FlowStep

Safe Access Folding Stairs

Whenever you need to get on top of a road or rail tanker from a fixed platform, then our tanker folding stairs provide a safest way to do this. Many sites face the same challenge of an often large gap between the fixed platform and the top of the road or rail tanker. This gap can be dangerously wide and should not be attempted without a set of folding stairs in place.

Our folding stairs are self-levelling, meaning the steps are always in the horizontal position, no matter what angle the stairs are. They are available in a range of reach options, along with a variety of safety cage sizes and optional extras, such as powered control, position signals, lockable access gates and key interlock systems.

Safe Access Folding Stairs
Features and benefits

All the features of our Flowstep range of folding stairs are aimed at making the transition from a fixed gantry to the top of a tanker both safe and easy. This gives confidence to operators whilst working at height and ensures companies are providing the highest level of safety for this task.
Fall prevention cages
For enhanced safety, our folding stairs are offered with a range of fall prevention safety cages, or railings. These cages are mounted to the stairs and provide a safe working area on top of the vehicle. The cages confirm to the HSE requirement for collective safety, thus removing the need for safety harnesses or other fall protection PPE.

Steps automatically adjust to the height of the vehicle, no matter what size it is.
Wide, self-levelling steps allow for safe and easy transition from platform to tanker
Anti-slip grating on steps for added safety
Lowest step fitted with special flip up section to prevent foot trapping
Compression spring balanced for easy lowering and raising
Galvanised steel construction for durability and long-term corrosion resistance
Optional safety cages provide safe working space and remove need for fall protection PPE

Take a look at the FlowStep
Safe Access Folding Stairs

FlowStep
The technical details

Below you will find all the key technical data, as well as the specification for our Flow Step Folding Stairs. If you would like to discuss this in more detail, then please just get in touch. Because we are always happy to help and answer any queries you may have.

Description

Self-levelling tanker folding stairs
3, 4 or 5 step versions match all applications
Standard width of steps is 800mm
First step with flip up safety feature
Adjustable heavy duty balance springs
Foot operated parking pedal locks stairs in vertical position
Under-step rubber bumper protects tanker from bottom of stairs
Heavy duty nylon rope for lowering and raising stairs
Stainless steel safety chain to lock stairs in parked or lowered position

Materials

- Frame and steps are carbon steel with a hot dip galvanised finish
- Cast iron oval bearings with stainless steel inserts
- Teflon bushes at all pivot points
- Nylon rope and stainless steel safety chain.
- Vehicle protection bumper in heavy duty rubber
- Fall prevention cages – Aluminium as standard or optional stainless steel

Dimensions

Standard Step Sizes

All stairs are 800mm wide
Maximum horizontal reach:
- 3 Step- 1250mm from front face of platform
- 4 Step- 1650mm from front face of platform
- 5 Step- 2050mm from front face of platform
Recommended lower elevation is 45 deg below horizontal
Recommended upper elevation is 30 deg above horizontal
Note: stair reach reduced in conjunction with upper or lower elevation.
Example – A its lowest point of 45 deg below horizontal the top step of our 3 step folding stair will be 750mm below the platform and have a reach of 1050mm

Standard Safety Cages Sizes

1400mm W x 1400mm L – suitable for access a single point on top of the vehicle
1400mm W x 2800mm L – suitable for access to two or more points
1400mm W x 4000mm L – suitable for access multiple points

NON-STANDARD cages are available with dimensions bespoke to your site requirements

Optional Extras

Pneumatic power control system reduces manual handling and gives greater control – See FLOWSTEP POWER page for more information
Drive off protection key interlock system used in conjunction with traffic barriers or other types of vehicle and operator control
Positional sensors to show stairs are in the parked or engaged. Provides extra safety in the control system.
Lockable safety access gates or chains to lock off access to stairs
Alternative stair parking angle to suit site operational requirements

Special size cages in aluminium or stainless steel
Safety in-fill grating wings cover the gap between the edge of the last step and the sides of the safety cage

Relevant industries

Suitable for the following sectors

Chemical
Manufacturing

Cement, Powders
& Aggregates

Bulk Tank
Storage

Fuel
& Energy

Food
& Beverage

Solvents
& Inorganics

Railway
Depots

Breweries
& Distilleries

Explore more

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Case Study
The Safe Access Folding Stairs in action

Find out about how we helped an Irish Chemical Manufacturer and Distributor in Shannon, Republic of Ireland. The customer was installing a new chemical tanker loading bay and therefore wanted our help to make sure it was as safe as possible for workers accessing the tops of tankers to carry out loading operations.

Current View | Tanker Fall Prevention

Tanker Fall Prevention

Current View | Bulk Liquid Transfer

Bulk Liquid Transfer

FlowStep

Safe Access Folding Stairs

Safe Access Folding Stairs
Features and benefits

Take a look at the FlowStep
Safe Access Folding Stairs