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Track Mounted Vs. Multi-Hatch Loading: Exploring Your Railcar Fall Protection Options

Track Mounted Vs. Multi-Hatch Loading: Exploring Your Railcar Fall Protection Options

by | May 7, 2024 | Blog, News, Railcar Fall Protection

Trains and railcars come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. As a result, when establishing a new railcar fall protection system or replacing an existing one, you’ll need a system flexible enough to accommodate every configuration that rolls into your operations. At the same time, your railcar fall protection system should also enable you to efficiently load and unload the cars while protecting your workers from potential hazards. 

At Northern Platforms, our highly experienced team can help you determine the best options for your railcar fall protection needs. Let us explain more below… 


Questions to Ask Regarding Your Railcar Loading/ Fall Protection System

While Northern Platform’s expert team can help you determine which railcar fall protection system will best suit your needs, we require substantial data regarding your operations to ensure we recommend the best option for your facility. When searching for a new fall protection and loading system for your railcar operations, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are you working with an owned railcar fleet, or are your customers sending you their cars?
  • How many railcars are you loading/unloading at any given time?
  • How many tracks are in the work area?
  • Is your rail track curved or straight?
  • Do you need an adaptable system? 

These are just a few questions the Northern Platforms team will use to understand your railcar fall protection needs better. Ultimately, a site visit will help us determine your needs, challenges, and goals. So, if you’ve been looking at upgrading your fall protection system for your railcar loading operations, reach out to Northern Platforms and let our team check out your worksite in person! 


Custom Solutions for Unique Demands

As Western Canada’s leading distributor of safe access solutions, loading arms, and loading racks, Northern Platforms offers numerous solutions to meet your facility’s demands–including custom needs. No matter the industry you’re working in or the material you are transporting via rail, we can design a custom fall protection system to solve your operation’s unique challenges. With decades of experience, our team can fully integrate any new loading rack or platform into your existing system, enabling you to load/unload railcars faster, safer, and more efficiently. 

Let’s look at two railcar fall protection options Northern Platforms can help you design and install: 


Track-Mounted Railcar Loading Platforms

With SafeRack’s loading platforms and track-mounted gangways, Northern Platforms can add a fall protection system to your railcar loading operations, enabling you to load any size railcar. The track-mounted gangways slide horizontally along the loading platform, letting your employees easily access railcars at any point of the track system without moving the train. With a track-mounted gangway on railcar loading platform, you can see fast loading and unloading times, reduced equipment costs, and an improvement in your operation’s overall productivity. 


Multi-Hatch Railcar Loading Racks

The proper loading rack and safety cages can greatly reduce falls and slips during railcar loading operations, especially in multi-hatch applications with multiple load points. Northern Platforms’ inventory of SafeRack loading racks, safety cages, gangways, canopies, and loading arms can provide your operations with an extra layer of protection, making multi-hatch railcar loading a breeze. By increasing the safety net during multi-hatch railcar loading applications, your staff can work more efficiently and safely, directly impacting your bottom line. 


Ready to Partner with Northern Platforms? 

For more than 20 years, Northern Platforms has been Western Canada’s leading provider of safe access solutions, fall protection systems, and loading arms and racks. With our comprehensive inventory and expertise, we can help you design a railcar fall protection system that suits your facility’s unique needs.

Whether your site requires simply safety solutions such as derailers or wheel chocks or needs a complete fall protection and loading system revamp, Northern Platforms has you covered! 

Contact us today to learn more.

Railcar Fall Protection Systems: What Equipment Makes for a Secure System?

Railcar Fall Protection Systems: What Equipment Makes for a Secure System?

by | Mar 8, 2024 | Blog, News, Railcar Fall Protection

Creating a railcar fall protection system that addresses your safety concerns and enhances your operations can be complicated without expert support. Luckily, Northern Platforms is here to help, as we specialize in railcar and truck loading access and fall protection solutions.


Next, we will tell you about some of the essential railcar fall protection components your railyard needs and how our team can help you create a system that ensures your crew’s safety while enhancing your bottom line. Keep reading to find out more! 


Essential Railcar Fall Protection Components

When setting up a railcar fall protection system, many components are required to ensure that your railyard is safe and compliant with local and national safety standards. At Northern Platforms, we’ve been helping railyards design their fall protection systems for over 20 years. Over the years, the following equipment and components have proven themselves time and time again to be essential, no matter the type of railcar or loading/unloading application. This includes:

  • Loading platforms and gangways
  • Spill containment berms and pans
  • Loading arms


While this is a short list, ultimately, the scope of your railcar fall protection depends on several factors, including the size of your railyard, types of railcars, and material being transported. At Northern Platforms, we have the inventory and expertise to help you determine what equipment and components are required to make your railcar loading/unloading applications safe, efficient, and compliant. 


Some Overlooked Components and Things to Consider

As mentioned previously, the scope of your railcar fall protection system will vary depending on several factors. Below are a few questions to consider, as they will help you and the Northern Platforms team narrow down your railcar fall protection options:

  1. How many railcars does your system need to access?
  2. What type of railcars are you working with?
  3. How many tracks are in your work area? Is the track straight or curved?
  4. Are the railcars always parked in the same location, or does their placement vary depending on whether the railcars are spotted / loaded or unloaded?
  5. How are you loading and unloading the railcar? With a loading arm, hose, or other means?
  6. What is your railcar spotting philosophy?


In addition to considering the above questions, it’s also essential not to overlook some lesser-known railcar fall protection tools and equipment, as they can make a difference in the safety and compliance of your railyard. These components may include safety cages, safety showers, wheel chocks, safety flags, derailers and rerailers, signage, and lighting. At Northern Platforms, we carry everything you need to establish a safe railcar fall protection system; let our team help you choose the right components for your operations. 


Your Source for Railcar Fall Protection Expertise

Since 2002, Northern Platforms has been Western Canada’s trusted source for safe access solutions, loading equipment, fall protection and more. With decades of experience under our belts, we have the knowledge and expertise to address your railcar fall protection needs.


Whether your railyard requires a fall protection system for a single car with a single hatch or multiple cars with multiple hatches or something in between, Northern Platforms has you covered! With a specialization in both railcar and truck loading applications, our team can custom create a fall protection system that not only ensures the safety of your crew but also enhances efficiency, keeps your railyard compliant, and improves your bottom line. So, when you need expert support, trust the pros at Northern Platforms!


Ready to Get Started?

To create the best possible railcar fall protection system for your operations, the team at Northern Platforms first needs to see what you’re currently working with, meaning we need to visit your site. Contact us to schedule a railcar fall protection system assessment with Northern Platforms. One of our team members will walk you through the process and help you narrow your options so your operations can function at their safest. Let’s get started today!