Compressed Air Tire Safety

Tires that become overinflated can explode and injure workers.

In 2001, a worker in New Jersey was killed when the regulator for the air pressure malfunctioned. The tire was overinflated and exploded. Employers can take action to prevent this kind of accident, including training employees and inspecting equipment.

Safety Assessment

The employer and workers should conduct a hazard analysis of the work area and related tasks as a team. During this assessment, the team locates any possible dangers that may exist. These hazards then can be addressed.

Prevention/Solution

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration requires that a tire cage be used when inflating tires. This cage surrounds the tire and keeps the rim from becoming airborne if the tire explodes. When a tire is being inflated, all workers should not stand in front of or over the tire cage.

Further Considerations

The equipment used for tire inflation should be inspected to see if it is operating correctly. Compressed air hoses need to be fitted with a safety valve. This valve helps to ensure that the proper air pressure is going into a tire, preventing overinflation. All workers need to receive full training on how to use the equipment properly and follow safety procedures.

References

• New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services: Worker Killed in Compressed Air Explosion at a Tire Retread Plant
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration: Small Business Handbook
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration: Small Business Handbook
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration: Construction Industry Digest