Working at height presents significant risks, particularly during tanker loading, unloading and maintenance operations. Without suitable access equipment, operators may face unstable footing, unprotected edges and difficult working positions.
At EWFM, we have supplied Safety Access Systems to industrial customers since 2003. What began with Folding Stairs have developed into a range of access solutions for road tankers, railcars and industrial installations.
Our Safety Access Systems help business provide safe working environments while improving access during every day operations.
In this guide, we explore the different systems available, their technical specifications and the factors to consider when selecting equipment.
What are Safety Access System?
Safety Access Systems provide controlled access to elevated working areas. They are particularly important where operators need to reach the tops of road tankers, railcars or other industrial equipment.
These systems can incorporate stairs, platforms, handrails and safety cages to help reduce the risk of falls.
Depending on the application, equipment may operator manually or pneumatically. Systems can also accommodate different vehicle heights, access positions and working environments.
Selecting the correct equipment is important for both operator safety and operational efficiency.
What Types of Safety Access Systems Are Available?
EWFM offers several access solutions for different site layouts and operating requirements.
Tanker Folding Stairs
Tanker Folding Stairs provide access between a fixed gantry and the top of a tanker or rail car.
Operators can lower the stairs into position when required and return them to their parked position afterwards.
Our Folding Stairs feature anti-slip steps and handrails to support safe movement. They are available with manual or pneumatic operation, depending on the installation.
Key specifications:
- Step configurations: 2 to 7 steps
- Step Widths: 800mm, 1000mm, 1200mm and 1500mm
- Materials: Mild Steel and Stainless Steel options
- Operation: Manual or Pneumatic
- Optional equipment: Safety Cages, additional support brackets and locking arrangements
Safety Cages can provide additional fall protection around the working area.
Sliding Folding Stairs
Sliding Folding Stairs offer greater flexibility when tankers do not always stop in the same position.
Unlike fixed-position stairs, these units move horizontally along a modular rail system. Operators can position the stairs at the required access point and secure them using a locking mechanism.
This arrangement is particularly useful where vehicles have different manway positions or loading points.
The system incorporates heavy-duty bearings, with lockable gantry gates available at designated access positions.
Track lengths, stair configurations and Safety Cage dimensions can suit individual site requirements.
Wide Folding Stairs
Wide Folding Stairs provide an alternative where operators require a wider access route.
Their extra-wide anti-slip steps offer additional space when moving between a gantry and tanker.
The design incorporates handrails and a folding mechanism, allowing the unit to return to its parked position when not in use.
Material options include Aluminium, Galvanised Steel and Stainless Steel. Manual and pneumatic configurations are available.
These systems can suit applications where operators frequently access elevated working areas.
Tanker Folding Platforms
Tanker Folding Platforms, also known as Bridging Access Platforms, provide a connection between a fixed gantry and a tanker.
They are particularly suitable where tanker heights remain relatively consistent.
The platform bridges the gap between the loading bay and vehicle, allowing operators to move across the access point.
Key specifications:
- Width: Custom dimensions
- Materials: Galvanised Steel or Stainless Steel
- Operation: Manual or Pneumatic options
- Features: Anti-slip walking surfaces and durable industrial construction
Folding Platforms can provide a practical alternative where a stepped arrangement is unnecessary.
Safety Cages for Tanker Access
Safety Cages provide additional protection when operators need to work on top of tankers or railcars.
The appropriate cage design depends on the work area, tanker dimensions and access requirements.
Custom-Built Tanker Safety Cages
Custom-Built Tanker Safety Cages can accommodate different tanker sizes and working positions.
They create a protected working area around the operator and can integrate with Folding Stairs or other access equipment.
Material options include Aluminium, Mild Steel and Stainless Steel.
Cage dimensions can suit the individual installation, with manual and pneumatic configurations available.
Full Length Tanker Safety Cages
Full Length Tanker Safety Cages provide extended protection along the top of a tanker or railcar.
These systems are particularly useful where operators need access to several manways or filling points.
Instead of protecting one small working area, the cage covers a longer section of the vehicle.
The design can accommodate different tanker configurations and operating requirements.
Full Length Safety Cages use pneumatic operation, with material options including Aluminium, Galvanised Steel and Stainless Steel.
Fixed and Elevated Tanker Access Platforms
For sites requiring permanent access infrastructure, EWFM offers fixed and elevated platform systems.
These provide a stable working area and can integrate with additional access or loading equipment.
Fixed Tanker Access Platforms
Fixed Tanker Access Platforms provide access from ground level to elevated tanker working areas.
The structure incorporates a staircase, protective handrails and a slip-resistant platform.
These systems can suit road tankers, railcars and containers.
Material options include Galvanised Steel and Stainless Steel, with custom platform and Safety Cage arrangements available.
Fixed platforms can also integrate with Loading and Unloading Arms to create a combined access and fluid transfer installation.
Vertical Elevated Tanker Loading Platforms
Vertical Elevated Tanker Loading Platforms provide an adaptable solution for tanker and railcar access.
The platform creates an elevated working area with protective handrails. It can also incorporate Folding Stairs and Safety Cages to accommodate different tanker heights. Depending on the installation, operators can access the platform using integrated stairs or ladders. The structure can support additional loading equipment, including Loading Arms.
These systems suit facilities requiring a more comprehensive access arrangement.
Top Tanker Mobile Access Unit
Not every facility has space for a permanent gantry or fixed access platform.
Top Tanker Mobile Access Units provide a movable alternative for accessing elevated working areas. These units incorporate a staircase, wheels and a protected working platform. Operators can reposition the equipment between access points and secure it before use.
Key specifications:
- Materials: Aluminium, Galvanised Steel and Stainless Steel
- Stair width: 400mm
- Safety Cage dimensions: 1200mm to 2265mm
- Operation: Manual
Top Tanker Mobile Access Unit can suit facilities where access requirements change or where permanent structures are impractical.
Safety Access Systems Comparison
The table below provides an overview of the main systems and their typical applications.
| Access System | Typical Application | Operation |
| Tanker Folding Stairs | Fixed gantry access to tankers | Manual / Pneumatic |
| Sliding Folding Stairs | Tankers with varying access positions | Manual / Pneumatic |
| Wide Folding Stairs | Wider access routes | Manual / Pneumatic |
| Tanker Folding Platforms | Bridging gantry-to-tanker gaps | Manual / Pneumatic |
| Custom-Built Safety Cages | Protect tanker-top working areas | Manual / Pneumatic |
| Full Length Safety Cages | Mutiple manways and filling points | Pneumatic |
| Fixed Tanker Access Platforms | Permanent ground-to-tanker access | Manual |
| Vertical Elevated Platforms | Integrated tanker access installations | Pneumaitc |
| Top Tanker Mobile Access Units | Movable access between work areas | Manual |
Final specifications depend on the selected design and individual site requirements.
How to Choose the Right Safety Access System
Selecting the correct system starts with understanding the working environment and the tasks operators need to perform.
Several factors should be considered before choosing equipment.
1. What Equipment Needs Access?
The first consideration is whether operators need access to road tankers, railcars, containers or fixed industrial equipment.
Different vehicle types can have different heights, access points and working arrangements.
Understanding the equipment helps determine whether a Folding Stair, Safety Cage, platform or mobile system is most suitable.
2. What Height Must Operators Reach?
Access height is one of the most important measurements.
The system must accommodate the working height while providing suitable positioning and protection.
If a site handles vehicles of different heights, adjustable Folding Stairs or integrated access systems may provide greater flexibility.
3. Where Is Access Required?
Some operations only require access to one manway. Others need access along a larger section of the tanker.
For a single access point, Folding Stairs with a Safety Cage may provide a suitable solution.
Where several manways require attention, a Full Length Safety Cage may offer better coverage.
Sliding Folding Stairs can also help where tanker positions vary.
4. Manual or Pneumatic Operation?
Both operating methods offer advantages.
Manual systems provide straightforward operation and may suit facilities with less frequent access requirements.
Pneumatic systems can make positioning easier where operators regularly raise and lower equipment.
The appropriate choice depends on the system, operating frequency and available site services.
5. Does the Site Have ATEX Requirements?
Some loading and unloading facilities operate in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Where ATEX requirements apply, the access system must be assessed against the relevant hazardous-area classification and equipment requirements.
This should form part of the initial project discussion to ensure the selected design suits the installation.
6. What Space Is Available?
The available installation space can influence the type of access system required.
Fixed platforms and gantries need sufficient space for their support structures and access routes.
Mobile units may suit facilities where permanent structures are impractical.
Sliding Folding Stairs can provide flexibility along a gantry without requiring multiple fixed stair positions.
What Information Is Needed When Enquiring About a Safety Access System?
Providing detailed site information helps us understand your requirements and identify a suitable solution.
Useful information includes:
- Type of vehicle or equipment requiring access
- Minimum and maximum access heights
- Location and number of access points
- Required working area and Safety Cage dimensions
- Preferred manual or pneumatic operation
- Available installation space
- ATEX or other site-specific requirements
- Required materials and environmental conditions
- Existing gantry or platform arrangements
- Drawings, photographs or site measurements
Our team can review these details and discuss any additional information needed before selecting a system.
Supporting Safer Loading and Unloading Operations
Safety Access Systems form an important part of industrial loading and unloading operations.
The correct equipment helps operators reach elevated working areas while reducing exposure to fall hazards.
Whether your facility requires Folding Stairs, Safety Cages, fixed platforms or mobile access equipment, the system should suit the task and working environment.
Explore our full Safety Access Systems range for further product information and specifications.
