Employee safety should always be a priority in industrial environments, particularly where working at height forms part of everyday operations.
In the latest instalment of our Five Reasons Why series, we’re exploring the importance of Safety Access Systems and how to choose the right equipment for your facility.
At EWFM, we supply a range of access solutions, including Folding Stairs, Safety Cages, Tanker Loading Platforms and Mobile Access Units. Each system helps address different access requirements, from tanker loading operations to maintenance and inspection work.
But what should businesses consider before investing in Safety Access Systems?
1. Protecting Employees During Everyday Operations
Working at height presents risks, especially when operators need access to the tops of road tankers, railcars or industrial equipment.
Suitable access systems help reduce exposure to fall hazards by providing stable working areas, handrails and additional protection where required.
For example, Tanker Folding Stairs provide access between a fixed gantry and tanker. They can also incorporate Safety Cages for additional fall protection.
What to consider: Identify the working height, access location and level of protection required before selecting equipment.
2. Supporting Workplace Safety Compliance
Businesses must provide suitable arrangements for employees working at height.
In the UK, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to properly plan and manage work at height, including selecting appropriate equipment.
Installing a suitable Safety Access System can support these responsibilities alongside risk assessments, inspections and safe working procedures.
For permanent loading facilities, Tanker Loading Platforms can provide dedicated access areas with protective handrails.
What to consider: Review your existing access arrangements, operating environment and any site-specific requirements, including ATEX considerations.
3. Improving Efficiency During Loading and Unloading
Well-designed access equipment can make routine operations easier without compromising safety.
For facilities handling tankers with varying access positions, Sliding Folding Stairs provide additional flexibility along a loading gantry.
Alternatively, Wide Folding Stairs offer a wider access route where operators require additional space.
These systems can reduce reliance on temporary access equipment and help support smoother loading and unloading operations.
What to consider: Think about how frequently the equipment will be used and whether manual or pneumatic operation would better suit your facility.
4. Finding a System That Suits Your Site
Every industrial facility has different access requirements.
Some businesses need permanent access to a dedicated tanker loading station. Others require equipment that can move between working areas.
For sites without a fixed loading gantry, Top Tanker Mobile Access Units can provide a practical alternative.
Where more extensive access is required, Fixed Tanker Access Platforms or bespoke engineered systems may offer a better solution.
EWFM can also accommodate different materials, dimensions and configurations to suit individual installations.
What to consider: Establish your available space, vehicle types, access heights and preferred system configuration.
5. Reducing Long-Term Costs and Disruption
Although Safety Access Systems require an initial investment, the right equipment can deliver long-term operational benefits.
Suitable access arrangements help businesses manage workplace risks while reducing reliance on temporary solutions.
Durable materials, appropriate maintenance and purpose-designed equipment can also support a longer service life.
Choosing a system that suits your operations from the outset may help avoid unnecessary modifications or replacements later.
What to consider: Look beyond the initial purchase price. Consider operating frequency, maintenance requirements and the equipment’s suitability for future needs.
How Do You Choose the Right Safety Access System?
Before making an enquiry, it’s worth considering a few key questions:
- Are you accessing road tankers, railcars or fixed equipment?
- What are the minimum and maximum access heights?
- Do operators need access to one point or several locations?
- Would a fixed or mobile system be more suitable?
- Are there any specific material, operating or ATEX requirements?
Providing this information helps identify the most suitable equipment for your application.
Make Safety a Priority with EWFM
Investing in Safety Access Systems is about more than meeting regulatory requirements. It’s about protecting employees, improving working conditions and supporting efficient operations.
Whether you need Folding Stairs, Safety Cages, Tanker Loading Platforms or Mobile Access Units, EWFM can help you find a solution that suits your facility.
Explore our complete Safety Access Systems range or get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
We can review your existing arrangements and help identify the right access equipment for your next project.
