Ensuring railcar loading safety is critical for protecting workers, preventing accidents, and keeping operations running smoothly. Whether handling hazardous materials or bulk goods, following proper safety protocols is essential for minimizing risks.
Are you looking for the right safety equipment for your operation? Here are five essential Northern Platforms products that can enhance railcar loading safety for your operations.
At Northern Platforms, we pride ourselves on delivering customized safety solutions. Our team will visit your site, assess your needs, and tailor our recommendations to fit your unique requirements.
Gangways and Loading Platforms
Both gangways and loading platforms are popular solutions for ensuring the safety and productivity of railcar loading operations.
Loading platforms are the most used piece of safety equipment, as they provide workers with a secure place to stand while loading and unloading materials. Usually, these platforms are sturdy and non-slip, allowing multiple workers to stand on them for short periods during loading.
Your railcar loading operation should also include gangways, which bridge the gap between the loading platform and the railcar. This piece of equipment helps protect workers by reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Northern Platforms offers customizable gangways that adjust to various railcar heights, ensuring safe access and compliance with railcar loading safety standards.
Loading Arms
Top and bottom loading arms are crucial for railcar loading safety, especially when transferring liquids or hazardous materials. Unlike traditional hoses, loading arms are durable and offer precise control, reducing the risk of leaks and accidents. Their flexibility and sturdiness make them a safer and more reliable option for efficient material transfer.
Using loading arms instead of hoses can dramatically improve railcar loading safety by minimizing manual handling and preventing spills.
Wheel Chocks and Blue Flags Protection
Next, you will need wheel chocks, which are essential for preventing the railcar from accidentally moving during the loading process. Simple yet effective, these devices are placed under the railcar wheels to keep them stationary.
All railcar loading operations should include blue flags in addition to wheel chocks. Blue flags are visual symbols used to warn approaching railway vehicle operators that rail cars are being loaded and unloaded and to indicate that workmen are in the area.
Track Pans
Effective spill containment is critical to railcar loading safety, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials. Track pans are installed between the rail tracks to capture any spills during loading. This product helps safeguard both the workers and the environment from exposure to harmful substances.
Northern Platforms offers several containment solutions from UltraTech, including track pans, berms, and barrels, to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and prevent environmental damage.
Safety Showers
Having easily accessible safety showers is essential for emergency decontamination in any situation where hazardous materials are present. Safety regulations often require safety showers in all areas where chemicals are handled. Plus, positioning them within reach of the railcar loading area can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Ensure your railcar loading safety meets safety standards by equipping your site with properly maintained and strategically placed safety showers.
Safety Solutions Tailored to Your Needs
When it comes to loading your railcar safely, it is important to examine your existing operation. Northern Platforms is here to help you find safety solutions specifically tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start improving the safety and efficiency of your operations.
Whether your operations handle NGL, refined fuel, ammonia, or gondola railcar loading applications, you need a railcar loading system that protects your workers, facility, productivity, and bottom line. As Canada’s leading distributor of SafeRack safe access solutions, Northern Platforms is here to help you design and build a railcar loading system that does all that and more!
Next, we will tell you about our personalized approach to designing railcar loading systems and how a particular SafeRack gangway can benefit your operations. Keep reading to learn more!
A Personalized Approach to Railcar Loading Systems
While other safe access and loading solution distributors will take a cookie-cutter approach to your railcar loading needs, Northern Platforms does things a bit differently. At Northern Platforms, we commit seriously to building strong, life-long relationships with our customers. Our team won’t simply rely on emails or phone calls to understand your railcar loading operations. Instead, we take that extra step to ensure you receive personalized service. That means a dedicated sales team member will visit your site in person, see with their own eyes the challenges you may be facing, and take time to discuss the details of your particular applications.
By taking a personalized approach to designing, installing, and maintaining your railcar loading systems, Northern Platforms can provide a holistic understanding of how our safe access solutions, railcar loading platforms, and gangways can benefit your operations.
Meet the Flat Ramp Telescoping (FRT) Access Gangway
Northern Platforms’ comprehensive inventory of SafeRack safe access solutions includes various railcar loading platforms and gangways that are perfect for ensuring the safety and productivity of your operations. In particular, the Flat Ramp Telescoping (FRT) Access Gangway is a popular model for railcar loading because of its innovative design and durability.
The FRT Gangway features a slip-resistant walkway and telescoping extension, perfect for eliminating narrow gaps between your loading platform and the railcar. FRT gangways have a 21″ telescoping extension that allows the gangway to accommodate various railcar configurations. These gangways are constructed with 1” stainless steel bearing quality pivot rods and machine-quality pivot points for greater durability, longevity, and safety. With the FRT Gangway’s rugged, oversized parts and counterbalanced adjustable springs for easy raising and lowering, this gangway is sure to stand the test of time. Self supporting with adjustable chain stops, a 500 LB load capacity and a spring counterbalance system that allows the gangway to be easily raised and lowered, the FRT gangway is up for any challenge.
Available in 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″ and 72″ widths and various lengths, and aluminum, galvanized steel, or stainless steel, the Flat Ramp Telescoping Access Gangway is an excellent option for NGL, refined fuel, ammonia, and gondola railcar loading applications. Let the Northern Platforms team show you how the FRT Access Gangway can enhance your railcar loading systems!
Turnkey Services that Won’t Interfere with Your Operations
At Northern Platforms, our top-notch service doesn’t stop at providing expert guidance and top-quality railcar loading platforms, gangways, and loading arms. We also offer turnkey installation and maintenance services. That way, you can rest assured that your railcar loading platforms and gangways are ready to go when you need them most. From scope development, conceptual layouts and cost estimates to project execution, installation, and yearly maintenance, Northern Platforms is your trusted partner for greater operational safety and efficiency!
Your Source for Safe Access Solutions
Whether you need a new railcar loading platform, loading arms, gangways, or spill containment, Northern Platforms is your 100% Canadian source for safe access and loading solutions.
Contact our team today to learn more about our turnkey services or to get a quote on the Saferack Flat Ramp Telescoping (FRT) Access Gangway. Let our team help you design a custom railcar loading solution that ensures the safety of your workers.
Bottom-loading arms offer several advantages over other types of loading equipment. At Northern Platforms, we carry a complete range of OPW Engineered Systems’ loading arms perfect for sulfur and LPG loading applications.
Below, we will highlight our top three models for sulfur and LPG loading and a bottom loading arm accessory that can make molten sulfur loading safer. Keep reading to find out more!
Unsupported Boom Bottom Loader
The OPW Unsupported Boom Bottom Loading Arm is designed to provide a flexible, long-range, reliable operation that is easy to use in sulfur and LPG loading operations. This heavy-duty bottom-loading arm has five swivel planes of rotation, allowing for adjustments when changes in elevation or tilting due to the vehicle being loaded or unloaded occur. If you’re looking for a versatile, heavy-duty, and durable bottom-loading arm for your LPG or sulfur-loading applications, the OPW Unsupported Boom Bottom Loader from Northern Platforms has you covered!
Here are a few other features and benefits of this loading arm:
Available in 2″ to 6″ sizes
Available in carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
Fully customizable
Can be safely stored in a “jack-knife” position for safe clearance of vehicles
Easy to operate and maneuver
Features a low profile design with a long reach, making it ideal for railcar unloading
Easily connects under trucks
Eliminate the need for hoses
A-Frame Loader
Another great bottom-loading arm option from Northern Platforms is the OPW A-Frame Loader. This loading arm is a popular option for LPG loading applications. Its unique configuration enables flexibility and a long reach while remaining convenient and easy to use. Typically used for tanker truck bottom-loading applications, the A-Frame Loader can also be utilized in top-loading/ unloading operations, making it a versatile option. And just like the Unsupported Boom loader, this bottom loading arm also adjusts for changes in tilt or elevation during loading operations.
Next are some additional benefits and features of the OPW A-Frame Loader available at Northern Platforms:
Available in 2″ to 4″ sizes
Available in carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
LPG options feature an all-welded construction
Crossovers can easily be achieved
For multiple product applications, this loading arm can be mounted closely to others
Stores in an upright, near-vertical position for closer installation proximity
Fully customizable
Eliminates the need for hoses
CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader
The last bottom loading arm we’d like to highlight is the OPW CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader. This loading arm’s simple yet rugged construction provides efficient handling and coupling to tank adaptors. At the same time, the flange-by-flange base swivel joints ensure reliable performance and easy maintenance. The counterbalance adjustment is also smooth and straightforward, making the loading or unloading process quick and efficient.
Below are some other features and benefits of the CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader:
Features 4″ arms with a 114″ reach
Manufactured from carbon steel and aluminum
Includes a Dual Split Flange (DSF) inlet swivel for durability
Includes low-temperature fluorocarbon seals
The multiple-compartment loading capabilities save time
Crossover capabilities easily meet API envelope requirements
Comes with braided stainless steel or Rackmaster composite hose
Insulation for Molten Sulfur Loading
If your facility is specifically loading or unloading molten sulfur, then a bottom loading arm alone is not enough to ensure safe and efficient operation. At Northern Platforms, along with our inventory of bottom loading arms, we also offer a variety of loading arm accessories, such as the OPW Custom Insulation Packages. These removable and reusable insulation packages provide superior heat retention, safety, and an uncompromised range of motion, making them an excellent choice for temperature-sensitive loading applications. Available in 2″, 3″, 4″, and 6″ sizes and carbon steel or stainless construction, the OPW Custom Insulation Packages from Northern Platforms will ensure that your molten sulfur loading operations are safe and temperature protected.
Your Source for Loading Arms!
Are you ready to find the bottom-loading arms your operations need to ensure safety and efficiency? Trust Northern Platforms in Leduc, Alberta, to have you covered!
Contact us today to learn more about our offering of OPW bottom-loading arms and let our team help you find the right loading equipment for your application.
When loading and unloading railcars, you need safe access solutions to keep your crew safe, efficient, and compliant with local safety regulations. At Northern Platforms, we have the railcar loading solutions you need and outstanding customer service to help you with all of your safe access requirements! Our goal is to keep your staff, equipment, and products as secure as possible while working on loading or unloading your railcars. Northern Platforms is based in Leduc, Alberta and is proud to partner with numerous trusted best in class manufacturers to bring your operations the products you need to work safely! Below we’ll cover more about the manufacturers we’ve partnered with and the excellent railcar loading products that SafeRack manufactures. Keep reading to learn more!
Manufacturers You Can Trust
Loading and unloading railcars can be tricky, especially when demand is high and your operation is busy. With the proper access equipment, such as safety cages, gangways, and loading racks, you can ensure that your staff has the necessary tools to work safely and efficiently. In addition, the proper safe access solutions can ensure that your operations comply with OH&S or OHSA standards. At Northern Platforms, we are committed to safety and accessibility. We are proud to provide high-quality railcar loading equipment from top manufacturers such as:
SafeRack
OPW Engineered Systems
Emco Wheaton
Ultratech
Scully
RollaStep
And more!
When you need a railcar loading system that can meet the demands of your operations, Northern Platforms is here to help! Regardless of the size of your rail loading operation or terminal, Northern Platforms will have the safe access solutions you need to ensure efficient and safe working conditions. Our team can even visit your worksite and assist you in determining the best possible safe access and railcar loading solutions for your particular applications.
SafeRack’s Flat Ramp Telescopic Gangway (FRT)
You have plenty of options to choose from regarding railcar loading equipment. However, SafeRack’s flat ramp access gangway (FRT) is a popular option. The FRT features a slip-resistant walking surface to reduce tripping hazards. With the telescoping extension, the FRT also eliminates gaps on narrow railcars, making loading and unloading more accessible and safer. While you have options to include a safety cage on the FRT, the telescoping top handrails are available on all FRT models without the safety cage. Overall the FRT is built to improve safety while loading railcars without sacrificing quality or durability. Having trouble with railcars being spotted properly? No problem, a tracking gangway will give you the adjustability to track the gangway along the platform to line it up with the railcar opening. Let the team at Northern Platforms showcase the SafeRack Flat Ramp Telescopic Gangway and help you add this fantastic unit to your operations!
Your Source for Railcar Loading Systems!
At Northern Platforms, we have decades of combined industry experience. So you can rest assured knowing your safe access solutions experts are ready to help you with whatever challenges your operation may be facing. We are proud to provide our customers with exceptional customer service and products, from railcar loading gangways, spill containment, loading arms and more! Aside from our comprehensive inventory, Northern Platforms also offers turnkey installation services, preventative maintenance, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our railcar loading products and our extensive inventory of safe access solutions!
