Are you in search of a safe access solution that doesn’t require permanent space? Especially in smaller facilities, dedicating precious space to a permanent access solution may not be feasible. When that happens, there are other options available!
Northern Platforms is here to help. With brands like ErectaStep, SafeRack, and RollaStep in our inventory, we are a dependable choice for trustworthy Canadian access equipment. No matter your industry—oil and gas, marine, pulp and paper, agriculture, rail—Northern Platforms has loading and safety equipment made for you. Learn more about our portable stairs, and Northern Platforms, below.
Safety and Mobility in One
The mobility of portable stairs is its main attraction. Usable in a variety of locations for a plethora of reasons, ErectaStep portable stairs easily roll across your building to increase safety and productivity. A broad base and handrails support stable climbing without compromising on mobility. Employees can carry products and tools with a lower risk of incurring fall injuries. We understand that safety is not only a legal risk but that you care for your employees’ health and safety, too. For your operations, Northern Platforms can help you find whatever safe access equipment is required.
Versatility and Simplicity
In comparison to a permanent floor structure, portable stairs take up less space and can be positioned in a new location as needed. As such, their footprint is greatly reduced. Make navigating your facility significantly easier without increasing your spending dramatically—portable stairs can move to where you need access solutions. So long as your employees are trained in fall protection, our selection of portable stairs is effective for all ground, whether level or not.
ErectaStep Portable Stairs
In particular, ErectaStep’s metal stairs are prefabricated and come with a broad base for stability and are fitted with non-slip tread. The bolt-together design allows unlimited configurations—saving you time and money on lengthy engineering. It comes in a few different sizes to account for facility, use and movability. An adjustable height and aluminum frame means a fast installation process and safe climbing for you and your workers.
ErectaStep is fully IBC and OSHA compliant. Northern Platforms only distributes quality materials because we understand the reasons behind stringent safety regulations. For technical specs, including BIM/CAD files and LEED/HPD information, contact us today.
Only Quality at Northern Platforms
For 20 years, Northern Platforms has been providing Canada with loading platforms, stairs, swing gates, and more. Our family-owned business is based out of Alberta, and our employees aim to meet your needs with incredible service and support. From turnkey installation to maintenance to personalized customer service, Northern Platforms is Western Canada’s go-to distributor.
We work hard to ensure you get the products you need with fast turnaround service. Your equipment will arrive on-site and be installed within days, not weeks, as we do our best to have equipment on hand to cut down on turnaround time. Find the OPW Engineered Systems, ErectaStep, Saferack, and YellowGate products from someone you trust: contact Northern Platforms today.
With the warmer temperatures comes the busy season for cement, asphalt, concrete, and fly ash operations. The last thing your business needs during peak season is a job site accident or injury to derail or stop production. Fortunately, with the proper safe access solutions, such as truck access platforms and safety cages, you can reduce the chances of an accident and ensure productivity. This is where Northern Platforms, with our comprehensive inventory of SafeRack products, can help! Let us explain further below…
Challenges in Cement Loading and Unloading
When loading and unloading cement trucks, there are several unique challenges and risks, especially regarding fall protection and truck access. In particular, high cycle rates, oversized and multi-truck configurations, multiple hatches, and nonstandard hatch opening orientations are a few factors that impact your operation’s efficiency and workers’ safety.
Since cement operations typically involve loading/unloading materials from a height, there is also a significant fall risk. One way to ensure the safety of your employees is to utilize a truck access platform or gangway, as well as a safety cage from Northern Platforms. Our offering of SafeRack gangways and cages provides a safe, enclosed walkway for your personnel to use when navigating between different levels, while the safety cage prevents them from slipping or falling off the edge. That way, not only are you improving the safety of your operations but also enhancing efficiency as your staff does not have to worry about working in potentially unsafe conditions.
At Northern Platforms, we recommend two critical safe access solutions for our customers in the cement industry–the SafeRack G4 Series Offset Cage and SAS Gangway. Let’s explore these truck access platform components below:
G4 Series Offset Cage
This innovative and durable safety cage was explicitly designed for the cement industry. The G4 Series Offset Cage features flared and tapered rungs, enabling the lid to have a full range of motion even while the equipment is in a working position. At the same time, the design of this safety cage ensures that it and the truck access platform it’s connected to will not have any interference when lowered on top of your cement trucks.
Like all SafeRack products, the G4 Series Offset Cage is manufactured with safety and longevity in mind. It is made with heavy-duty aluminum, advanced manufacturing techniques, and robotic welding to ensure its capabilities in demanding high-cycle applications. With the G4’s versatility to be a left or right offset, this is the perfect safety cage for any cement, asphalt, or dry ash operations.
SAS Gangway
When you need an easy-to-use and extremely rugged truck access platform, the SAS Gangway should be your first choice. Built to articulate and self-level, it can easily accommodate a variety of truck heights, with a working range of 40° below and 45° above horizontal. With extra-strong tube designs for safety cage mounting, a one-piece stair design, and reduced weld points, this truck access platform is built to last even in the most challenging applications.
Available at Northern Platforms in 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″, and 72″ widths and numerous lengths, the SafeRack SAS gangway is an excellent truck access platform option for operations handling cement, asphalt, or trucks of varying sizes.
Ready to Invest in Safety?
Northern Platforms can help you make your worksite safer by retrofitting your cement truck loading system with the SAS gangway or outfitting your operations with both the SAS platform and G4 Series safety cage. With our team’s help and our turnkey services, Northern Platforms can ensure that your operations are safe and efficient, no matter the material or vehicles you’re loading/unloading.
Tanker truck access platforms are a critical component of transportation industries, especially those dealing with potentially hazardous materials. These platforms ensure the safe and efficient loading and unloading of chemicals, fuels, and bulk products that require specialized handling. Northern Platforms, a leader in safety equipment, offers a groundbreaking solution to bolster safety and operational efficiency in this field: the SafeRack MaxRack Elevating Safety Cage System. Keep reading to learn more about this innovative, safe access solution!
The Foundation of Effective Safety Systems
At Northern Platforms, we believe in proactive safety measures; that’s why we provide onsite truck loading fall protection safety assessments. These assessments serve as the foundation for effective safety systems. Our team of experts can meticulously evaluate every component of your tanker truck loading platform system. This includes an overview of your safety cages, gangways, loading arms, and other equipment to ensure everything functions correctly and complies with local and national safety standards. By taking a proactive approach, Northern Platforms not only guarantees compliance but also contributes to the smooth continuity of your operations while maximizing the return on investment in your truck loading fall protection system.
Introducing MaxRack: An Elevating Safety Cage System
In a sector where safety cannot be compromised, the MaxRack Elevating Safety Cage System from Northern Platforms stands out as an innovative, safe access solution. It distinguishes itself from the competition by being the sole elevating safety cage system that can be manually operated during power or air pressure loss. The system’s unique counterbalanced cage design and exclusive dual input gearbox ensure smooth operation and provide operators with the capability to raise and lower the cage when needed manually. Primarily used for accessing the tops of vehicles in bulk loading applications and accessing top hatches, the MaxRack ensures your workers have a safe environment when accessing these vehicles.
Below is a short video of the MaxRack Elevating Safety Cage System in action during a railcar loading application.
Customization for Diverse Applications
One of the most advantageous features of the MaxRack system is its adaptability. At Northern Platforms, we offer a selection of standard safety cage configurations to cater to a wide range of applications. These numerous configurations make the MaxRack versatile for both tanker truck and railcar applications, as it can accommodate the distinct needs of various industries and vehicles. Additionally, the counterweighted design of the MaxRack minimizes the need for larger, more expensive drive components, ultimately reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Power Options to Suit Your Requirements
At Northern Platforms, we offer two power options for the SafeRack MaxRack Elevating Safety Cage: pneumatic and electric drive, available in both single and three-phase options. This flexibility lets you choose the power source that best aligns with your specific operational demands. Whether you prefer the reliability of electric power or the versatility of pneumatic drives, the MaxRack has you covered!
Ensuring Safety and Durability
Safety, durability, and efficiency are non-negotiable when handling potentially hazardous materials in tanker truck applications. The MaxRack meets these requirements by being built with a robust foundation. It features galvanized steel column supports and lifting arms, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of numerous industries. Moreover, welding specifications meet or exceed industry standards for both carbon steel and aluminum, and the galvanizing process complies with recognized industrial standards. That means, with the MaxRack from Northern Platforms, loading and unloading tanker trucks is a safe and secure operation for the long term.
Prioritize Safety and Efficiency with Northern Platforms
Tanker truck access platforms are vital for industries handling hazardous materials in bulk. Northern Platforms goes the extra mile by providing various power options and safety assessments to optimize your truck loading fall protection system for safety and efficiency.
Let Northern Platforms be your trusted source for comprehensive truck loading fall protection equipment. Contact our team today to find the right equipment for your facility and ensure a safe and accessible site.
One critical area where safety cannot be compromised is in the loading and unloading of trucks. This is where truck fall protection systems come into play, and Northern Platforms offers a comprehensive solution for these crucial needs. Below, we’ll explore the importance of truck fall protection systems and the range of products that contribute to this vital safety aspect. Continue reading to find out more.
Comprehensive Truck Fall Protection Systems
Truck fall protection systems include a wide range of products and safety measures aimed at safeguarding workers during the loading and unloading of trucks. These systems not only protect employees but also ensure the efficient flow of operations, allowing trucks to transfer their loads quickly and safely.
At Northern Platforms, we’ve been a trusted partner in the design and installation of safe access solutions for truck loading and fall protection since 2002. Our solutions include custom steel loading platforms, available in both stationary and portable configurations. These platforms can be equipped with state-of-the-art loading arms, safety gates, fall protection systems, and operator gangways. We also offer the option to install operator buildings, safety showers, and shelters to provide employees with additional protection during loading and unloading processes.
The Importance of Comprehensive Solutions
High-quality safe access solutions are a hallmark of Northern Platforms‘ commitment to providing comprehensive truck fall protection systems. Our expertise extends to designing and building complete truck loading and tank trailer fall protection systems. These systems may encompass various components, including:
Custom Loading Platforms: Our loading platforms are engineered to accommodate single truck loading stations to multiple truck loading stations. We understand that trucks and trailers come in various shapes and sizes, so our solutions are flexible and can adapt to different configurations.
Loading Arms: These essential components efficiently load trailers and cargo vessels while ensuring the safety of workers.
Safety Gates: Fall protection is crucial, and our safety gates are designed to prevent accidents and injuries during loading and unloading processes.
Operator Gangways: Operator gangways offer a safe and convenient means for employees to access the truck or trailer during loading and unloading.
Our decades of experience providing truck fall protection systems have given us invaluable insights into what works best. We supply equipment that not only meets safety standards but also ensures the efficiency and consistency of your loading and unloading operations.
SafeRack SAS Gangways: A Versatile Component
As part of our commitment to safety and quality, Northern Platforms proudly stocks industry-leading products like SafeRack’s SAS gangways. These gangways are designed to articulate and self-level, accommodating varying heights of tanker trucks and trailers. They are built to last, thanks to their one-piece stair design that reduces welds, virtually eliminating failures. Despite their rugged construction, these SAS gangways are easy to use, with a spring counterbalance that requires minimal effort.
At Northern Platforms, our team takes a consultative approach to determine the best truck fall protection systems for your worksite. We offer on-site visits to develop the right system for your specific needs. With expedited delivery, precision-built components, and custom solutions available, SafeRack’s SAS gangways provide a comprehensive solution for your truck fall protection requirements.
Start Designing Your Truck Fall Protection System Today!
Truck fall protection systems are non-negotiable when it comes to ensuring the efficiency and safety of loading and unloading processes. At Northern Platforms, we offer solutions designed to provide reliable and comprehensive fall protection for workers in numerous industries. Additionally, we also offer installation and routine maintenance services to ensure your new fall protection system is correctly set up and ready to go.
Contact us today to learn more about setting up your truck fall protection system with Northern Platforms.
Across the industrial landscape, businesses dealing with railcars and tanker trucks of varying sizes understand the vital importance of safety, accessibility, and efficiency. When it comes to providing a secure and versatile solution, the SafeRack MAUI mobile loading platform from Northern Platforms stands out from the competition. This innovative mobile access platform is designed to empower your operations with unmatched mobility, convenience, and safety, making it a must-have asset for industries across the board. Below we will discuss some of the benefits and features of the SafeRack MAUI. Keep reading to learn more!
A Closer Look into the MAUI Mobile Access Platform
The SafeRack MAUI, mobile access platform, is a testament to engineering excellence and practicality. It caters to the evolving needs of operations that require safe and reliable access to railcars and tanker trucks while accommodating these vehicles’ various dimensions. Its versatility and adaptability make it an invaluable asset to any workplace striving for enhanced productivity and safety. A few other benefits of the MAUI are as follows:
Mobility Redefined
Easily maneuverable and incredibly strong, the SafeRack MAUI mobile access platform from Northern Platforms features exceptional mobility. This mobile loading platform is manufactured to provide safe and dependable mobility and access, allowing it to be easily maneuvered to the required location within your facility. Its rolling capability ensures that you can position it precisely where it’s needed most, enhancing the efficiency of your operations.
Stability at Its Core
Safety is crucial in every industrial setting, and the MAUI mobile access platform can enhance the safety of your operations. It boasts a rugged base, 500 lb load capacity, and stainless steel locks to secure the platform in position. So even in demanding applications, the MAUI is sure to perform. This stability, combined with its minimal maintenance requirements, enhances the safety of the workers using this mobile access platform and minimizes the risk of accidents and mishaps, contributing to a safer work environment.
Adaptable to Heights and Applications
Another beneficial feature of the MAUI mobile access platform is its telescoping ladder that can be extended to accommodate varying truck and railcar heights. This adaptability means you don’t need to invest in multiple platforms for different vehicles; one MAUI platform from Northern Platforms can serve your entire fleet! This not only saves you money but also aids in streamlining your operations by eliminating the need to switch between different-sized mobile access platforms.
Unmatched Versatility
Beyond its telescoping capabilities, the MAUI offers even more versatility. Its large handrails provide a comfortable and secure grip, ensuring your employees can access elevated surfaces without hesitation. Additionally, the MAUI is available in different sizes and styles– 10-14 ft or 12-16 ft and ATV for rougher terrain applications– allowing you to choose the one that best fits your operational requirements.
Unlock the Potential of the MAUI with Northern Platforms
As the premier distributor of SafeRack products in Western Canada, Northern Platforms takes immense pride in offering cutting-edge solutions that enhance workplace safety and productivity. The SafeRack MAUI mobile access platform, available through Northern Platforms, addresses issues with safety, versatility, and mobility head-on. By investing in the MAUI mobile access platform, you’re elevating workplace safety and streamlining your operations for maximum efficiency.
Equip your facility with the SafeRack MAUI mobile access platform and experience the transformation firsthand! Contact Northern Platforms today to explore how this innovative solution can redefine your workplace safety and productivity standards.
As the trucking loading industry continues to grow in Western Canada, more and more operations and facilities require secure and durable truck loading platforms. If your operations lack a safe truck loading system or your current one is damaged or facing difficulties maintaining performance and efficiency, now is the time to invest in a new truck loading platform.
At Northern Platforms, we are proud to be the premier SafeRack safe access solutions distributor. Our inventory of truck access platforms provides our customers with various advantages along with improvements in safety and efficiency. Next, we’ll discuss why you should choose a truck loading platform from SafeRack and how Northern Platforms can support your operations with our decades of expertise. Keep reading to learn more!
Quality Truck Loading Platforms
At Northern Platforms, we are proud to be your top Canadian distributor of SafeRack truck loading platforms. Whether your trucks have top hatches, bottom hatches, or both, Northern Platforms has the loading platforms you need to ensure your workers are safe. As an industry leader in safe access solutions, Northern Platforms has a comprehensive inventory of truck loading platform solutions to meet your facility’s needs, including one-of-a-kind applications.
Moreover, Northern Platforms’ inventory of SafeRack loading platforms is designed to withstand the wear and tear of industrial environments. Each of their platforms is engineered with heavy-gauge galvanized steel or aluminum, so you can rest assured that the truck loading platforms you invest in today will last well into the future! When you need quality truck loading platforms, trust the safe access solution experts at Northern Platforms to have the solutions you need in stock and ready to ship!
Expert Support from Industry Leaders
One of the many advantages of working with Northern Platforms for your access solution needs is that our comprehensive inventory is backed by expert customer service. For instance, say you’re unsure of what truck loading platform from SafeRack would be best suited for your facility. In that case, Northern Platforms’ team of safe access solution experts can assist you with determining the best loading platform for your operations. Our team can even visit your site, and custom configure a design drawing of our recommended access solutions. That way, you can see precisely how your truck loading platform will fit into your facility before you purchase. In addition, Northern Platforms also provides a wide range of supportive services such as preventative maintenance, installation, and more! So regardless of your safe access solution requirements, Northern Platforms has the inventory and expertise you need to ensure your facility is safe and compliant.
Your Trusted Specialists in Safe Access Solutions
As Western Canada’s premier distributor of SafeRack access solutions, Northern Platforms is proud to provide exceptional quality products and services. Since 2002, Northern Platforms has worked with industry-leading manufacturers to ensure operations have the truck loading systems they need to keep their worksites safe and efficient. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service in addition to our comprehensive inventory of safe access solutions. Contact us today to learn more about SafeRack truck loading platforms from Northern Platforms!
