What height ranges can your folding steps accommodate?

Our folding steps are designed with a variable range of articulation, typically allowing for safe access to tankers of varying heights. During our design phase, we calculate the "working envelope" to ensure the steps maintain a safe, ergonomic angle regardless of the tanker's suspension height or load level. Regularly this spans 3500mm to 4500mm, but our solutions are customised to you.

Are your steps suitable for corrosive environments?

For corrosive environments we offer folding steps in hot-dip galvanised mild steel or Grade 304/316 stainless steel. If you're uncertain what material would be most appropriate our team of experts can help. The right material choice ensures maximum longevity and resistance to aggressive washdowns or atmospheric corrosion.

Can your units be retrofitted to an existing loading platform?

Yes, by utilising 3D site scanning, we map your current gantry structure with millimetre precision. This allows us to design bespoke mounting plates and frames that bolt directly to your existing steelwork, ensuring a "first-time fit" without the need for extensive on-site hot work. Alternatively, as EN1090-2 approved steelwork manufacturers, we regularly manufacture made to measure gantries too.

How are the steps operated?

Our steps are designed for ease of use, featuring either spring-balanced manual mechanisms or pneumatic rams. This allows a single operator to lower the steps into position with minimal physical effort, while integrated locking systems keep them secure in the stowed position.

Do you provide non-slip surfaces for wet or oily conditions?

Every step features high-traction, open-mesh or serrated gratings. These are specifically chosen to allow liquids and debris to pass through, ensuring a permanent, slip-resistant surface even in the most challenging weather or spill-prone environments.

Tanker Access Steps

Folding tanker access steps engineered for safe tanker loading and maintenance.

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What are Folding Tanker Access Steps?

Folding tanker access steps (also known as folding stairs or tanker bridges) are specialised, articulating stairs designed to bridge the hazardous gap between a fixed loading gantry and a road or rail tanker. By providing a continuous, slip-resistant walking surface and integrated safety handrails, these systems eliminate the risk of falls from height during liquid transfer, sampling, loading or inspection tasks. They are essential for ensuring operator safety in high-traffic facilities.

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Projects delivered in 2025

A Turnkey Solution from Site Scanning to Installation

At Tadweld, our folding tanker access steps are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the oil, gas, chemical, mining and material handling sectors. Available in a range of 2 to 7 steps, and with manually operated and pneumatically powered models, we have a tanker access step to meet every requirement. Encompassing in-house design, site scanning, manufacture and installation, Tadweld provide a turnkey solution that integrates seamlessly into your operation

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Key Benefits

Every Tadweld product adheres to exacting standards, below are some this products key features

TOTAL FALL PROTECTION

Features integrated safety cages and handrails that surround the tanker manhole ensuring operators are protected from falls on all sides during loading or sampling procedures.

TURNKEY INTEGRATION

From 3D site scanning of your existing facility to final installation, we provide a customised bridge solution tailored to your specific vehicle heights and site constraints.

PROVEN DURABILITY

With over 1,500 units installed in the field, many with 20+ years of operation, AJAX sets the industry standard for proven durability.

Why Tadweld

Shaped by Experience.
Focused on the Future.

Tadweld combines decades of fabrication expertise with modern engineering standards, delivering reliable structural steel and bespoke metalwork across the UK and Europe, with safety and precision assured.

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Case Studies

We are passionate about being a great place to work, where people can be at their best. As a result, our team really care about the quality of work they produce and we quickly become trusted partners to our clients.

Chris Houston - Managing Director

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Tadweld Brochure

Our brochure covers our design, manufacturing and installation services, our product range and AJAX Safe Access

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