Are you considering a new railcar loading system? You’ll need a provider who knows the ins and outs of loading equipment, fall protection systems, and more. Keep reading to learn how partnering with a full-service company like Northern Platforms will help deliver expert results.
Key Takeaways
Railcar systems count on several elements (loading platforms, gangways, loading arms, and more) for efficient loading and unloading. All these elements must work hand in hand.
Ad hoc approaches leave companies vulnerable to operational delays and ineffective systems.
Partnering with a full-service company like Northern Platforms early on in the process generates the best possible railcar loading system.
Why Turnkey Railcar Loading Systems Win
1. Everything Works Together Seamlessly
Railcar loading systems can be complicated. In order to function properly, your gangway, loading arm, and platform need to work hand in hand. However, when you opt for multiple products from multiple contractors, you risk compatibility issues, which can have both short-term and long-term effects on your system.
On the other hand, turnkey providers help eliminate compatibility issues from the start. With a unified system, every component works together flawlessly, eliminating operational concerns and significantly reducing installation stress.
2. They Draw on Decades of Experience
When you opt for an experienced and full-service safe access provider, you will have countless years of experience at your disposal. While piecemeal providers might only have experience in their niche, a company like Northern Platforms has been designing, building, and maintaining complete systems for over 20 years. We’ve tackled everything from simple systems to multi-hatch configurations. We also have expertise in many different industries, including natural gas liquids (NGLs), refined fuels, agricultural products (fertilizer, NH3, UAN) and more.
3. They’re Infinitely Customizable
When it comes to railcar loading systems, there is no “one size fits all.” You and your contractor will need to consider many different factors and circumstances to ensure your new rack seamlessly integrates into your operations. Here are some questions that you should keep in mind:
What type of railcars are you regularly performing work on?
How are your railcars being moved around the site?
What are the limits of your existing system?
Based on your answers to these questions and more, an experienced and full service provider can design a system that is directly based on your needs. This might include selecting the ideal loading arm, choosing the right fittings, and adding additional safety features like wheel chocks, blue flags, and spill containment pads.
4. They Have One Contact From Start to Finish
One of the biggest operational advantages of partnering with a turnkey provider? Your project will have one contact from start to finish. Avoid the headache of juggling multiple vendors, timelines, contacts, and invoices and let Northern Platforms take care of everything from installation to ongoing maintenance and repairs!
Northern Platforms: Western Canada’s Experts in Railcar Loading Systems
Western Canadian companies depend on reliable, functional, and long-lasting railcar loading racks. But without proper designs, project management, or products, these essential systems can fail you when you need them most.
Avoid operational delays and costly mistakes—opt for a full-service provider who oversees your project from beginning to end. At Northern Platforms, we guarantee expert fall protection systems, high-quality products, and customer service that puts you and your operations first. Ready to upgrade your railcar loading rack? Contact our sales team to learn more about our products or schedule your site visit today!
Did you know that any operation that regularly works with pressurized LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is subject to strict safety rules and regulations? It’s true—these railcar loading platforms and systems require specialized engineering to handle volatile natural gas liquids transported in pressure-rated tank cars. Looking for a railcar loading system that addresses the unique demands of these pressurized transfers, all while optimizing safety and efficiency across Western Canada’s energy sector? Keep reading to learn how Northern Platforms can help!
What Type of Railcar is Used for LPG Transport?
Unlike unpressurized railcars that transport agricultural products, diesel, and other liquids, pressurized tank cars are necessary for propane/butane. These tankers feature protective housing to transport gases at pressures above 40 psi safely. Pressurized tankers also often have a steel jacket and thermal protection to protect against fire hazards.
Why are Railcar Loading Platforms Important?
Generally speaking, platforms and racks are essential parts of any railcar loading system. These fall protection systems allow workers to safely and comfortably complete tasks on top of a railcar, such as inspecting, loading, and unloading. The best railcar loading platform will easily adjust to vehicles of different heights, specifications, and designs. When working with specialized cargo, such as propane or butane, your loading platform might include additional safety features or integrations to meet specific requirements.
Essential Systems for Safe LPG Loading
For natural gas railcar loading platforms, your system should include the following key features:
1. Loading Platforms & Gangways
Operations that regularly load and unload propane and butane are subject to strict NFPA 58 standards. When you partner with Northern Platforms, we’ll ensure that your loading rack complies with regulations and helps protect your workers at every step. These loading platforms include key safety measures including:
Emergency shut-off valves at all railcar connection points.
Remote or automatic shut-off that is triggered in the event of fires, leaks, or railcar rollaways.
An integrated system of loading arms, hoses, gangways, and safety cages for complete fall protection.
In addition to railcar loading platforms, gangways are also critical to help promote safe operator access. For example, SafeRack’s FRT telescoping gangway features these safety features:
Slip-resistant surfaces for safe loading in all environments.
17″ telescoping range to accommodate complex access demands.
Integrated handrails and guardrails for complete fall protection.
2. Loading Arms
Now that your workers are protected from falls, they can safely and efficiently complete loading and unloading tasks with a LPG-specific loading arm system. Typically, LPG loading and unloading operations use a bullhorn setup. This style of loading arm includes two vertical drop hoses, allowing for two liquid lines to connect to your railcar with only one loading arm. Pair this with a single vapour recovery arm to capture any excess gas for a safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant system.
3. Dry Disconnects
Spills can be hazardous to your workers and the environment when dealing with propane and butane. You can virtually eliminate all accidental discharge by installing dry disconnect couplings at the end of your loading arms. Lately, these solutions from OPW have grown in popularity due to their simplicity and enhanced protection. Contact us today to learn more about our exclusive partnership with OPW.
Western Canada’s LPG Loading Experts
Northern Platforms combines 20+ years of experience with exclusive partnerships to deliver railcar loading platforms engineered for ultimate safety and efficiency. With complete turkey services, the Northern Platforms team will be with you from initial design to final installation. Interested in learning more about how our systems support LPG transfers that meet Alberta’s stringent emissions standards? Contact our team today to discuss our experience or start planning your project! If you are in Alberta, we can have a specialist visit your site within hours. Let’s increase the efficiency and safety of your operation together.
Ensuring proper railcar loading demands a comprehensive system that covers safety from every angle. From loading racks to railcar chocks, this guide will break down everything you need for the perfect railcar fall protection system. Not sure where to start? That’s where Northern Platforms comes in! For over 20 years, our team has engineered turnkey solutions that protect workers and streamline operations across Western Canada. Let’s discuss the essentials.
Fall Protection System Essentials
Railcar Loading Platforms
Loading platforms are essential for any operation when transporting chemicals, food products, and other materials by rail. These structures create stable work zones, allowing crews to load, unload, and easily inspect railcars. A good railcar fall protection system will:
Increase the productivity, safety, and efficiency of your site.
Adapt to any railcar type, from pressurized tankers to hopper cars.
Include comprehensive fall protection with gangways, safety cages, safety swing gates, multi-hatch access platforms, and more.
Standard railcar fall protection configurations can include:
Single spot: Pedestal
Single spot: Tower support with integrated canopy
Two spot: Connected towers
Multiple spots: Long loading platform with integrated canopy
To design the best loading rack for your site, Northern Platforms will ask the following questions:
What type of railcars do you usually deal with?
How are railcars being moved around your site?
Are you using loading arms or hoses to load and unload?
How many tracks are you dealing with?
When you partner with our expert team early on, we guarantee that we’ll do what it takes to create a railcar fall protection system that revolutionizes your operations. As a trusted SafeRack supplier, we have over 2 decades of expertise in this industry. Contact us today to get started!
Mobile Access Units
While ideal for many operations, fixed loading platforms aren’t always the right choice. Are you loading for a fall protection system that seamlessly adapts to day-to-day demands? SafeRacks’s MAUI allows operators to inspect cars in multiple locations around your railyard easily. With an adjustable ladder, fully enclosed safety cages, and signature “no flat” tires, this fall protection system is an excellent choice for any operation. Learn more here: “Increasing Workplace Efficiency with SafeRack’s MAUI Mobile Access Platforms”
Key features:
500-pound load capacity.
Completely self-supporting design.
No-flat tires.
Gangways
As a final fall protection measure, ensure your loading rack is equipped with a high-quality gangway that self-adjusts to eliminate dangerous gaps. For example, many of our railcar fall protection systems use a telescoping flat ramp with a 21” extension length. Learn more about how this product can revolutionize your railcar loading operation in our previous post.
Beyond Fall Protection: Other Essential Products for Railcar Safety
Spill Containment Pans: Protect your site from accidental spills and accidents. Based on your specifications, we’ll design a spill containment pan that keeps you protected.
Blue Flags: Railyards use these mandatory visual signals that warn operators when railcars are being loaded, unloaded, or serviced, indicating that movement is prohibited.
Railcar Chocks & Derailers: Use these simple tools to secure and derail railcars when needed. We stock a full range of wheel chocks, derail equipment, railroad warning signs, and FRA and OSHA-mandated rail safety products.
Trust Northern Platforms for Railcar Fall Protection Systems and More
Canadian-owned and operated since 2002, Northern Platforms is Western Canada’s leading expert in all things fall protection. As OPW’s top Canadian partner and a trusted SafeRack distributor, our turnkey service handles everything:
Custom design and engineering for complex railyard demands
Free site visits with certified crews to assess your needs
Railcar wheel chocks are essential in any rail loading system. These simple pieces of equipment prevent accidental movement when loading, unloading, or working on a railcar. According to OSHA regulations, workers must use wheel chocks and car brakes whenever a railcar is being worked on. You can purchase this equipment from your local supplier of safe-access equipment.
Types of Railcar Chocks
Several types of railcar chocks are available for different situations. Whether you are dealing with exposed rail, need something that blocks movement in both directions, or are looking for special features, it’s essential to select the right device for loading your railcars safely. Let’s review the differences between these types of railcar chocks.
Exposed vs Flush
What type of rail are you working on? This will determine what kind of chock you should use. Exposed rail chocks are designed for tracks where the rail is open to the ties. On the other hand, flush rail chocks work for situations where the rail is encased in pavement.
Single Wheel vs Double Wheel
Next, consider how much security you need. Do you need to block movement in both directions? Will your tracks have vibrations or a slight grade? If you answered yes to either of these questions, we recommend double chocks, which provide high protection for cars being worked on. Single chocks should be sufficient if your tracks are completely flat and experience little to no vibration.
Not sure what type of chock is right for you? We’ll break down proper chocking procedures later in this post.
Tips for Using Railcar Chocks Effectively
Pair Them with Other Railcar Safety Equipment & Fall Protection Systems
Pairing your wheel chocks with other safety equipment can help bring your safety system to the next level and substantially reduce your risk of accidents. For example, blue flags should be used whenever rail cars are loaded, unloaded, or worked on. They warn approaching vehicle operators that there are workers in the area and to proceed cautiously. Additionally, we recommend investing in a safe loading platform designed to handle the unique challenges associated with working on railcars.
Follow Proper Wheel Chock Procedures
You’ll need to make sure that you are using your chocks correctly. When determining how many wheel chocks you need for your railcar, consider the following:
For single cars
If idle, on a storage track, and being worked: Use double chocks on each end of the car to block movement in both directions.
If idle and being worked on a slight dip: Single chocks on the foremost wheel on both sets of wheels to prevent it from rolling in one direction.
For multiple cars
If coupled and moved forward to be unloaded/loaded: Brake and chock both ends of the primary car being worked on, and brake and chock additional cars if needed.
If uncoupled for separate work: Brake and chock each car individually.
Remember never to use wheel chocks for railcars on slopes or hills. Instead, use car stops or rail skates.
Get the Most Out of Your Chocks with Aldon’s Replaceable Spurs
All good wheel chocks feature spurs, which are strong, heat-treated pieces of metal that bite into the rail and prevent the chock from slipping. However, much like a knife, the spurs in your chock will dull over time. Luckily for you, Aldon’s railroad wheel chocks feature replaceable spurs, meaning you can extend the life of your equipment and avoid costly replacement fees.
You can tell that your spurs have dulled when your wheel chock starts sliding. When this happens, simply tap the spur out of its slot and re-insert it with a new edge exposed. Then, once you’ve used all available sides, you can purchase replacement spurs.
Choose Northern Platforms for Turnkey Railcar Loading and Fall Protection Systems
As Western Canada’s choice for railcar loading systems, Northern Platforms has everything you need to make your operations safer, smarter, and more efficient. When you partner with us, you’ll get access to our extensive inventory of safe access solutions from trusted suppliers like SafeRack, Aldon, and more. Plus, we offer turnkey installation and preventative maintenance to all our customers.
Here’s the truth: fall protection systems save workers’ lives, regardless of industry. For example, railcar loading operations need an effective system that protects workers, prevents accidents, and helps keep everything running smoothly. But building a top-notch system is more complicated than you might think. Without professional insight, you might not know where to start.
Step 1: Partner with a Qualified Safe Access Equipment Supplier
When it comes to fall protection, there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Each environment will have different needs, demands, and challenges. But, if you aren’t a qualified safe access professional, it might be hard to identify these unique pitfalls. That’s why partnering with an expert like Northern Platforms is essential. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to design fall protection systems with workers in mind. We’ll survey your site and your operations to identify any hazards. We recommend partnering with our team as soon as possible so we can ensure that your system is comprehensive and works together to comply with local and national safety regulations.
Step 2: Assess Your Needs
When we visit your site, we’ll ask you personalized questions to better understand your operation. For example, we might ask if you want a system that can accommodate different railcar sizes. If so, we’ll offer tailored solutions that are adaptable and customizable. Or, we might ask you for accurate and comprehensive data, such as drawings of the railcars you need to be able to access. Here are some other questions to consider when building your railcar fall protection system with Northern Platforms:
How are you moving your railcars around your site (e.g. track mobile, portable power, or a third-party provider)?
How are you loading/unloading your railcar?
How many tracks are you dealing with?
Step 3: Design Your System
Once you’ve answered the above questions, we can start creating your system. In our experience, the following equipment is essential for all types of loading and unloading applications:
The biggest advantage of working with Northern Platforms is that we’ll care for every piece of the puzzle. For an efficient system, your gangways, loading platforms, and arms must be compatible. Instead of dealing with multiple vendors and worrying about compatibility, Northern Platforms will create a seamlessly integrated turnkey system. Plus, our experts are on call if anything goes wrong.
Railcar Fall Protection Systems at Northern Platforms
Ready to start improving safe access in your railyard? Northern Platforms has got you covered with our expansive inventory of safe access, fall protection, and loading equipment. From safety cages and spill containment to wheel chocks and derailers, we have everything you need to design the safest system possible. Contact us today to schedule a railcar fall protection system assessment.
Investing in safety does more than simply mitigate the risk of employee injury while on the job site; the right system can prevent spillage, damage to machines and trucks, and increase company assets. A skilled company that brings years of experience to the table can help you invest in the fall protection system specific to your worksite.
Not all fall protection systems are made equal. At Northern Platforms, we help you to find the solution you need to ensure a safe working environment. Turnkey loading solutions are how you can optimize your loading and unloading process, and we are proud to be distributors of top brands like OPW Engineered Systems and Saferack. If you’re looking for railcar fall protection systems, find out more about what Northern Platforms supplies below.
Understanding Fall Protection Systems
Railyards often need specialized fall protection gear to safeguard the safety and efficiency of workers, equipment and materials. Fall protection systems are comprised of multiple parts that work in tandem to ensure your operations are safe and efficient. Northern Platform’s extensive knowledge and decades of experience help us to find custom solutions for your worksite. Let us design and install the proper safe access solutions onsite for you.
Whether you are looking to upgrade old systems or to install new ones, anticipate your worksite’s needs by implementing safety cages, operator gangways, spill protection, and more with Northern Platforms.
When Are You in Need of Railcar Fall Protection?
Railcar fall protection systems are meant for railyards that work with a variety of materials:
Hydrocarbon and refined fuels (like jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline)
Liquid natural gas (propane, ethane, butane)
Liquid asphalt from refineries
Ammonia
We stock quality, durable systems such as SafeRack, Emco Wheaton, OPW, and Ultratech. Our team understands that there is never a one-and-done solution for such complex and different materials. When you talk to our team, we will help you find the prevention equipment you need to ensure a good working environment for all.
Partner With Northern Platforms!
Based in Leduc, Alberta, Northern Platforms is a family-owned business whose goal is to assist businesses in agriculture, pulp and paper, oil and gas, rail, marine, and more to meet safety standards. Our professionals are ready and willing to design, install, and maintain your railcar fall protection systems for a better day’s work. Your expert in gangways, safety cages, spill containment and more, Northern Platforms operates with the sole purpose of helping businesses like yours to ensure their worksites are as safe and effective as possible.
Since 2002, businesses all over Canada have trusted us to provide them with the safe access solutions they require. We take pride in making business relationships that will last a long time so that you know that you can always come to us for your safety access equipment, loading racks, and loading arms. Contact Northern Platforms to get started on design a railcar fall protection system that suits your operation’s needs. Or, call 1-844-426-4929 to speak to a representative today.
