Northern Strands
Northern Strands Latest News

Latest News

Gorbel Tether Track Systems are Now Available at Northern Strands

Fall Protection is a serious business. Designing and supplying Engineered Fall Protection systems is a responsibility and privilege that we do not take lightly. Northern Strands is excited to offer our customers the Gorbel  Rigid Rail Tether Track Fall Protection Systems. These systems provide workers with increased mobility and can accommodate multiple workers. The Tether Track Fall Protection System is available in a number of configurations to assist in all types of applications.

Bridge Systems


The Tether Track Bridge System consists of two runways and a traveling bridge. This offers users maximum coverage in a rectangular area. Multiple bridges can be used to support several workers. The bridge(s) can be use for ceiling mounted or free standing systems. This allows for multiple users to use the system at the same time. 

Free Standing Monorails

Free Standing Fall Protection Systems are designed to protect workers maintaining, inspecting, or loading & unloading rail cars and tankers. Heights from 16' up to 26 and standard lengths up to 204' in single and dual track styles are available. The Dual bypass track allows workers to pass each other without having to disconnect from the system. Outdoor coatings are offered to maximize protection and the Free Standing Monorail is designed for wind, snow, and ice. 

Ceiling Mounted Monorail


Ceiling Mounted Monorails are ideal for situations where floor space is very limited. This system can provide fall protection by using existing support steel and is ideal for production and warehouse facilities. Workers have increased mobility using the curved track and numerous hanger options for all types of building structures

Fold Away Systems
The Fold Away Tether Track System can be deployed when needed and retracted when the job is complete. This system is best used on work cells that require overhead cranes where floor space is minimal or when fall protection is not easily accessible and is required. Single or multiple workers can easily bypass one another without disconnecting when using the dual bypass track.

Swing Arm Systems

This system provides compact circular or semi-circular protection and can swing back in when not in use. The swing arm is able to be maneuvered over the work space whenever it is needed. The track is able to accommodate a single worker or multiple people at the same time. 

Single Pole Systems


If space is an issue and fall protection is required, the Single Pole Fall Protection System is a great alternative to standard multi-column systems. This system is popular for servicing tank cars or heavy duty truck maintenance. The Single Pole System requires a single foundation and can span from 10' to 53' in length. 

If you are interested in learning more about these systems or any of the other fall protection products/custom assemblies offered by Northern Strands click here: Northern Strands Engineered Fall Protection Systems

Contact Us:

Engineered Fall Protection Division
801 57th Street East, S7K 5Z2

Dave Perrin - Fall Protection Sales
Fax: (306) 974-5527

Northern Strands Now Offers Gorbel Ranger Mobile Anchor Fall Protection Products

Did you know that Northern Strands now offers a variety of Gorbel Fall Protection Products? Gorbel offers a number of Fall Protection Systems that provide users the tools needed to make any job or maintenance application easier!

Ranger Mobile Anchor

The Ranger Mobile Anchor is a popular fall arrest anchor that can be quickly attached to a towing device. The Ranger Mobile Anchor is easy to operate because the anchor point is above the user. Northern Strands is proud to offer this system to our customers!

The Ranger Mobile Anchor features & applications include the following:
  • Steel construction
  • Max towing speed of 25 MPH
  • Not rated for HWY towing 
  • Max capacity of 310 pounds
  • Indoor and Outdoor use
  • Aircraft Maintenance
  • Industrial Equipment Maintenance
  • Tanker Car Maintenance
  • Heavy Machinery Maintenance

Road Ranger Mobile Anchor
 

The Road Ranger Mobile Anchor is similar to the Range Mobile Anchor and is also rated for highway towing up to 104 km/hr  (65 MPH). This makes the unit extremely versatile for a range of applications!

The Road Ranger Mobile Anchor features include the following:
  • Max towing speed of 65 MPH
  • Adjustable height 2 inch ball coupler
  • Adjustable anchor height
Contact Northern Strands Fall Protection Division today for more information
Call: 1-800-242-7073
email: lifelines@northernstrands.com  

Agriculture Safety Association Farm Safety Plan Templates

Farming in Saskatchewan has been a vital industry for many years. Because of the many safety hazards associated with farming, it is important to understand and implement farm safety plans to help avoid injury and potentially fatal accidents. 

The Government of Canada states that the following duties pose a risk to the safety of farmers:

  • Working in awkward/difficult positions, lifting heavy materials, and performing repetitive tasks
  • Working in and around confined spaces
  • Working in extreme temperatures
  • Working alone
  • Working at heights & Falls from heights
For the full comprehensive list, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety site here: 
Due to the nature of these risks, Farm Safety Plan Templates are vital for farm owners, managers, workers, and family members to implement and adhere to. The Government of Saskatchewan states that, 

" Too many farmers, family members, and farm works are killed and injured on the farm each year as a result of incidents that could have been prevented" (Government of Saskatchewan, 2018). 

Northern Strands is committed to providing farmers with a cost effective and simple solution to help prevent falls while climbing or accessing grain bins. The Bin Safe System allows farmers to climb a grain bin with ease; knowing that they are secured allows workers to feel comfortable while working on the outside of the bin. 

When I did fall [off a grain bin], I broke my pelvis in 4 places and I laid in the hospital for 6 weeks before I could even put pressure on my legs. When I saw this product offered by Northern Strands, I knew that they had a winner and proved that they are a winner when they win all the safety awards at every tradeshow they go in. Using Bin Safe is inexpensive and every bin can be done cost effectively; The Bin Safe System allows us to go all the way to the top of the bin and all the way back down safely. That is what every farmer requires or should have to be as safe as possible when climbing bins.” 

– Greg Setter


The team at Northern Strands has developed a Ladder Safety Checklist to be used in conjunction with a Farm Safety Plan Template. This Ladder Safety Checklist can be referenced prior to climbing grain bins. 

The Northern Strands Ladder Safety Checklist can be downloaded and viewed here:  NS Ladder Safety Checklist.pdf (1.7MB)

Farm Safety Plan Templates are provided by a variety of Safety Associations for farmers to use for free. A Farm Safety Plan Template should be all encompassing and should include a grain bin fall protection section to ensure all potential farm safety hazards are identified. These Farm Safety Plan Templates can be used as a step in the development of your Farm Safety Program.

To access these Farm Safety Plan Templates, please view the following links:


Martin Toews
Cell Phone: (306) 441-6845 


Northern Strands Now Selling the DBI-SALA® Advanced™ Series Counterweight Fall Protection System

The Northern Strands Showroom has a new product feature; The DBI-SALA® Advanced™ Series Counterweight System!


The DBI-SALA® Advanced™ Series Counterweight System is a Fall Protection system designed for confined space and manhole entry applications or retrievals. The Counterweight System has a central base unit that is best used in areas with a leading edge or large tanks that require access. The base of the system is comprised of the counterweight cart, 50 pound weight plates, adjustment legs, and extension assemblies.


This portable unit is comprised of lightweight high-strength aluminum to fit standard entry points. The cart must be used with the Advanced™ davit mast. Together these components create a high quality, rugged confined space rescue and support system. This lightweight aluminum system can be set up and dismantled in the field without tools.
At Northern Strands, Fall Protection is a serious business. Fall Protection is a responsibility and privilege that we do not take lightly. If you have any questions about Engineered Fall Protection Systems or about purchasing or renting the DBI-SALA® Advanced™ Series Counterweight System, visit us in the showroom or contact our Fall Protection Division today!

Engineered Fall Protection Division
801 57th Street East, S7K 5Z2
Email lifelines@northernstrands.com

Northern Strands' 10 Steps for Safely Pulling Equipment with a Recovery Strap or Tow Rope

At Northern Strands, we take safety seriously. It is important to learn how to properly use a Tow Strap or Tow Rope to help move a piece of heavy equipment, combine, truck, or any other type of vehicle that is stuck. 

Follow these 10 Steps for Safely Moving a Vehicle with a Recovery Strap or Tow Rope:

1. Recovery straps should be at least 6 m or 20 ft in length, with loops (not hooks), and in good working condition (no cuts        or broken stitches). 

2. Check both vehicle weights and add the weights of any loads either vehicle is carrying.

  • The vehicle doing the pulling must be equal to, or ideally, greater weight than the vehicle that is being pulled.

3. Ensure the tow strap has a Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) that is 2-3 times the total weight of the stuck vehicle. 

  • If it is less, the strap may snap under high tension.
  • If it is more, the strap will not function properly.
4. Ensure tow hooks, hitch receivers, and any shackles used are rated to the loads that exceed the recovery strap MBS.
  • In the event of excessive loads, the recovery strap should always be the weakest link and snap first. 
5. Move away as much mud, sand, or snow from under the vehicle and in front of the tires in the direction of the pull.
6. Position the pulling vehicle in line with the stuck vehicle - the pulling vehicle facing forward and the stuck vehicle being pulled from the front or the back.
  • Ensure that you are within 10 degrees of a straight line - side loading can lead to serious vehicle damage.
7. Lay out the recovery strap between the two vehicles and loop the strap onto a hook bolted to the vehicle frame or put the loop on a shackle that is properly pinned to a frame mounted hitch rated for recovery. 
  • If using a threaded shackle, hand tighten the pin and then turn it back one quarter turn for ease of release later.
  • Never tie the strap onto the vehicle. Slip the strap over a ball hitch, or attach it to anything other than a tow hook or frame mounted hitch. 
  • Only use one strap, never two in parallel. However, there are a few options for creating additional length with two straps if needed:

8. Drape a heavy coat or blanket over the middle of the strap to dampen any backlash if it snaps or releases. 
9. Ensure all bystanders are at least 2 times the length of the tow strap to the side of the vehicles.
10. The pulling vehicle accelerates slowly (to about 10-12 KPH) to build tension in the strap and provide a sustained pull. 
    Once the slack is taken up, the stuck vehicle likewise applies acceleration in low gear to assist the pulling car. 
    Neither vehicle should spin their tires.
  • Steady momentum is most effective.
  • Maintain tension throughout the pull, do not allow slack to develop in the strap at any point.


Northern Strands Tow Strap & Tow Ropes are priced 30% less than our competitors! We stock all common sizes of Tow Straps and custom sizes are available upon request. Contact us today for more information!

Saskatoon (Head Office)

3235 Millar Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 5Y3

Hours of Operation: 7:30am to 5:00pm Mon - Fri

Phone: (306) 242-7073
Toll Free: (800) 242-7073
Fax: (306) 934-2920

Themes

Previous Posts

Saskatoon (Head Office)

  • 802 60th Street East
  • Saskatoon, S7K 8G8

Regina

  • 125 Henderson Drive
  • Regina, SK S4N 5W4

Esterhazy

  • 816 Park Ave
  • Esterhazy, SK S0A 0X0

Winnipeg

  • 1137 Keewatin St
  • Winnipeg, MB R2X 2Z3
Find us on Facebook Find us on Twitter Youtube Linked In RSS Feed