Gangways are commonly used in the land transport of liquids in large quantities. Instead of installing long pipelines from the seaport to the terminal, tanker trucks or railcars mobilize these bulk liquids (usually petroleum) into their storage facilities. As a safe passage for workers from a loading rack or platform to the hatch of a rail car or truck, loading docks use gangways that can be fitted with various accessories to augment fall prevention and increase throughput. These accessories include metal handrails, safety cages, non-slip surfaces, and ladders. Gangways can also be equipped with pumps and hoses to facilitate the transfer of liquids. By adding these accessories, gangways can become an essential part of any operation that involves the transport of large quantities of fluids.
Loading terminal workers are often required to reposition their trucks when they miss their exact spot, and this can compromise their safety, as they may be required to climb around the tanker to access the loading hatch. A safety cage can provide a safe and easy way for drivers to access the loading hatch on their truck without having to reposition it. Using loading ramps and gangways with safety features can help to prevent accidents and injuries and ensures that loading terminal workers can carry out their duties safely and efficiently.
Loading terminal workers, or even the driver, can enter the cage, which is positioned over the hatch, and then open the hatch when loading or unloading the goods. Adjustable loading platforms with a cage reduce the risk of injury for loading terminal workers. It also helps ensure that goods are properly stored from their marine terminals into their storage facilities.
Working around tanker trucks can also be extremely dangerous, especially when drivers must climb on top of the tank to inspect or operate the various hatches. A better way to design tanker access would be to allow tankers to pull alongside a loading platform, where they could check the hatches without losing balance or slipping from the top of a tank. A track-mounted gangway would dramatically reduce the risks associated with tank truck operations and make it easier for drivers to perform their jobs efficiently and safely. Tank truck drivers climbing on top of their tankers without any fall protection is an extreme safety hazard that needs to be addressed to prevent fall injuries in the workplace. MAXRack safety system proactively prevents untoward incidents from tanker and hopper trucks, railcars, and isotainers where access to multiple hatches or washout caps on the top of the tankers without compromising safety protocols. Creating a terminal fall protection system should focus on a safe means of access for drivers who need to open and close hatches on tank trucks. Drivers need to voluntarily use the system to climb onto their trucks and then drive to their unloading spot rather than attempting to climb the tank truck’s own access ladder. This voluntary use of the system indicates that drivers believe it is safer and more effective to access their tank trucks.
As loading terminals become more complex, you must have a partner you can rely on to provide custom solutions that meet your specific needs. That’s where we come in. As leaders in the loading terminal industry, we offer a wide range of terminal loading solutions to meet the demands of even the most complex applications. No matter your unique challenge, we’ll work with you to craft a custom platform solution that gets the job done. And because we’re there with you from start to finish, you can rest assured knowing that your loading terminal will be up and running smoothly for years to come. So if you’re looking for a loading terminal partner that can provide innovative, custom solutions, look no further than Saferack. We’re here to help you meet your loading terminal challenges—no matter how complex they may be.
