Falls from height remain one of the most serious hazards in truck and railcar loading operations, especially when fall protection equipment is not used properly. At Northern Platforms, we specialize in designing and installing systems that go above and beyond to protect workers and eliminate this risk. Keep reading to learn more about the SavkoLock Mechanica Gangway Lockdown system and how it can improve your site’s safety today.
The Problem: Unsafe Gangway Movement
Fall protection, like gangways and safety cages, is essential for all industrial sites. But here’s the truth: despite proper design and specifications, these systems can still create worker safety risks.
For example, consider this situation: In dry bulk and other multi-hatch truck operations, gangway systems often have to be moved or repositioned during loading, unloading, or inspection. In the proper procedure, the operator completes their task on top of the vehicle, walks back to the loading platform, tracks the gangway to the next hatch, lowers it to the new position, and climbs back on top of the vehicle.
Unfortunately, many operators skip these steps. Instead of returning to the platform, they attempt to lift and reposition the gangway while still standing on top of the vehicle. This unauthorized maneuver is a leading cause of accidental falls in loading bays.
The Solution: SavkoLock Mechanical Gangway Lockdown
As we’ve outlined, the above situation poses a significant falling hazard for workers. That’s why Northern Platforms and SafeRack created the SavkoLock Mechanical Gangway Lockdown system.
The function of this system is simple: When the gangway is lowered onto the vehicle, it automatically engages and locks the gangway in the deployed position. While locked, the gangway cannot be lifted, shifted, or adjusted from on top of the vehicle. Once the operator completes their task, they must return to the loading platform and use a foot pedal to release the lock. Since the pedal is located on the platform rather than the truck, the SavkoLock effectively discourages unsafe gangway procedures and ensures proper, comprehensive fall protection.
The SavkoLock was developed through close collaboration between SafeRack and the General Manager of Northern Platforms, Rob Sawchuk. This product demonstrates our unwavering commitment to worker safety in all situations, even the coldest Canadian temperatures.
SavkoLock Product Details
Included T-Frame support structure and mounting brackets, cabling and connections, and protective covers.
Suitable for use in ambient temperatures up to -40°C.
Assemblies available for 24”, 36”, and 48” G4 gangways.
Can be purchased with new gangway systems or retrofitted onto existing G4 gangways from SafeRack.
Easily interchangeable with the previous SafeRack SafeLok solution.
Do you have additional questions about this gangway lockdown system? Contact Northern Platforms through our website or at (780) 986-8825 for more information!
Additional Fall Protection Upgrades Available from Northern Platforms
As Western Canada’s leading experts in truck and railcar fall protection and SafeRack’s Platinum Partner of the Year for 2025, Northern Platforms helps improve the safety of industrial sites every single day. In addition to the SavkoLock, we also stock and supply a variety of other SafeRack products, including:
Safety cages: These systems attach to the front of the gangway and enclose the working area around the hatch when it is lowered. Importantly, safety cages create a guardrail barrier between the operator and the edge of the car. They come in 2-rail, 4-rail, or custom designs.
Safety swing gates: Every unsecured elevated opening on a truck or railcar loading platform poses a risk to workers. Safety swing gates are an easy-to-install solution that mounts to existing guardrail systems. Crucially, they are self-closing, which means that no opening is ever left unguarded.
We also offer preventative maintenance programs for gangways and loading arms that are conducted in strict alignment with OEM manufacturer specifications. Post-inspection, every customer receives a colour-coded report (green, yellow, red) that clearly identifies the condition of each component and prioritizes any required action.
Contact Us Today for Truck and Railcar Fall Protection
Whether you are interested in a brand-new railcar fall protection or simply retrofitting existing systems for better worker safety, Northern Platforms can help. Explore our products, request a quote, or call our office to get started!
Are you looking to buy railroad blue flags for your railyard in Alberta or BC? Northern Platforms supplies a variety of railyard safety signage, including blue flags and blue lights. Keep reading to learn more about these signs, the provincial requirements in Alberta and British Columbia, and the options available at Northern Platforms. Plus, we’ll also cover some additional railcar safety equipment you can purchase for a complete, fully protected railyard.
What are Blue Flags?
Blue flag railroad safety signs are cautionary signals indicating that workers are on, under, or in the vicinity of rail equipment. They serve as a universal indicator that other workers or locomotives should not approach, move, or couple with the impacted railcar.
When are Blue Flags Required?
Blue flags are required for all rail sites whenever railcars are being worked on, loaded, or unloaded, regardless of what material is being dealt with.
Depending on your jurisdiction, there may be additional requirements or regulations that apply to blue flags on your site. For example, in Alberta, some key additional requirements include:
Placement of the blue flag on a section of track or on a railway vehicle
The same crew that places the blue flag must also remove it.
Operators must be trained on proper blue flag procedures. Written instructions are also required.
Curious about the blue flag requirements in your location? The team at Northern Platforms has extensive knowledge of safety requirements in both Alberta and British Columbia. Contact us today for more information.
Types of Railroad Blue Flags Available at Northern Platforms
While all blue flags serve the same fundamental purpose, these safety signs are available in many different options, including:
Blue Flag Signs (Daytime)
The standard railroad blue flag sign is a physical sign plate constructed of durable material, minimum 30 cm × 38 cm, printed on a blue background with the word “STOP” in white capital letters at least 10 cm high. It is mounted on a pole, affixed to the rail, positioned at right angles to the track, and raised to approximately five feet above the top of the rail so it is clearly visible to approaching movements.
Northern Platforms carries several Aldon railroad blue flag signs. Common sign plate options include “DO NOT MOVE,” “STOP – Employees Working,” “STOP – Tank Car Connected,” “STOP – Crew At Work,” and “No Locomotives Beyond This Point,” among others. Custom signage is also available, and signs can be ordered in English, French, or Spanish.
Blue Lights (Nighttime and Low-Visibility)
Under Canadian Rail Operating Rule (CROR) 26, blue flag protection requires both a blue flag by day and a blue light by night. Northern Platforms can also provide blue lights, including solar-powered, flashing, and magnetic options.
For more information about the different options available, request a quote through our website or call our office for more information!
Additional Products for Complete Railyard Safety
In addition to railroad blue flags, Northern Platforms also supplies a variety of railyard safety equipment, including:
Derails
A derail is a physical mechanical device mounted to the rail that, when engaged, will intentionally guide a railcar or locomotive off the track before it can reach the protected work zone. Derails are often paired with blue flags and offer an extra layer of protection if a locomotive or car somehow passes a blue flag that should have stopped it. In this case, the derail forces it off the track rather than allowing it to continue into the area where workers are present.
Wheel Chocks
Even a small gust of wind or the vibration from a nearby loading operation can send an unsecured railcar rolling. To help prevent dangerous “runaway” situations, railcar wheel chocks are essential.
Steel-spur railcar wheel chocks bite into the rail to hold the car in place, preventing this uncontrolled movement during loading, unloading, or maintenance operations. They are available in a variety of styles, including options for both exposed rail and flush rail.
Normally, railyards use standard placards to indicate which way a track switch is thrown. While this system works during the daytime, it can create serious safety concerns at night. If an incoming crew can’t easily read the switch direction, they could send a railcar down the wrong track and directly into a loading operation. To solve this problem, Northern Platforms supplies Aldon switch cubes.
Switch cubes are illuminated and reflective indicators that clearly show which direction a switch is thrown, regardless of visibility conditions. This product comes in a variety of configurations and options and is particularly useful for facilities with multiple tracks and loading positions.
Northern Platforms is Your Source for Railcar Safety Equipment
For most railyards, blue flags are just the beginning. In order to create a safe working environment for all operators, these sites often need wheel chocks, loading platforms, spill containment solutions, and more. That’s where Northern Platforms comes in.
At Northern Platforms, we supply a variety of Aldon railyard safety products for Western Canadian industrial operations. Our catalogue includes blue flag signs, blue lights and solar lighting systems, derails and derail accessories, wheel chocks, switch cube indicators, tank car sockets, and more.
Additionally, we are a turnkey provider for high-quality railcar loading systems, including complete system design and installation of railcar loading arms and fall protection.
Contact Us for a Railcar Safety Equipment Quote Today
At Northern Platforms, we have nearly 30 years of experience improving the safety and efficiency of industrial operations in Western Canada. We proudly serve businesses in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, food and beverage, and more. Interested in partnering with us on your next project or facility upgrade? Explore our products, request a quote through our website, or call our sales teams today. We can’t wait to work with you.
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!
Alberta’s energy sector depends on reliable rail operations. From oil sands loading in Fort McMurray to crude terminals near Edmonton and Calgary, hundreds of workers access tank cars daily at significant heights. Slip hazards, extreme weather, and high-exposure openings create serious risks—making professional fall protection systems essential under Alberta OHS Code Part 9. Keep reading to learn more about railcar fall protection in Alberta—and how Northern Platforms can help.
Railcar Fall Protection Regulations in Alberta
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code
In Alberta, fall protection requirements for worksites are determined by the Occupational Health and Safety Code, specifically Part 9. This code requires fall protection in all circumstances where workers could fall 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) or higher from an unprotected edge, platform, or opening. At railcar loading facilities, this threshold is commonly met when accessing the top of tank cars, platforms adjacent to rail spurs, or elevated gangway systems. Additionally, Alberta OHS recognizes “greater risk” situations—meaning that even falls under 3 meters may require protection if the landing surface is uneven, contains hazardous equipment, or presents other aggravating factors.
The Railway Safety Act
For facilities located on or working with federally regulated railway corridors (such as those operated by CN), additional obligations may apply. The Railway Safety Act addresses broader rail operational safety, including track maintenance, railway equipment, signal systems, grade crossings, dangerous goods handling, and the operating rules that control how workers and equipment interact with rail infrastructure. Northern Platforms designs systems that satisfy both provincial and national regulations, ensuring your facility meets all applicable requirements.
Complete Fall Protection Systems for Alberta Rail Operations
For comprehensive protection when accessing tank cars, your system will need several elements, including:
Gangways: Stable walking surfaces that connect docks and tank cars. Many Alberta operations deal with varying tank car heights, so adjustability is key. Northern Platforms product recommendation: SafeRack FRT gangway
Tank car safety gates: A simple added fall protection feature that prevents workers from falling through the crashbox opening on a tank car. Enjoy a lightweight aluminum construction, power-coated finish, and easy installation with linch pins. Northern Platforms product recommendation: Northern Platforms Rail Car Safety Gate
Additional safety systems: Beyond fall protection, railcar loading and unloading operations are required to use railcar wheel chocks and blue flags under Alberta regulations. Northern Platforms product recommendation: Aldon Railcar Wheel Chocks
Northern Platforms provides railcar fall protection to operations across Alberta, including:
Edmonton
Calgary
Red Deer
Fort McMurray
Grande Prairie
Lloydminster
Cold Lake
Bonnyville
Lethbridge
Medicine Hat
Our expertise spans oil and gas operations, petrochemical manufacturing, agricultural loading, and industrial chemicals. We understand Alberta’s regulatory environment, climate challenges, and operational demands. Ready to learn why we’re Western Canada’s number one choice for railcar fall protection systems? Get in touch with our office today.
Start Building Your Railcar Fall Protection System Today
Your Alberta railcar operations depend on fall protection designed for local conditions and regulations. So whether you are operating a Calgary transloading facility, Edmonton terminal, or Fort McMurray oil sands operation, Northern Platforms brings regional expertise and proven experience to every single contract. Plus, as a complete turnkey service provider, we can provide everything from comprehensive system design to ongoing and consistent maintenance.
Ready to ensure your Alberta rail operations meet local compliance and safety standards? Contact Northern Platforms for a no-obligation site assessment. Our Alberta specialists will evaluate your facility, recommend optimal solutions, and provide transparent proposals for supply and installation. We bring decades of experience securing workers at heights across Western Canadian energy infrastructure.
Northern Platforms is the Western Canadian leader in industrial access solutions, specializing in fall protection systems and turnkey installation services for oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. We supply some of the best products on the market, including SafeRack, ErectaStep, OPW, and more.
Runaway railcars, falls from height, product spills…these are just some of the risks of unsafe railcar loading systems. But did you know that you can easily prevent these dangers by investing in the proper equipment?
In this guide, we’ll explore some practical solutions to common railcar loading mistakes. With a couple of simple products from Northern Platforms, your Western Canadian operation will be safer and more efficient in no time.
Runaway Railcars
Here’s the truth: it only takes a small gust of wind to set your railcar rolling, causing accidents, equipment damage, and—in the worst-case scenario—worker injury. That’s why it is so important to properly secure your railcars during loading and unloading operations.
The Solution: Railcar Wheel Chocks
Transport Canada’s rules are clear: railcar wheel chocks are required for all parked railcars, especially during loading, unloading, or maintenance. These simple systems prevent unexpected movement and keep railcars stationary when it matters.
Falls from railcars represent one of the most serious hazards in loading operations—but many operations fail to have proper protections in place. Are your workers regularly accessing the tops of railcars? Without the right equipment, simple tasks turn into life-threatening situations.
The Solution: Railcar Fall Protection
Fall protection systems aren’t just a suggestion—they are a requirement. Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code and BC’s WorkSafeBC regulations require fall protection for employees performing tasks at heights of three metres or more. At Northern Platforms, we specialize in providing railcar fall protection systems for Alberta and BC operations, including:
Permanent or mobile railcar loading platforms
Tracking and telescoping gangways
Tank car safety cages
And more!
Contact us for a complete site assessment and to start building your fall protection plan.
Uncontrolled Product Leaks
When you are dealing with hazardous materials, even the smallest spill can have serious consequences. Drips during connection or disconnection, accidental overfills, or other issues can impact your surrounding environment and violate local and national regulations.
The Solution: Spill Containment
While spills are never completely preventable, there are some systems that can help minimize the risk. For example, overfill prevention systems for loading arms are designed to detect spills immediately and shut off flow. Dry disconnects are another option that automatically close as soon as the coupling is unhooked.
Plus, you should also invest in railroad spill containment systems, such as track pans. These modular systems fit between and alongside tracks, capturing leaks and spills before they can seep into the ground or reach water sources.
Choose Northern Platforms for Railcar Wheel Chocks, Fall Protection, and More!
At Northern Platforms, we understand the unique challenges of railcar loading operations. Since 2002, we’ve been Western Canada’s trusted leader in supplying high-quality railcar loading racks, loading arms, safe access equipment, and fall protection systems that comply with all applicable regulations. Our team provides turnkey solutions custom-engineered to your specific needs, including:
Loading platforms with tracking gangways to accommodate railcar mis-spotting
Alberta OHS Code and WorkSafeBC-compliant fall protection systems and tank car safety cages
Top and bottom loading arms for safe material transfer
Railcar wheel chocks designed to comply with local regulations
Our experienced team will visit your site, assess your needs, and provide customized recommendations that integrate seamlessly into your existing operation.
Contact Us Today
Ready to start building a complete railcar safety system? Call Northern Platforms or request a quote through our website now!
British Columbia rail and industrial operations require robust fall protection and loading systems that comply with local regulations, help protect workers, and stand the test of time. Northern Platforms designs, supplies, and installs rail access systems, industrial platforms, and guardrails that do all this—and more. Keep reading to learn more about effective railcar loading systems in BC and how our company can help.
Railcar Loading Requirements in British Columbia
WorkSafe BC
In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC requires fall protection when workers can fall 3 m (10 ft) or where a lesser height presents greater risk than a flat‑surface impact, which commonly applies around rail loading racks, platforms, and mezzanine edges. Most sites use permanent guardrails to address these risks; however, these solutions aren’t practical for some sites. In these cases, BC requires a written plan before work begins and clear instructions to workers.
The Railway Safety Act
For facilities located on or working with federally regulated railway corridors (such as those operated by CN), additional obligations may apply. The Railway Safety Act addresses broader rail operational safety, including track maintenance, railway equipment, signal systems, grade crossings, dangerous goods handling, and the operating rules that control how workers and equipment interact with rail infrastructure. Northern Platforms designs systems that satisfy both provincial and national regulations, ensuring your facility meets all applicable requirements.
Complete Railcar Loading Systems for BC Operations
There are several elements of an ideal railcar loading system for British Columbia sites, including:
Railcar access systems: gangways, tank car safety cages, and guardrails designed to satisfy WorkSafeBC fall protection requirements.
Industrial access platforms and guardrails: fixed/modular platforms, mezzanine gates, and compliant guardrail systems meeting BC height and load criteria and acceptable standards.
Additional safety systems: Beyond fall protection, we stock a variety of products that promote safe railcar loading, including wheel chocks, blue flags, and more.
Additional Products for BC Operations
British Columbia’s diverse industries—from marine terminals to forestry operations—require specialized access and fall protection solutions beyond railcar loading systems. Northern Platforms supplies a complete range of products designed for BC’s unique operational environments:
Loading Arms: Upgrade your loading and unloading operations with OPW loading arms that are tailored to the needs of your industry. As a turnkey system provider, Northern Platforms will ensure your loading arms integrate seamlessly with your platforms and gangways.
Modular Platform Systems: Bolt-together ErectaStep platforms requiring no welding—ideal for pulp and paper mills, food processing facilities, and operations with hot-work permit restrictions.
For more information about building a complete WorkSafeBC-compliant system for your BC operation, contact Northern Platforms today.
Serving British Columbia Industries
Northern Platforms provides fall protection systems and loading equipment to operations across BC, including:
Vancouver
Prince Rupert
Mission
Courtenay
Get Started with Northern Platforms Today!
Your British Columbia railcar loading systems depend on design and installation that meet local conditions and WorkSafeBC regulations. Whether you are operating a Vancouver port facility, a Prince George transloading terminal, or an interior BC rail yard, Northern Platforms brings regional expertise and proven experience to every single contract. Plus, as a complete turnkey service provider, we can provide everything from comprehensive railcar loading system design to ongoing and consistent maintenance.
Ready to ensure your BC railcar loading systems meet local compliance and safety standards? Contact Northern Platforms for a no-obligation site assessment. Our specialists will evaluate your facility, recommend optimal solutions, and provide transparent proposals for supply and installation. Get in touch today to get started!
Northern Platforms is the Western Canadian leader in industrial access solutions, specializing in fall protection systems and turnkey installation services for oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. We supply some of the best products on the market, including SafeRack, ErectaStep, OPW, and more.
