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Permanent Access Platforms

Our permanent access solutions entail fall arrest access platforms, railcar loading racks and railcar unloading systems for railcar safety.

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Permanent Loading Systems For Railcars & Trucks

Flexible Lifeline Systems railcar and truck access platforms accommodate a variety of loading and unloading tasks while allowing safe and efficient access. We provide multiple access platform solutions including single hatch access platforms, multi-station loading systems, gangways, and integrated canopy systems. FLS fall protection specialists are ready to work with you to develop a permanent access platform system for even the most challenging applications. Our in-house turnkey experts evaluate specific operations and supporting structures to ensure maximum access, compliance, and safety. By integrating durable structural engineering with user-centric design, we provide loading systems that meet or exceed OSHA and ANSI standards. Whether your facility requires a compact cantilever system for restricted spaces or a flagship self-supporting traveling platform, our solutions are engineered to ensure your team returns home safely every shift.  contact a fall protection specialist now.

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 What makes FLS the best choice for loading platforms?

Our process is truly turnkey, covering everything from the initial hazard assessment and registered structural engineering to fabrication, installation, and annual recertification. Every part is manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015 program to ensure unmatched quality.

Are pneumatic options available for gangways?

 Yes, while standard gangways feature counter-balanced springs for manual operation, optional pneumatic packages are available to raise and lower loading ramps with minimal physical effort.

 What is a single hatch access platform?

Single hatch platforms are designed for loading and unloading tasks that require access to only one vehicle hatch. They are compatible with loading arms and can be configured with various options to meet specific bulk loading requirements.

Is user training included with a permanent access installation?

 As part of our turnkey service, FLS provides comprehensive user training and certification. We proactively ensure that your personnel understand how to properly operate gangways, gates, and elevating platforms to maintain compliance with the latest safety regulations and ensure operational longevity.

How do canopy systems affect the safety of an access platform?

 Canopies provide more than just weather protection; they prevent the buildup of ice, snow, and rain on the walking surfaces, which reduces slip hazards. They also protect the product and equipment from environmental degradation, ensuring that safety components like gangway springs and articulating joints remain in optimal working condition. 

Can these platforms be integrated into existing facility structures?

 Yes, our engineering team specializes in retrofit applications. Solutions like the Duospan cantilever system are specifically designed for modernization projects where space is restricted. We can integrate new access stairs, gangways, and guardrails into your existing loading racks to bring them up to current safety standards.

What structural analysis is required before installing a loading platform?

Because loading platforms are permanent, heavy-duty structures, FLS performs a comprehensive structural analysis of the foundation or existing supporting racks. Our registered structural engineers model the system against environmental loads (wind, snow, seismic) and dynamic worker loads to ensure long-term stability and OSHA compliance.

How do FLS platforms accommodate different vehicle heights or misaligned railcars?

 We utilize adjustable gangways and sliding mounts. These allow the access ramp to move along the platform to account for variations in truck or railcar positioning. Our articulating handrail systems can also be engineered to adjust to varying vehicle heights, ensuring a secure enclosure for the worker regardless of the vehicle type.

Why is a permanent platform considered more efficient than portable access for high-volume loading?

Permanent platforms allow for multi-station loading and unloading, significantly increasing facility throughput. By integrating fixed gangways and canopies, you create a controlled, weather-protected environment that reduces “poorly spotted” vehicle delays and eliminates the setup time associated with moving portable stands.

Compliance

Federal Mandates: Systems are engineered to meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to Have Fall Protection, and 1910.29, Fall Protection Systems and Criteria. 

Walking-Working Surfaces: Compliant with OSHA 1910 Subpart D for stairways, platforms, and safe access to elevated work areas. 

Structural Safety: Every platform part and manufactured component is processed in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 quality standards. 

Qualified Engineering: Systems are modeled and verified by registered structural engineers to sustain specific dynamic and static loading requirements for railcar and truck access. 

Gangway Safety: Gangways feature adjustable counter-balanced springs and fall prevention guardrails at the opening to ensure secure entry to vehicle hatches. 

Why Turn to FLS For Permanent Access Platform Solutions

HAZARD ASSESSMENT & STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

HAZARD ASSESSMENT & STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Flexible Lifeline Systems permanent access fall protection solutions start with evaluating the specific operations performed including the evaluation of supporting structures when required.

ENGINEERING & DESIGN

ENGINEERING & DESIGN

Our team of registered structural engineers, AutoCAD designers and field engineers model permanent access platform systems in relation to the railcar or truck position  in order to provide maximum access, compliance and safety.

FABRICATION & PRODUCTION

FABRICATION & PRODUCTION

To maintain the highest level of quality, every system part and manufactured component is thoroughly inspected, processed and supplied in accordance with our ISO 9001:2015 program.

CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION

CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION

Our construction and field technicians have decades of experience  enabling us to perform safely and efficiently and complete even the most complicated installation in days versus weeks.

USER TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

USER TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

Flexible Lifeline Systems coordinators, trainers, technicians, and engineers proactively ensure solutions are properly used, serviced, inspected and remain compliant with latest standards and regulations through annual recertification.

Single Hatch Access Platforms

FLS single hatch railcar platforms accommodate a variety of loading and unloading tasks while allowing safe and efficient railcar access. These racks are compatible with loading arms and can be configured with a variety of options to meet your bulk loading requirements. All gangways feature adjustable counter balanced springs to help raise and lower units with minimal effort. Optional pneumatic packages to raise and lower the loading ramp are available as well.

Adjustable Gangways

  • Operates with a sliding mount that allows the gangway to move along the platform to account for poorly spotted railcars
  • Provides adjustable access to one or multiple vehicles and hatches
  • Designed with fall prevention guardrails at the gangway opening to provide safe gangway access in multiple locations

Covered Access Platforms

  • Can include optional canopies for weather and product protection
  • Single or multiple stairs and access ladders for safe and efficient access and egress
  • Can be integrated into existing racks and structures
  • Appropriately designed safety and swing gates provide safe access to the gangways

Canopy Systems

A canopy system can include some or all of the below features and/or specifications:

  • Full or half canopy versions for single or double sided loading facilities
  • Free standing or integrated with loading platform
  • Various fall protection and access systems designed around canopy design
  • Full vehicle protection or single hatch or anywhere in between

Elevating And Articulating Handrail Systems

  • Flexible teams up with the best in the industry to offer you tank truck handrail elevating systems.
  • The Quadspan is a self-supporting traveling platform system housed within four column steel structure. The steel columns serve as structural supports as well as an integral, anti-sway guide system for the traveling platform. The Quadspan is versatile and can be constructed in multiples to accommodate several vehicles at one time to speed the loading process.
  • The Quadspan is the industry flagship design. Through engineering ingenuity it provides the solution to complex loading problems.
  • The Duospan is a compact cantilever traveling platform system utilizing two structural steep support and guide columns. The Duospan is ideally suited for retrofit applications or where space conditions or traffic access may be restricted.
  • The Duospan is the answer to tough confined areas and modernization of existing loading facilities. When you specify a Quadspan or Duospan loading and inspection platform, you are not limited to pre-determined widths and lengths. These units fit the application by any measure!
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