Summary
Allied Mills, a key player in the flour milling industry, required a safer and more efficient way to access the tops of tankers at their Manchester facility. As part of a broader health and safety upgrade, the company partnered with IFC Inflow to install a robust tanker access system that ensures secure top access while eliminating the risks associated with manual equipment handling. The installed solution features a standard safety cage and a 6-step folding stair system, powered by pneumatics to improve ease of use and operator safety.
Challenges
Tanker access at the Allied Mills site previously relied on manual equipment, which presented a number of safety risks, particularly around working at height. Operators were required to climb and handle access systems manually, increasing the potential for slips, trips or strains. Furthermore, the space constraints of the loading bay and the need to accommodate a variety of tanker sizes made it difficult to implement a one-size-fits-all solution using traditional methods.
Solution
To address these risks, IFC Inflow supplied a Powered Folding Stairs system incorporating a six-step folding stair and a fixed-width safety cage. The stairs are pneumatically operated, removing the need for manual lifting or pushing. This not only minimises operator effort but also ensures a smooth, controlled deployment every time. The fixed safety cage provides secure, wraparound fall prevention during loading operations, offering consistent protection regardless of the tanker size. The system was installed directly at Allied Mills’ Manchester site and configured for their specific loading environment.
Outcome
The installation has significantly improved site safety by reducing the risks associated with manual handling and working at height. Operators can now access tankers with minimal physical effort and complete confidence in the system’s stability. The pneumatic-powered deployment means the system is quick to use, leading to more efficient loading processes. Allied Mills now benefits from a safer, more compliant, and future-proof access setup that aligns with modern health and safety standards.