Flat Ramp Telescoping Gangway

Rail terminals and bulk loading facilities demand safe, repeatable access to the tops of railcars and tank trucks. When vehicle and car heights and positions vary, it’s important to have equipment that can match the ever-changing workload. SafeRack’s Flat Ramp Telescoping (FRT) Gangway delivers a safe, efficient way to bridge changing gaps while keeping operators protected.

What Is a Rail Terminal Flat Ramp Telescoping Gangway?

A rail terminal flat ramp telescoping gangway combines the stable walking surface of a flat ramp with an extendable section that reaches into railcar crash boxes or over awkward gaps. This design allows operators to maintain three points of contact while accessing hatches, sampling points, or loading connections. The telescoping feature helps compensate for railcars of different widths and spotting variability, reducing the need for risky “stretching” or improvised access.

Why an FRT Gangway Is an Important Investment 

Adaquage fall protection is a key safety precaution for railcar loading operations. Between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, poor fall protection was the number one most common OSHA citation across all industries. This investment is important, as slips, trips, and falls caused 844 deaths in 2024 and were the third-leading cause of days away from work (DAFW) injuries. SafeRack Flat Ramp Telescoping Gangways can save lives, reduce production delays, and costly violations.     

Key Features Compared to Other Gangway Systems

SafeRack’s flat ramp telescoping gangway for rail terminals offers several advantages over other access methods. Several key features include:

• Adjustable Configuration: The telescoping feature allows gangways to contract or extend so operators can safely reach a wide range of railcars and tanker trucks.
• OSHA-Compliant: SafeRack’s flat ramp walkways are made to meet or exceed OSHA Standard No. 1918.22 and all other means of access guidelines. 
• Customizable Dimensions: FRT gangways can be made to match your walkway requirements. Available widths include 24”, 36”, 48”, 60”, and 72”, with countless length options. Working ranges vary from 15 degrees above and below the horizontal level. 
• Optional Additions: Our equipment can include optional safety cages, SavkoLock Safety Lockdown, and Track-Mounted variants. 
• Low-Impact Installation: FRT gangways can be integrated into pre-existing platforms without a complete infrastructure overhaul. 

By selecting the right flat ramp telescoping gangway for your operation, you can increase throughput, reduce near-miss incidents, and extend the life of your loading equipment.

FAQ

Q: When should I choose a flat ramp telescoping gangway instead of a standard flat ramp?
A: Flat Ramp Telescoping Gangways can be better for your operations compared to a standard flat ramp when regularly seeing different railcar widths, crash box designs, or spotting offsets that create variable gaps.

Q: Can the rail terminal flat ramp telescoping gangway be customized for my site?
A: All SafeRack FRT gangways can be customized in length, width, material, safety cage, and power option to meet your specific rail terminal layout and loading requirements.

Q: Is it suitable for both truck and rail applications?
A: In many cases, the same flat ramp telescoping gangway can be configured to serve mixed truck and rail service, depending on platform height and clearances.

Speak With a SafeRack Safety Expert Today

If your current access system forces operators to reach, stretch, or improvise, it is time to upgrade. Reach out today to speak with a SafeRack safety expert. Our team can provide on-site walkthroughs to discover potential points of failure, design gear to meet your facility’s blueprint, and conduct ongoing maintenance and safety training. We can improve your safety and fall protection within your budgetary restraints.