Most common mistakes

The majority of tyre operations involve passenger car tyres. However, nearly all serious accidents have occurred when operating with machine or heavy machinery tyres. These tyres are difficult to handle and they contain an essentially higher energy charge than passenger car tyres.
 
The most significant accident factor is the sudden discharge of pressure and the consequent strong pressure wave hitting the mechanic, as well as injuries sustained from projectile parts.
 
A total of twelve serious accidents have been reported in Finland. Seven of these were caused by the sudden discharge of pressure, and four of them led to the death of the mechanic.
 
Most common mistakes:
  • Safety equipment is not used or safety instructions are not observed; the instructions and guidance provided are insufficient.
  • When inflating a tyre, people are in the danger zone in the proximity of the tyre, and the seating of rim components is not controlled.
  • The machine is not supported sufficiently, the tools are not appropriate.
  • The tyre has inner or structural defects that will cause it to explode at some stage of the tyre operation.
 

Tyre safety card

A nationwide system of tyre safety card training has been established in Finland in order to improve the safety of tyre operations.
 
The main goal of this training is to increase awareness of the risks and responsibilities related to tyre operations, and to provide guidance in using the right, safe work methods. The training particularly focuses on the risks related to mounting large, machine-category tyres.
 
Mechanics who successfully pass the training receive a tyre safety card that remains valid for five years.
 
The tyre safety card has proven to be surprisingly popular. One in four tyre-industry mechanics have already acquired the card. It is the only industry-specific occupational safety pass.
 
The impact of the tyre safety card can be seen at workplaces in the form of improvements in the general safety culture.
 

Summary

Tyre pressurising entails the biggest occupational safety hazards in the tyre industry. These risks can be minimised by deploying the right work methods and observing due care and caution.
 
The safety cage is a security element needed in pressurising tyres. It helps minimise the consequences of tyre explosion. Protective cages suitable for the handling of large machine tyres are not always available. In such cases, a sufficient safety distance must always be observed.
 
Nearly all serious accidents have occurred when operating with machine or heavy machinery tyres. Tyre safety is of particular importance especially when handling heavy tyres.
 
In addition to the general safety instructions, the country-specific rules and regulations issued by the site, employer and local authorities must be observed.