Upstream - SafeRack

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Upstream

Leaders in Petroleum, Upstream/Downstream, and Natural Gas Safety Solutions

SafeRack provides safe access solutions for wellheads, offering platforms, gangways, and fall protection for oil well workers to mitigate risks and enhance productivity in upstream oil and gas loading platforms. Our wellhead safety solutions are designed to increase worker safety, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with industry regulations from the drilling phase to full-scale production.

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Upstream
Oil Wellhead Safety Solutions
Reliable Access to Wellhead Valves at Any Height


SafeRack’s oil wellhead safety solutions provide secure and OSHA-compliant access to service valves at any level. Our elevated work platforms and safe access solutions for wellheads create a stable and efficient way for workers to perform maintenance, inspections, and operations. Each system is designed using modular components that can be configured to meet the specific height and reach requirements of upstream oil and gas loading platforms.



Codes & Standards

When planning a new project, safety, cost, productivity, and long-term support are key considerations. Oil and gas infrastructure must remain operational for decades, requiring reliable partners that provide OSHA wellhead safety equipment, preventative maintenance, training, and upgrades. SafeRack takes an active role in regulatory development, working with industry leaders in Washington, D.C., to help establish standards that improve workplace safety and efficiency.

SafeRack’s commitment to fall protection for oil well workers ensures that personnel have the right equipment to safely access and service wellheads, reducing the risk of injury and downtime in upstream oil and gas solutions.

Understanding Wellhead Platforms in Upstream Oil and Gas

A wellhead platform is a system of spools, valves, and assorted adapters used to provide pressure control of a production well. Its primary function is to offer a suspension point and pressure seals for the casing strings that extend from the bottom of the hole sections to the surface pressure control equipment.

Wellheads are welded onto the first string of casing, which has been cemented in place during drilling operations, forming an integral structure of the well. A wellhead platform can also be recovered from abandoned wells and refurbished for reuse in upstream oil and gas solutions.

When a well is in operation, surface pressure is controlled by a blowout preventer (BOP), often part of the Christmas tree assembly on top of the wellhead. If surface pressure is not managed correctly, a well blowout can occur, making oil wellhead safety solutions and OSHA wellhead safety equipment essential for protecting workers and assets.

Products

Elements of a Crude Oil Wellhead

wellhead is a component at the surface of an oil or gas well that provides the structural and pressure-containing interface for the drilling and production equipment.

The primary purpose of a wellhead is to provide the suspension point and pressure seals for the casing strings that run from the bottom of the hole sections to the surface pressure control equipment.

While drilling the oil well, surface pressure control is provided by a blowout preventer (BOP). If the pressure is not contained during drilling operations by the column of drilling fluid, casings, wellhead, and BOP, a well blowout could occur.

When the well has been drilled, it is completed to provide an interface with the reservoir rock and a tubular conduit for the well fluids. The surface pressure control is provided by a Christmas tree, which is installed on top of the wellhead, with isolation valves and choke equipment to control the flow of well fluids during production.

Wellheads are typically welded onto the first string of casing, which has been cemented in place during drilling operations, to form an integral structure of the well. In exploration wells that are later abandoned, the wellhead may be recovered for refurbishment and re-use.

Offshore, where a wellhead is located on the production platform it is called a surface wellhead, and if located beneath the water then it is referred to as a subsea wellhead or mudline wellhead.

A. Lower master valve – The lower master valve will normally be manually operated, while the upper master valve is often hydraulically actuated, allowing it to be used as a means of remotely shutting in the well in the event of an emergency.

B. Tubing-head adapter

C. Tubing hanger

D. Tubing head

E. Production tubing

F. Casing bowl or spool

G. Casing hanger

H. Port for casing valve

FAQ

How do SafeRack’s gangways improve safety during energy product loading and unloading?

SafeRack’s self-adjusting gangways provide safe, OSHA-compliant access to tank trucks, railcars, and barges transporting crude oil, natural gas liquids, and refined fuels. Equipped with four-rail safety cages and available in powered options, our gangways minimize fall risks and ensure safe, efficient loading and unloading in high-volume energy operations.

Can SafeRack’s loading arms handle corrosive and flammable materials?

Yes. SafeRack’s carbon steel loading arms are built to safely transfer a wide range of energy products, including crude oil, LNG, and petrochemicals. With PTFE-sealed swivel joints for chemical resistance and vapor recovery systems for EPA compliance, these arms are designed to withstand harsh environments while maintaining safety and efficiency.

How does SafeRack help prevent spills and environmental hazards at energy facilities?

SafeRack provides a range of spill containment solutions, including pans, berms, and wheel chocks, to capture leaks during the transfer of oil, gas, and petrochemicals. These systems help energy facilities stay compliant with EPA regulations while protecting workers and the environment from hazardous spills.

Why is grounding important in energy loading operations, and how does SafeRack help?

Grounding is critical in energy operations to prevent static discharge, which can ignite flammable vapors during the transfer of crude oil, LNG, and refined fuels. SafeRack’s grounding and bonding systems ensure a secure ground connection before product flow begins, reducing fire and explosion risks and maintaining compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards.

Can SafeRack customize safety platforms and access systems for energy facilities?

Absolutely. SafeRack offers customizable access solutions, including gangways, platforms, stairs, and fall protection systems, specifically designed for the complex needs of energy facilities. Our modular systems are built to withstand harsh environments while improving worker safety and operational efficiency.

Projects

What Customers Are Saying

★★★★

I will be a repeat customer. John Edwards was cordial and very responsive to my needs and questions. I would definitely recommend this product due to the helpful sales staff and 3 main reasons: 1. Ease of installation 2. Operability 3. Sound construction. With this purchase all I can say is, I will be a repeat customer.

By Bob B. from Sid Richardson Carbon Company

★★★★★

Friendly, humble and helpful. Very prompt and to the point. Katie Kelly, Curt Brown, and Nathan Elliot were all very helpful and responsive. I am very happy with SafeRack's delivery time; especially due to the fact that SC was in the middle of a hurricane and undergoing extreme flooding and setbacks due to the storm, SafeRack managed to get our load out the door, and on the way despite the adversity, everyone was facing. Very impressed! I would recommend this product because it is engineered and constructed of quality materials, it is designed to meet or exceed industrial applications, and is also cosmetically nice looking. The SafeRack team consists of people who are helpful and great to work with. SafeRack provides experienced and knowledgeable staff that helps the process go smoothly.

By Jeff A. from IMI Construction

★★★★

Very pleased with my salesperson. I was very pleased with my salesperson, Jason Stewart. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. I liked getting the drawings for approval prior to construction, to ensure I was getting just what I needed. We like the safety protection of the fall cage, the high-visibility color, the ease of movement so that an employee doesn't have to strain to raise and lower the gangway.

By Blake . from Intrepid Potash Wendover, LLC

★★★★★

The looks of durability. Looks like it is built to last. I received a week after I finalized the order. Very quick. I can't even get office supplies locally that fast. I spoke with Katie Kelly. She was one of the most pleasant people I have talked to in a long time. I could have talked with her all day. Very upbeat and positive. She is my minds picture of what customer service is all about. Thank you, Katie. Everything was very thorough. From the customer service, to the quote that was very well done to the cost of the product. I was very impressed with it all. Thank you for a great experience.

By Douglas A. from Oklahoma State Colvin Recreation Center

★★★★★

Grounding Equipment The team that helped me put together a quote for a customer recently was very helpful and always available. They were quick to respond and always willing to jump on a call with the customer and help finalize the bid process.

By Brent V. from Graybar

★★★★★

Our experience with SafeRack was great! The experience was great, very professional, and would recommend for any project.

By Ryan W. from Quad County Corn Processors