---
title: 3 Key Factors To Consider When Designing Your Loading Rack
description: Do you need a safe way to access rail or truck applications? Learn what factors to consider when designing a loading rack based on your work site needs.
image: https://content.carbissolutions.com/hubfs/loading-rack-design.jpg__.jpg
---

[![carbis solutions logo](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hubfs/logo-new.png)](http://www.carbissolutions.com/)

<http://www.carbissolutions.com/search-results>

- Call UsUS 1-800-948-7750 Global +1-843-669-6668
- [Careers](https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=49074D9C17442AAF1998B33263B06D96)

- Products![](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hubfs/drop-down-clear-4.png) 
    - [Complete Truck and Rail Loading Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/complete-truck-and-rail-loading-systems/)
    - [Loading Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/loading-platforms/) 
          - [Elevated Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/elevated-platforms/) 
                  - [Elevated Truck Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/elevated-truck-platforms/)
                  - [ISO Container Safety Platform](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/iso-container-safety-platform/)
          - [Truck Loading Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/truck-loading-platforms/) 
                  - [Single Hatch Truck Loading & Fall Protection Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/single-hatch-truck-loading-and-fall-protection-systems/)
                  - [Multi Hatch Truck Loading & Fall Protection Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/multi-hatch-truck-loading-and-fall-protection-systems/)
          - [ISO Container Loading Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/iso-container-loading-platforms/)
          - [Portable Truck and Rail Access Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/portable-truck-and-rail-access-systems/)
          - [Railcar Loading Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/railcar-loading-platforms/) 
                  - [Single Car Train Access & Loading Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/single-car-train-access-and-loading-systems/)
                  - [Railcar Multiple Hatch System](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/railcar-multiple-hatch-system/)
                  - [Unit Train Loading Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/unit-train-single-hatch-system/)
          - [Railcar Hopper Car Handrail](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/railcar-hopper-car-handrail/)
          - [Transloading and Portable Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/transloading-and-portable-systems/)
          - [Platform Catwalks](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/platform-catwalks/)
          - [Pipe Racks](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/pipe-racks/)
          - [Accessories](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/accessories/) 
                  - [Operator Sheds](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/operator-sheds/)
                  - [Swing Gates](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/swing-gates/)
                  - [Limit Position Switches](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/limit-position-switches/)
                  - [Warning Lights](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/warning-lights/)
                  - [Drive Off Protection](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/drive-off-protection/)
    - [Enclosures](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/enclosures/) 
          - [Railcar Enclosures](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/railcar-enclosures/)
          - [ISO Container Enclosures](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/iso-container-enclosures/)
          - [Unit Train Enclosures](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/unit-train-enclosures/)
          - [Truck Enclosures](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/truck-enclosures/)
    - [Gangways & Safety Cages](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/gangways-safety-cages/) 
          - [Wide Gangways](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/wide-gangways/)
          - [Flat Ramps](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/flat-ramps/) 
                  - [Railcar Flat Ramps](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/railcar-flat-ramps/)
                  - [ISO Container Flat Ramps](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/iso-container-flat-ramps/)
                  - [Truck Flat Ramps](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/truck-flat-ramps/)
                  - [Unit Train Flat Ramps](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/unit-train-flat-ramps/)
          - [Telescoping Ramps](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/telescoping-ramps/) 
                  - [Railcar Telescoping Ramps](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/railcar-telescoping-ramps/)
                  - [Unit Train Telescoping Ramps](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/unit-train-telescoping-ramps/)
          - [Folding Stairs](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/folding-stairs/) 
                  - [ISO Container Folding Stairs](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/iso-container-folding-stairs/)
                  - [Truck Folding Stairs](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/truck-folding-stairs/)
          - [ISO Container Tread](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/iso-container-tread/)
          - [Track Mounted Gangways](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/track-mounted-gangways/)
          - [Safety Cages](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/safety-cages/) 
                  - [Railcar Safety Cages](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/railcar-safety-cages/)
                  - [Unit Train Safety Cages](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/unit-train-safety-cages/)
                  - [Truck Safety Cages](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/truck-safety-cages/)
                  - [Custom Safety Cages](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/custom-safety-cages/)
    - [Loading Arms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/loading-arms/) 
          - [Fluid Loading](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/fluid-loading/) 
                  - [Top Loading Arms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/top-loading-arms/)
                  - [Bottom Loading Arms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/truck-bottom-loading/)
          - [Dry Goods Loading](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/dry-goods-loading/) 
                  - [Railcar Dry Goods Loading](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/railcar-dry-goods-loading/)
          - [Loading Arms Accessories](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/loading-arms-accessories/) 
                  - [Cam and Groove](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/cam-and-groove/)
                  - [Hose Handlers](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/hose-handlers/)
                  - [Swivel Joints](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/swivel-joints/)
                  - [Dry Disconnects](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/dry-disconnects/)
                  - [API Couplers](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/api-couplers/)
    - [Spill Containment](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/spill-containment/)
    - [Grounding Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/grounding-systems/) 
          - [Railcar Grounding System](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/railcar-grounding-system/)
          - [Truck Grounding System](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/truck-grounding-system/)
    - [Canopy Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/canopy-systems/)
    - [Flatbed Fall Protection](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/flatbed-fall-protection/) 
          - [Flatbed Operations Overhead Tarping](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/flatbed-operations-overhead-tarping/)
          - [Flatbed Operations Tarping Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/flatbed-operations-tarping-platforms/)
    - [Marine Gangways and Ladders](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/marine-gangways-and-towers/) 
          - [Ship and Barge Access Gangways](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/ship-and-barge-access-gangways/)
          - [Marine Stage Gangways](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/marine-stage-gangways/)
          - [Marine Ladders](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/marine-ladders/)
- Services![](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hubfs/drop-down-clear-4.png) 
    - [Loading Rack Safety Assessments](https://www.carbissolutions.com/services/loading-rack-safety-assessments/)
    - [Scheduled Maintenance](https://www.carbissolutions.com/services/scheduled-maintenance/)
    - [Training](https://www.carbissolutions.com/services/training/)
    - [What’s the Solution](https://www.carbissolutions.com/services/consulting/)
    - [Our Process](https://www.carbissolutions.com/services/our-process/)
- [Solutions](https://content.carbissolutions.com)![](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hubfs/drop-down-clear-4.png) 
    - [Liquid Trucks](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/liquid-trucks/)
    - [Hopper Trucks](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/hopper-trucks/)
    - [ISO Container Fall Protection](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/iso-container-fall-protection/)
    - [Flatbed Trucks](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/flatbed-trucks/)
    - [Liquid Tank Cars](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/liquid-tank-cars/)
    - [Unit Train Fall Protection](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/unit-train-fall-protection/)
    - [Pneumatic Hopper Car Fall Protection](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/dry-hopper-cars/)
    - [Loading Arms And Hose Handlers](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/fluid-handling/)
    - [Marine](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solution/marine/)
    - [Workplace Safety Solutions](https://www.carbissolutions.com/workplace-safety-solutions/)
    - [Loading Rack Safety Solutions](https://www.carbissolutions.com/loading-rack-safety-solutions/)
- [Resources](https://content.carbissolutions.com)![](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hubfs/drop-down-clear-4.png) 
    - [Case Studies](https://www.carbissolutions.com/resources/case-studies/)
    - Blog 
          - [The Workplace Safety Blog](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog)<
          - [Carbon Solutions News](https://content.carbissolutions.com/newsblog)
    - [Whitepapers And Guides](https://www.carbissolutions.com/resources/whitepapers-and-guides/)
    - [Videos](https://www.carbissolutions.com/resources/videos/)
    - [Events](https://www.carbissolutions.com/resources/events/)
    - [Product Documentation](https://www.carbissolutions.com/resources/product-documentation/)
- [About Us](http://www.carbissolutions.com/safety-equipment-projects)
- [Contact An Expert](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/)

Menu Home Products Services Solutions Resources Resources Resources

The Workplace Safety Blog

## Safety & Fall Prevention Insights From Carbis Solutions

# 3 Key Factors To Consider When Designing Your Loading Rack

 The Carbis Team | Fall Prevention & Protection | Oct 29, 2015 8:07:00 AM

![loading-rack-design.jpg__](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/loading-rack-design.jpg__.jpg?width=350&name=loading-rack-design.jpg__.jpg "loading-rack-design.jpg__")Implementing the right industrial safety measures is vital for protecting your workforce from serious accidents that may cause injuries and fatalities. While these consequences are reason enough to improve workplace safety, your company may also be held liable after an accident if your work site does not meet OSHA standards.

Fall prevention equipment is a beneficial solution for companies that need a system to access the tops of truck and rail applications safely. Many loading racks are configurable for single or multiple hatches.

Depending on your work site needs, you may choose a loading rack that incorporates a combination of the following elements:

- Platforms
- Gangways
- Pumps
- Valves
- Loading arms
- Metering

While choosing to protect your workforce with safe loading racks is a simple way to improve workplace safety, designing your custom solution may be more complicated. Learn the three key factors to consider when designing your loading rack based on your company’s needs.

### 1. Safety Concerns In Target Areas

In many cases, companies that are ready to purchase a loading rack do not understand the specific conditions and dangers employees face. Loading racks are designed to prevent falls, but you must analyze where and when your employees are at risk of falling before you are able to design a loading rack that’s effective.

Your vendor should also ask you to explain your needs and gain an understanding of your business before recommending any safety solution. When your vendor makes guesses about how you intend to use your loading rack and the finer details of why it’s necessary, you are likely to end up with the wrong equipment.

### 2. Parameters Of Your Work Site

Before you design a custom loading rack, you must analyze the area where your equipment is going to be used as well as the different types of vehicles the equipment provides access to.

For example, your employees may need the ability to load and unload rail cars safely. It’s important to design your loading rack based on how much space you have available around the rail cars to install equipment. Additionally, your vendor needs to know whether the rail cars are coupled or uncoupled.

###  3. Your Business’s Future Needs

Take into consideration opportunities that may be on the horizon for your operation. Perhaps you are planning to change your vehicle fleet in the next year or add an additional work area. Incorporating new parameters after you have already purchased safety equipment becomes costly, so communicate potential changes with your vendor upfront.

When employee safety is a priority, having the necessary safety equipment in place is the best way to minimize the risk of accidents. You should work with a vendor who has the experience and available resources to design a loading platform that functions well within your work environment.

If you have questions about how to make your work site safer, it is recommended that you speak with a knowledgeable expert. Don’t wait until the next accident or close call to improve your industrial safety measures.

**Is your company focused on building a culture of safety or simply maintaining OSHA requirements? Learn how to improve workplace safety for the benefit of your employees.**

**[![7 Workplace Safety Measures To Ensure Efficiency And Compliance Among Your Employees ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455611/bdf95a71-8a67-4fe4-8bb5-3f12f79357c6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/455611/bdf95a71-8a67-4fe4-8bb5-3f12f79357c6)** 

[View All Posts](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/)

[Older Post](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/is_it_time_to_switch_industrial_safety_equipment_vendors) [Newer Post](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/3_key_ways_to_promote_truck_safety_at_your_facility)

 SHARE THIS PAGE:

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

### POPULAR TOPICS

- [Fall Prevention & Protection (50)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/fall-prevention-protection)
- [Fluid Handling (50)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/fluid-handling)
- [Safety Equipment Purchasing & Replacement (18)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/safety-equipment-purchasing-replacement)
- [Corporate and OSHA Compliance (14)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/corporate-and-osha-compliance)
- [safety (9)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/safety)
- [Chemical Transfer (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/chemical-transfer)
- [Marine Fall Prevention & Safety (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/marine-fall-prevention-safety)
- [Training (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/training)
- [Truck Safety (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/truck-safety)
- [Rail Spotting (5)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/rail-spotting)
- [Truck Spotting (5)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/truck-spotting)
- [Loading Arms (4)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/loading-arms)
- [Railroad Saftey (4)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/railroad-saftey)
- [Flatbed Tarping (3)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/flatbed-tarping)
- [loading rack safety (3)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/loading-rack-safety)
- [Crude Oil (2)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/crude-oil)
- [ISO Containers (2)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/iso-containers)
- [Skid Systems (1)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/skid-systems)

## RECENT POSTS

- [Efficiency and Safety: The Role of Scale Systems in Product Transfer](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/efficiency-and-safety-the-role-of-scale-systems-in-product-transfer)
- [Truck and Rail Access Gangways](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/platforms-and-catwalks-the-bones-of-your-operation-0)
- [Platforms and Catwalks - The Bones of Your Operation](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/platforms-and-catwalks-the-bones-of-your-operation)
- [Truck and Rail Safety Cages – Protection with Room to Move](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/truck-and-rail-safety-cages-proper-protection-with-room-to-move-0)

![](https://www.carbissolutions.com/wp-content/themes/carbis/assets/img/logo-footer-new.png)

- [Services](https://www.carbissolutions.com/services/)
- [Solutions](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solutions/)
- [Products](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/)
- [Resources](https://www.carbissolutions.com/resources/)
- [About Us](https://www.carbissolutions.com/about-us/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/)
- [Careers](https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/at-jobopportunities.php?clientkey=FE3AB7EB4121E2287BE5E54B21FD659E)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.carbissolutions.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Product Documentation](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product-documentation/)

Get in Touch

[sales@carbissolutions.com](mailto:sales@carbissolutions)

 US  1-800-948-7750

 Global  +1-843-669-6668

 Fax  1-843-662-1536

![](https://www.carbissolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/chat-feature-image.png)

Contact a Loading Rack Expert Now.

**Safety Consultant Chat Hours:**  
 M-F 8AM-5PM EST

[Contact Now](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/)

 © 2018 Carbis Solutions | [Privacy Policy](https://www.carbissolutions.com/privacy-policy/)

- <https://plus.google.com/+SamCarbisSolutionsGroupFlorence>
- <https://www.facebook.com/CarbisSolutions>
- <https://twitter.com/carbissolutions>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/sam-carbis-solutions-group>