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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

Excel Loading Arm Systems & Components

SafeRack is North America’s largest distributor of Excel loading arm systems & components

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OPW Loading Arms

SafeRack is North America’s largest distributor of OPW Engineered Systems loading arms

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Emco Wheaton loading arms

SafeRack is North America’s largest distributor of Emco Wheaton loading arms

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Samplers and Oil Thieves

Crude oil samplers, including oil thieves and sample catchers.

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Rolling Work Platforms

The MP Series is a highly mobile rolling work platform designed to bring the workspace and stability of a fixed platform to a rolling stair mobile unit.

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Signs and Signals

Signs and Signals

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Drench Showers

Emergency Drench Showers and Safety Eyewash Stations

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Pipe Racks

Prefabricated Pipe Racks Constructed Faster and Easier Than Ever Before

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Tools and Loading Accessories

A comprehensive range of facility and loading terminal equipment, accessories and safety solutions.

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Grounding & Monitoring

Protect personnel, product, and terminals with static grounding (earthing) solutions

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Safety Gates

Industrial safety swing gates, facility guardrails, mezzanine gates and barriers gates.

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Spill Containment

SPCC and EPA compliant solutions. Railcar track pans, truck spill containment, drum and IBC spill pallets, and industrial containment berms.

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Top Loading Arms

Top Loading Arms

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Loading Arms & Couplings

Truck, rail, and marine bulk fluid transfer top/bottom loading arms, couplings, swivel joints, hoses, and breakaways.

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Portable Access Platforms

SafeRack’s MAUI mobile access units provide secure, adjustable stair solutions for safely accessing elevated truck and railcar work areas, even in the most challenging environments.

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MaxRack Elevated Platforms

Powered elevating platform system for accessing railcars and trucks

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Crossover Stairs

Crossover Stairs

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Gangways

Truck, Railcar and Marine Gangways, Safety Cages, and Inspection Services

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Stairs & Work Platforms

Fixed and Mobile Access Stairs, Work Platforms, Crossover Stairs, Rolling Stairs & Mobile Platforms, Roof Stairs and Access, Ship Ladder

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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

★★★★★

The product was delivered like a cheetah with a booster rocket attached to it's back! The product was delivered like a cheetah with a booster rocket attached to it's back! I've found that I never have to look for another supplier for anything having to do with loading or unloading racks again. What's left to say? Buy from SafeRack! You will be completely satisfied.

By Scott R. from Reichhold Inc.

★★★★

Our employees are more comfortable and feel safer now than on gangways we were using before. The design, quality, price, and value are hard to beat. Add to that, the prompt and courteous response from customer service, are all a major factor in implementing a program to phase out current gangways, and to investigate other products. Our men are more comfortable and feel safer now than on gangways we were using.

By Johnnie D. from Equistar Chemicals, LP

★★★★★

Both salesmen have been on top of every question or concern. Both salesmen involved with this project have been on top of every question or concern I have had, and have provided timely responses. I was interested in purchasing a complete, turn-key installation. SafeRack was the only vendor that provided it.

By Sherman R. from Brenntag Specialties, Inc.

★★★★★

High quality, great design. High quality, great design, minimal amount of preventative maintenance needed.

By Jorge B. from Vale Canada Limited

★★★★★

SafeRack is a well-oiled machine in all departments. SafeRack was able to ship the platform in perfect time and the loading arm shipped early making the installation flawless. A very well built and serviced product, seamless, painless choreography. SafeRack is a well oiled machine in all departments from sales, engineered drawings, manufacturing, and delivery. Our sales rep, Travis McCraine is a gem sewn into the fabric of your company. I look forward to our next experience. This one was so much fun, I want to do it again!

By Brian B. from IndustraTech Inc.

★★★★★

Customer Service even called me several times just to follow up to ensure I was taken care of. Once I was connected with Linda Hardee at customer service everything went very smoothly. She was very helpful and willing to go out of her way to ensure I was taken care of. She even called me several times just to follow up to ensure I was taken care of.

By Marcus G. from Virginia Poultry Growers