Tyre assembly can kill

A number of people have been killed or seriously injured in New South Wales during the assembly/fitting of pneumatic tyres.

Why do tyres blow off?

In most cases, the accidents have occurred when the locking rings or bead wires have blown off the rims of the tyre during inflation. The force of escaping air is enough to hurl the tyre and rim with great force into the air.

How do I protect myself against blow offs?

Always place the tyre in a safety cage or use other approved guards to confine the tyre or rim within the cage or guard if the tyre blows up during inflation.

What do investigations show?

Investigations by WorkCover Inspectors have shown that the use of safety cages or other approved guards could have prevented injury or death to tyre fitters. Reports such as the following tell a familiar story.

"Jack Johnson", an experienced tyre fitter was killed when he was struck on the head with considerable force, by the flying rim, when a tyre blew off during inflation.

The report concluded that if a safety cage or guard had been provided and used to enclose the wheel, "Jack Johnson" would still be alive.

Who should carry out tyre assembly/fitting?

Tyre assembly/fitting should be carried out by tyre fitters fully trained in correct procedures and safe work practice.

Detailed methods and instructions for safe tyre assembly/fitting are available from the manufacturers of tyres and wheels.

Correct tyre pressure

Make sure that you know the correct tyre inflation pressure. Correct tyre pressure can be obtained from the Tyre Fitment Placard, which is mounted in the glove box or on the door/door pillar of the vehicle, or from the manufacturers of the tyre and wheel. Don't overinflate tyres.

What safety equipment should you use?

• Use a simple guard or safety cage to prevent any injury to the tyre fitter if a failure does occur. There are a number of guards commercially available, which are inexpensive, portable, and adaptable to a range of tyre sizes.
• Use a pressure limiting device, such as a preset air gauge, on air hoses.
• Use a special low pressure air-water gauge for testing tractor tyre pressures. Don't over-inflate a truck or tractor tyre beyond the recommended inflation pressure stamped on the side of the tyre.
• Use a remote control airline with gauge and clip-on chuck so the operator can stand aside during inflation procedure.  Don't use a clip-on chuck on hoses connected directly to a compressed air line.
• Use jacks and jack stands which are appropriate for the job, and in good working condition. Take care to locate the jack securely under the axle housing and on a firm level base.

Safe work practices

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1983:

• Employers must provide and maintain equipment (including safety equipment) and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health.
• Employers must inform, instruct, train and supervise employees in safe work practices.
• Employees must co-operate with management in the use of safety procedures and equipment.

Help and advice

To obtain safety equipment, check the Yellow Pages of your telephone directory under "Safety Equipment - Automotive, and Road or Traffic".

Further information on tyre fitting and inflation can be obtained from tyre and wheel manufacturers listed in the Yellow Pages of your telephone directory under "Tyres W'sale". For general advice about safe work practices, contact your nearest WorkCover Authority district office.