Star Tanker Hatch Access

Designed, Engineered & Manufactured in Australia

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Features & Benefits

Purpose-built for safe, efficient and certified access to tanker hatches and ISO containers
Robust pneumatic or hydraulic drop stair system for smooth, controlled hatch entry
Protective hoop guardrail provides enclosed fall protection at the hatch opening
Versatile unit compatible with road tankers and standard ISO shipping containers
Certified and engineered for WHS compliance and audit documentation
Lightweight aluminium for easy repositioning between tanker bays
Backed by a Lifetime Structural Warranty

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Specifications

Specification	Value
Stair Actuation	Pneumatic or hydraulic drop stair system
Guardrail	Protective hoop guardrail at hatch opening
Compatibility	Road tankers & standard ISO shipping containers
Installation	Bolt-on to existing walkways; custom fabrication available
Construction	Lightweight aluminium alloy
Certification	Fully engineered & certified to Australian Standards
Warranty	Lifetime Structural Warranty

Custom configurations available to suit specific tanker fleet and depot requirements. Contact us to discuss your application.

Custom Needs?

Configurations

Anti-Slip Bull Nosing

Powder Coating

D Bumpers

Safety Hoop

Star Aluminium Tanker Hatch Access

The Star Tanker Hatch Access unit is a purpose-built solution for safe, efficient and certified entry and exit at tanker hatches and ISO container openings. The unit features a pneumatic or hydraulic drop stair system that lowers to the hatch level under controlled actuation, providing a stable stair descent into the tanker or container without manual lifting or adjustment by the operator.
A protective hoop guardrail encloses the operator at the hatch opening, providing fall protection during entry and exit and throughout work performed at the hatch level. The combination of the drop stair and hoop guardrail means operators access and work at the hatch without relying on makeshift handholds or reaching across unprotected edges. The unit is certified and engineered to support WHS compliance documentation for tanker depot and logistics operations.
Lightweight aluminium construction allows the unit to be repositioned between tanker bays in a depot environment. The system is compatible with road tankers and standard ISO shipping containers, providing consistent access across a mixed fleet. Simple bolt-on installation to existing walkways and custom walkway fabrication are available. All units are backed by a Lifetime Structural Warranty.

Aftercare & Maintenance

All Star Aluminium products are designed and manufactured to Australian Standards for height access and industrial equipment.
Every unit is supplied with a compliance plate and engineering certification.
Our standard products comply with WHS requirements and carry a Lifetime Structural Warranty.
Every month, we recommend that you inspect every working platform to make sure they are safe for use.
Check the platform's surface and weld points in order to ensure there is no external damage or corrosion from weather conditions that can cause a safety issue.
If any damage is found on the equipment when checking your monthly inspection routine, please mark the equipment as "out of service" and call us so we may discuss what needs to be repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Star Tanker Hatch Access and how does the drop stair system work?

The Star Tanker Hatch Access is a purpose-built top-of-vehicle access system designed for safe operator access to tanker hatches and ISO containers. The unit features a pneumatic or hydraulic drop stair mechanism that lowers the access stairs onto the vehicle top after the truck or lobtainer is positioned below the fixed platform. The integrated protective hoop then descends to create a 360-degree fall protection barrier around the operator at height, providing secure access to loading hatches, inspection points and venting systems.

Is the Star Tanker Hatch Access compatible with ISO containers as well as tankers?

Yes. The Star Tanker Hatch Access is designed to accommodate both tanker hatches and ISO containers. The adjustable height mechanism and pneumatic hoop system are engineered to suit a range of vehicle and container top profiles. This makes the system suited to bulk liquid logistics terminals, mining and industrial sites, and port operations where operators access multiple vehicle types within the same facility.

What is the difference between the pneumatic and hydraulic drop stair options?

Both pneumatic and hydraulic variants deliver automated lowering and lifting of the drop stair assembly, allowing hands-free operation during vehicle positioning and departure. The pneumatic option is suited to sites with existing compressed air infrastructure. The hydraulic option is preferred for high-cycle applications or where compressed air is not available. Star Aluminium engineers work with customers from specification to delivery to select the appropriate actuation system for the operational environment.

What safety features are included in the Star Tanker Hatch Access?

Standard safety features include a 360-degree protective hoop guardrail that descends to enclose the operator at hatch level, checker plate deck surface for secure footing, anti-slip bull nosing on stair treads, and a compliance plate. The enclosed working environment at height reduces fall risk during loading, unloading and inspection tasks. Custom design configurations are available to integrate the system with existing fixed platform infrastructure on site.

Is the Star Tanker Hatch Access manufactured to Australian Standards?

Yes. The Star Tanker Hatch Access is designed and manufactured to Australian Standards for industrial access equipment. Each unit is fitted with a compliance plate to support site WHS obligations. Manufacturing is covered by the ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. All units carry a Lifetime Structural Warranty. Custom design configurations are available for non-standard tanker heights, container types and site platform integration requirements.

What industries use the Star Tanker Hatch Access?

The Star Tanker Hatch Access is used in bulk liquid transport terminals, fuel and chemical storage facilities, mining operations, oil and gas sites, food and beverage processing, port and logistics infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing environments. Applications include operator access to tanker hatches for loading and unloading operations, inspection and sampling, venting and pressure management, and ISO container top access in intermodal freight handling.