Loading platforms play an integral role in maximizing worker productivity and keeping workplaces safe. An effective loading platform system is designed specifically to withstand the safety and access needs of your work environment. It also boosts workplace efficiency and throughput. But how do you know if your loading platform is helping your organization to achieve these objectives?
To answer this question, you will want to consider the age of your loading platform, worker awareness of safety features and their proper use, and any operational changes such as access requirements that have occurred since the platform was installed. In addition, it is important to consider whether your loading rack system offers key safety features.
Important Features for Common Loading Rack Types
Every organization faces its own operational and safety challenges. While loading racks and needs will differ greatly among organizations, it is crucial to prioritize loading platform safety to keep workers safe when loading and unloading materials. The following is a list of some common loading rack solutions. We have highlighted some of the key safety and productivity features to look for to help you assess the effectiveness of your existing loading platform solutions.
ISO Container Loading Platforms
ISO containers have become increasingly popular in recent years. Containers come in many different varieties which can make the loading and unloading processes challenging. Loading platforms should be flexible to enable workers to access multiple configurations with a single piece of equipment. Key safety considerations for ISO container loading racks include:
- Environmental considerations
- Site layout and site-specific loading process considerations
- Power limitations
- Worker loading and unloading tasks
- Industry safety standards and best practices
Some key safety platform features include a 42” high handrail system, easy working height adjustments, safety gates, and the ability to retrofit the loading rack to other platforms.
More about loading platforms for ISO Containers
Unit Train Loading Platforms and Truck Gangways
Loading and unloading rail cars present unique safety and logistical challenges. Railcar mis-spotting issues are common with coupled railcars. The loading platform should allow operators to easily grab the top rail of the gangway and track the gangway to the railcar crash box opening. From there, the operator should be able to deploy the self-supported gangway on top of the rail car and move about freely while being protected by an OHSA-compliant fall prevention safety cage. In addition, the loading solution should offer slip-resistant surfaces, loading arm integration, and spill containment and grounding solutions.
Truck gangways provide safe access between a tower or platform and a truck. Gangways can be both retrofitted to an existing structure or customized to suit your specific application. There are several different types of gangways, including telescoping, flat ramp, self-leveling tread, and custom gangways. Gangways should be able to withstand harsh and high-use environments, have added load capacities to accommodate potential emergency rescue efforts, have pipe handrails for operator safety, and meet OSHA standards.
Single and Multiple Hatch Truck Loading Platforms
Trucks come in all different shapes and sizes. To maximize productivity and safety, workers need to be able to load and unload any configuration. Features such as non-slip surfaces, swing gates to prevent falls, traffic control systems, and loading arms can improve workplace safety.
Elevated Truck Loading Platforms
Elevated truck loading platforms are a great option because they consolidate loading into a single platform. Workers can easily load and unload a variety of truck configurations saving both time and money. The platform should include an advanced handrail system to protect workers while giving them 360-degree mobility. Power options generally include pneumatic or electric motor drive options. A counterweighted design allows for smaller and less expensive drive components. In addition, some platforms feature a manual override feature in case of power or air pressure loss.
General Loading Platforms and Catwalks
When workers are required to work at heights, falls can lead to serious injuries, increased workers’ compensation costs, and heavy fines. Moreover, poor configurations can hurt worker productivity. Loading platforms and catwalks should be OHSA-compliant and built with aluminum or steel to withstand heavy use. They should feature non-slip work surfaces and guardrails to allow workers to move freely and safely. Rolling platforms offer workers a safe walk surface alongside a flatbed truck trailer. The platform can be easily maneuvered alongside the flatbed and removed once the truck is loaded or unloaded. Wrapping or tarping loads such as pipes, cement, or lumber has traditionally required workers to crawl over irregular surfaces. Falls from atop these loads or exposure to hazardous voids can result in significant injuries and even death. A tarping system that includes a spreader bar attached in multiple locations to eliminate boom and swing and tarp twisting can both improve efficiency and safety.
Transloading and Portable Loading Platform Systems
Transloading systems are premanufactured, skidded systems that facilitate the transfer of liquids in bulk handling operations. Portable loading platform systems are an ideal solution for applications where a permanent loading rack is not feasible. Common applications include liquid tanker trucks, liquid rail cars, hopper cars and trucks, and ISO containers. Portable systems must be lightweight and easy to maneuver. Most importantly, they should meet fall protection industry standards and requirements.
Pipe Racks
Structural steel pipe racks can help support pipes, instrument trays, power cables, and mechanical equipment in a broad range of industrial settings. Key considerations include the rack’s live, wind, and seismic load specifications. To keep your workplace safe, the pipe rack must have minimum capacities that support its use in your work environment.
Accessories and Terminal Speciality Equipment
Other common accessories and terminal specialty equipment that can improve worker productivity and safety include tool boxes for loading platforms, safety gates, drench showers, and eyewash stations.
Loading Rack Safety Assessments
Loading rack safety assessments involve identifying potential hazards and providing recommendations for their remediation. Potential hazards are not always obvious. You likely conducted a safety assessment and considered your operational needs when selecting your current loading platform system. But processes can change over time. For example, your workers may load and unload different cargo or service new vehicles. Performing routine loading rack safety assessments can help you gauge the effectiveness of your systems.
Safe Rack offers on-site safety evaluations of loading areas for compliance with OHSA standards. Our team will assess the effectiveness of your loading platform systems and recommend the right solutions for your workplace. We offer the safest, OSHA-approved loading systems for today’s workforce that will provide you with industry-leading safety solutions for many years to come. Contact us today to schedule a loading rack safety assessment.
