Railcar Loading and Unloading

Design Considerations

Catwalks, elevated platforms, and ladders are all common surfaces for workers loading and unloading railcars. The preferred railcar fall protection equipment combination is to use an elevated platform with a fold-down gangway, safety guardrail, and horizontal lifelines. This allows a worker to be elevated to the height of the top of the railcar, where they’re protected by a guardrail while attaching their self-retracting lifeline, and can then walk down the gangway to access the top of the railcar.

Access platforms and gangways are often used in conjunction with rigid beam trolley or tram systems, allowing for a high degree of mobility. The overhead trolley system relies on a supported beam running parallel to the track, covering a span near and at loading areas. The supporting beam allows for a continuous attachment of a lifeline lanyard and body harness.

Typically, an articulated arm system supports an overhead rigid rail. Based on the needs of your facility, we will put the support on either side of the track. Alternatively, a cantilevered support arm allows the overhead lifeline trolley to mount between two parallel tracks, providing overhead safety attachment for two railcar lines.

At Diversified Fall Protection, our site survey technicians are intimately familiar with railroad specs, and we understand the emphasis our customers must place on load-out time windows and shuttle train schedules. We are knowledgeable about methods and procedures for hatch opening, car cleaning and prepping, car moving and loading. Whether your facility loads a rail car in three hours or three minutes, with single or multi-car applications, we have the experience to equip you with the fall protection system you need to maintain the highest standards of rail yard safety.

Diversified understands and complies with chemical plant site evacuation procedures, local safety rules, and personal protective equipment requirements, as well.