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.
Albertan and BC operations regularly deal with high pressures, intense temperatures, and other rough conditions. Are your fittings and loading arms up to the task? Keep reading to learn more about one of the best fittings on the market—and how the Northern Platforms team can help improve your railcar loading system today.
What are Hiltap Fittings?
When industrial operations demand the highest level of safety and reliability, Hiltap fittings deliver. Manufactured by OPW, these specialized quick couplings handle the most challenging liquid and gas transfer applications with ease. They are specifically designed to handle high and low pressures and temperatures.
Benefits of Hiltap Fittings
Hiltap fittings are loved by many of our customers. Here are some of the advantages of this fitting:
Innovative Designs: This fitting features a metal-to-metal wedge seal design that locks under pressure. Don’t worry about the risks of accidental disconnections—this design offers complete protection in every circumstance.
Built for High Pressure and Intense Temperatures: If you regularly deal with high pressures or intense temperatures, you probably already know that many fittings on the market are not designed to handle these circumstances. But if you opt for Hiltap fittings on your railcar loading arms, you can rest assured that they will operate safely and efficiently through wide pressure and temperature ranges.
Complete Regulatory Compliance: Safety and compliance are a must for all truck and railcar loading systems—which is why all Hiltap fittings come with comprehensive compliance documentation, including Canadian Registration Numbers.
Common Applications Hiltap Fittings
Many Albertan industries benefit from the technology and quality of OPW’s Hiltap fittings, including:
Oil and gas: Ideal for high-pressure applications and sour gas handling.
Chemical and petrochemical: Ensures secure and safe transfer of hazardous materials.
Natural gas liquids (NGLs): Pressurized railcars require a loading system and fitting that complies with strict local and national regulations.
Other industries: These fittings are also regularly used for aerospace, nuclear, and cryogenic applications, due to their pressure and temperature handling capabilities.
Popular Hiltap Fittings
At Northern Platforms, we can equip your railcar loading system with several different types of hiltap fittings. Here are some of the options that we currently offer to customers:
3TL Transfer Loading Series: One of the bestselling fittings that Northern Platforms offers, this all-purpose solution provides leak-proof sealing while also maintaining unrestricted flow. Enjoy a quick connection, dry disconnects, and safe venting of any residual pressure.
3U Series: These fittings are specifically designed to replace conventional medium-pressure unions/couplings. This fitting is ideal for smaller transfers that deal with significant temperature cycling.
LQC (Locking Quick Connect) Series: Do you regularly deal with pressurized railcars or tanks? This coupling is guaranteed to never disconnect under line pressure. Opt for this design for operations involving oils, NGLs, acids, and other hazardous materials.
Contact Northern Platforms for Hiltap Fittings and Railcar Loading Systems Today!
Which Hiltap fitting will you add to your operation? With over 20 years of industry experience, the Northern Platforms team can walk you through our options and provide product recommendations tailored to your situation. Plus, if you are looking to upgrade other elements of your railcar loading system, we’ve got you covered. As Western Canada’s leading provider of fall protection and safe access equipment, we have everything you need to design, build, and create the perfect solution. Explore our product offerings online or contact our sales team for more information! Let us help make your operations safer and more efficient today.
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.
When dealing with LPG loading and unloading, there are two important factors to consider. First, propane and other gases are difficult and dangerous to deal with. During transportation, the railcars are pressurized to keep the chemicals in a liquefied state. This allows for easy movement of a high volume of natural gas by rail. However, the biggest challenge is safely loading and unloading, as this substance can be highly volatile if not handled correctly. For example, if the railcar pressure is not carefully maintained, the LPG can become a gas again, resulting in a deadly explosion.
Secondly, any company that stores, handles, or transports liquid petroleum products is subject to the regulations set out in NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. This document helps mitigate risks, ensures safe installations, and prevents failures that could lead to fires and explosions. The complexity of these regulations, paired with the hazards of handling these chemicals, highlights the importance of proper and comprehensive safe loading systems from a qualified provider.
The Solution: Safe Railcar Loading & Unloading Systems
If you plan to deal with LPG in your rail operations, you will need a fully NFPA 58 compliant loading station. This includes safe access to the top of the railcar through a loading platform, safety cage, and gangway. It will also need to feature automatic shutdown valves in case of an emergency such as a fire, leak, or railcar rollaway. Your system should also include tight connections, vapour recovery systems, and adequate fall protection.
“Bull Horn” Loading Arm: A single arm that divides into dual connections. LPG railcars typically have three connections (two product lines and one vapour line).
“A” Frame Loader: Favoured for its flexibility, long reach, and easy maneuverability. It is ideal for loading racks that feature dual unloading lines.
When all these elements are combined, you can rest assured that your railcar loading system is efficient, safe, and compliant.
Trust Northern Platforms for Customized LPG Loading Systems
When selecting your equipment, you’ll want to design a system you can count on to keep things running smoothly, especially since your system will be used daily. That’s where an expert safe access provider comes in. These professionals have the expertise and experience to consider your site’s specific needs and install a system that works best for you. For example, when you partner with Northern Platforms, our team will visit your operation, interview your workers, and engineer a solution based on their answers. In addition to loading systems, we can provide recommendations for crossovers, work platforms, and more to help ensure you have the safest and most efficient loading system possible.
Ready to get started? Learn more about how Northern Platforms can revolutionize your operations, and schedule your site visit today!
