Truck Gangway Installation for Central Alberta Milk Processing Plant
Delivering a Complete Safe Access Solution for the Dairy Industry
Northern Platforms Ltd., in partnership with SafeRack, has recently completed a truck gangway installation at a newly constructed milk concentration facility in central Alberta. This truck gangway installation is a vital step in ensuring operational safety, compliance, and efficiency as the plant prepares to handle milk deliveries from dairy farms across western Canada.
The comprehensive project scope included:
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Three raised access platforms for stable and secure elevated work areas.
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Fifteen SafeRack tracking gangways for adaptable tanker access.
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Gangway safety cages to protect workers at height.
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YellowGate safety swing gates to control and secure platform entry points.
Every aspect of this truck gangway installation was tailored to meet the unique operational demands of the dairy industry, where maintaining product quality, ensuring worker safety, and maximizing efficiency are equally critical.
Safe, Efficient, and Flexible Milk Tanker Access
One of the most significant advantages of this truck gangway installation is its adaptability to various milk tanker designs and sizes. In the dairy transport industry, tanker heights and configurations can vary significantly, making flexibility essential. The SafeRack tracking gangway system ensures that each tanker can be accessed safely and efficiently, regardless of its design.
The lateral tracking capability allows the gangway to move smoothly along the platform, aligning with the tanker’s access point without requiring the vehicle or platform to be repositioned. This not only reduces setup time but also minimizes the risk of accidents in the unloading zone. In a busy milk processing facility, where multiple deliveries occur daily, these time savings add up to improved productivity and smoother operational flow.
Meeting and Exceeding Dairy Plant Safety Standards
This truck gangway installation was built with strict adherence to OSHA and SPCC guidelines, ensuring that the facility meets and exceeds fall protection requirements. The system is designed to provide maximum safety for workers performing top-of-tanker operations, where the risk of falls is high without proper protective measures.
SafeRack’s modular design ensures that the installation can be customized or expanded in the future as operational needs change. Built from durable, food-grade materials, the system is designed to withstand the demanding cleaning and sanitation processes required in dairy facilities.
SafeRack’s gangways are trusted across the Australian dairy and beverage industry for safe top-of-tanker access.
They offer a variety of designs to suit different loading requirements.
SafeRack Gangway Specifications for Dairy and Industrial Use
Choosing the right gangway is essential for ensuring safe top-of-tanker access
in dairy plants, beverage facilities, and industrial sites. Below is a comparison of
SafeRack’s most popular gangway models—SAS, FRT, and SFR—used for
truck loading safety, milk tanker fall prevention, and compliance with workplace safety regulations.
| Gangway Model | Width (inches) | Load Capacity — Gangway (lbs) | Load Capacity — Handrail (lbs) | Working Angle | Material Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAS (Self-Adjusting Stairs) | 24″ – 72″ | 500 | 200 | 45° above / 40° below horizontal | Aluminium (stainless optional), galvanized base |
| FRT (Flat Ramp Telescoping) | 24″ – 72″ | 500 | 200 | Telescoping extension | Aluminium with stainless hardware, galvanized option |
| SFR (Flat Ramp Style) | 24″ – 72″ | 500 | 200 | Flat ramp | Aluminium with stainless hardware, galvanized option |
Each model offers unique advantages for specific tanker loading scenarios, from self-adjusting stairs to flat ramp access.
Choosing the right one depends on your site’s layout, safety regulations, and operator needs.
Designed for Food & Beverage Facility Demands
In the food and beverage sector, equipment must meet higher standards for hygiene and corrosion resistance. The gangways and platforms in this truck gangway installation feature smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces that comply with strict sanitation protocols. This ensures the equipment remains safe for food-grade operations while also minimizing downtime for cleaning and maintenance.
The inclusion of gangway safety cages and YellowGate safety swing gates further enhances fall protection. These features create a secure work zone for employees unloading tankers, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations.
A Partnership That Drives Dairy Industry Success
At SafeRack, we understand that successful projects depend on strong partnerships. Our collaboration with Northern Platforms Ltd. ensured that this truck gangway installation was executed with precision, efficiency, and a deep understanding of the client’s operational needs.
Northern Platforms’ team brought extensive industry expertise, from planning and design to final installation, ensuring that every component functioned seamlessly. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality mean that when the milk concentration plant becomes operational, workers will have reliable, safe, and user-friendly access systems in place.
A Step Forward for Dairy Industry Safety
By investing in a purpose-built truck gangway installation, this Alberta milk plant is prioritizing the safety of its workforce while streamlining operations. This project demonstrates how advanced fall protection systems, combined with expert installation, can significantly reduce risk, improve efficiency, and maintain compliance in a high-demand industry.
From the moment the facility begins full operations, employees will benefit from secure tanker access, reduced fall hazards, and faster unloading times — all contributing to a safer and more productive workplace.
For dairy plants and food-grade facilities across Canada, this truck gangway installation serves as a model for combining safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in one comprehensive solution.
Ensuring worker safety and operational efficiency doesn’t have to mean compromising on productivity. With the right access solutions in place, industries like dairy processing can handle daily operations with greater confidence, fewer risks, and improved compliance. Safe, well-designed equipment not only protects people but also supports long-term operational reliability. To learn more or request a tailored solution for your facility, contact Spacepac at 1300 763 444 or
sales@spacepac.com.au and discover how the right equipment can make safety a seamless part of your workflow.