision-built components, and custom solutions available, SafeRack’s truck access platforms provide a comprehensive solution for your truck loading and unloading needs.
Our Customer-First Approach
At Northern Platforms, our approach to building long-term relationships with our customers is based on the principles of understanding, personalization, and on-site engagement. While many companies rely solely on email or phone communication, we go the extra mile by visiting your site to gain a deeper understanding of your application. Our local, responsive staff can often be on-site the same day you reach out to us, ensuring a swift and personalized response. We’ve been in the business since 2002, and our experience speaks for itself.
By coming to your site, we not only garner a more in-depth understanding of your specific needs but also provide on-site education. This approach ensures that you not only get the right equipment but also know how to use it effectively. Combined with our installation and maintenance services, Northern Platforms ensures your site is safe, efficient, and easy to access, no matter the application.
Your Source for Truck Access Platforms!
Ensuring safe and efficient access to elevated work areas around trucks is essential for the success of industrial and transportation operations. Northern Platforms’ inventory of SafeRack products offers a range of truck access platforms designed to provide reliable solutions to meet your specific needs.
Our approach to building strong client relationships and our commitment to quality, safe access solutions ensure your operations are safe and efficient. Trust Northern Platforms for your truck access platform needs, and experience the difference yourself.
Tanker truck access platforms are a critical component of transportation industries, especially those dealing with potentially hazardous materials. These platforms ensure the safe and efficient loading and unloading of chemicals, fuels, and bulk products that require specialized handling. Northern Platforms, a leader in safety equipment, offers a groundbreaking solution to bolster safety and operational efficiency in this field: the SafeRack MaxRack Elevating Safety Cage System. Keep reading to learn more about this innovative, safe access solution!
The Foundation of Effective Safety Systems
At Northern Platforms, we believe in proactive safety measures; that’s why we provide onsite truck loading fall protection safety assessments. These assessments serve as the foundation for effective safety systems. Our team of experts can meticulously evaluate every component of your tanker truck loading platform system. This includes an overview of your safety cages, gangways, loading arms, and other equipment to ensure everything functions correctly and complies with local and national safety standards. By taking a proactive approach, Northern Platforms not only guarantees compliance but also contributes to the smooth continuity of your operations while maximizing the return on investment in your truck loading fall protection system.
Introducing MaxRack: An Elevating Safety Cage System
In a sector where safety cannot be compromised, the MaxRack Elevating Safety Cage System from Northern Platforms stands out as an innovative, safe access solution. It distinguishes itself from the competition by being the sole elevating safety cage system that can be manually operated during power or air pressure loss. The system’s unique counterbalanced cage design and exclusive dual input gearbox ensure smooth operation and provide operators with the capability to raise and lower the cage when needed manually. Primarily used for accessing the tops of vehicles in bulk loading applications and accessing top hatches, the MaxRack ensures your workers have a safe environment when accessing these vehicles.
Below is a short video of the MaxRack Elevating Safety Cage System in action during a railcar loading application.
Customization for Diverse Applications
One of the most advantageous features of the MaxRack system is its adaptability. At Northern Platforms, we offer a selection of standard safety cage configurations to cater to a wide range of applications. These numerous configurations make the MaxRack versatile for both tanker truck and railcar applications, as it can accommodate the distinct needs of various industries and vehicles. Additionally, the counterweighted design of the MaxRack minimizes the need for larger, more expensive drive components, ultimately reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Power Options to Suit Your Requirements
At Northern Platforms, we offer two power options for the SafeRack MaxRack Elevating Safety Cage: pneumatic and electric drive, available in both single and three-phase options. This flexibility lets you choose the power source that best aligns with your specific operational demands. Whether you prefer the reliability of electric power or the versatility of pneumatic drives, the MaxRack has you covered!
Ensuring Safety and Durability
Safety, durability, and efficiency are non-negotiable when handling potentially hazardous materials in tanker truck applications. The MaxRack meets these requirements by being built with a robust foundation. It features galvanized steel column supports and lifting arms, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of numerous industries. Moreover, welding specifications meet or exceed industry standards for both carbon steel and aluminum, and the galvanizing process complies with recognized industrial standards. That means, with the MaxRack from Northern Platforms, loading and unloading tanker trucks is a safe and secure operation for the long term.
Prioritize Safety and Efficiency with Northern Platforms
Tanker truck access platforms are vital for industries handling hazardous materials in bulk. Northern Platforms goes the extra mile by providing various power options and safety assessments to optimize your truck loading fall protection system for safety and efficiency.
Let Northern Platforms be your trusted source for comprehensive truck loading fall protection equipment. Contact our team today to find the right equipment for your facility and ensure a safe and accessible site.
