Toolbox Talk
EXPLODING TIRESS ON MOBILE EQUIPMENT
EXTERNAL FATAL INCIDENT- FATALITY WHILE INFLATING TRUCK TIRE
An operator was inflating a front tire on a truck when the lock ring on the front wheel flew off hitting the operator in
the face. The operator was rushed to hospital, where he died. Basic causes included:
o Operator was positioned directly in front of tire.
o Tyre pressure not checked prior to inflation.
TYRE BLOW OUT IN CAT 789
The front tire of a CAT 789 truck exploded whilst the truck was moving and loaded with ore. The operator heard a loud
noise and felt he was losing control of the truck. He was able to control the truck without pulling the brakes after
approximately 64 m. Basic causes included:
o Tyre was not fit for purpose.
o Inadequate inspection and maintenance.
FREE MOVING MOBILE EQUIPMENT
The side and lock ring from the front right hand side wheel assembly of a front end loader blew up after the tire
pressure was topped up from +/- 35/40 psi to 50 psi. The side ring (20 kg) was projected 10 meters hitting the ground
and rolled another 6 meters stopping against a fence. The lock ring (2kg) was projected 24 meters. Basic causes
included:
o Low tire pressure (less than 80%) allowed the lock ring to loosen.
o Daily checklist does not require checking of tire pressure.
o Although tire manufacturer specifies tires with more than a 20% pressure drop be disassembled, inspected and
inflated in a safety cage, this requirement not followed.
EXTERNAL FATAL INCIDENT – CATASTROPHIC HAUL PAK TYRE AND RIM DISASSEMBLY
A tire fitter was removing the wheel cleats when there was a sudden release of inflation air from the left inside rear
(position 4) tire. The outside (position 3) tire and rim assembly was propelled off the wheel hub for a distance of
approximately 12 meters. The tire fitter died soon after being removed from under the tire. Basic causes included:
o Tyres not deflated prior to loosening wheel nuts.
o Rapid uncontrolled release of air pressure from inner tire
LEARNINGS FOR MANAGEMENT INCLUDE:
Rigorous systems and procedures must be in place to control the risk of exploding tires that will address the
following:
o Brief contact with power lines can cause one or more tires to explode immediately or possibly hours later.
o Procedures must be in place to deal with tires that have deflated by more than 20% of the recommended
pressure.
o If possible eliminate the use of multi piece tire and rim assemblies.
o Only use trained and competent personnel.
LEARNINGS FOR OPERATORS INCLUDE:
o Always follow site safe work procedures for maintaining and changing tires.
o Always position yourself away from the tire and rim during inflation.
o Regularly check tires for the correct pressure.
o Always deflate a tire prior to loosening any wheel nuts.
o Never inflate a tire if it is less than 80 % of its cold pressure setting, the tire should be disassembled, inspected
and inflated in a safety cage.
o Never apply a heat source to a tire rim/hub until the tire has been removed from the rim/hub assembly
“It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now is the hour of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.” W.E.B. Du Bois
Thanks, TO
