Following on from the guidance in the recently published book 'Health and Safety in Motor Vehicle Repair and Associated Industries', the HSE have two new leaflets available for those involved in motor vehicle repair work.
The first details the hazards associated with tyre inflation, such as explosive failure, and safe inflation procedures.
Around 30 million tyres are replaced in the UK each year and it can seem a simple task. But it can cause injury and even death resulting from:
manual handling of the tyre and wheel;
collapse of an elevated vehicle;
being struck by vehicles at the roadside; and
explosion of the tyre or disintegration of the wheel during inflation.
The sidewall of a typical commercial vehicle tyre has over 34 tonnes of force acting on it.
Tyres are designed to withstand this but if they are damaged or used while flat, or significantly underinflated, they may fail. If the wheel is not restrained, it can fly several metres through the air. Similarly, failure of multi-piece ('split rim') wheels can result in explosive ejection of component parts. These types of tyre explosion have led to numerous fatalities.
The second details safe procedures for working under vehicles. Working beneath a vehicle is often required to check for faults, servicing, repairs etc. Because these tasks are common, people may get used to the fact that they are working under potentially lethal weights.
For more information or if you have any questions surrounding the information in this article please contact Crown House on 01777 861 861 or e-mail Jacky Millard
Motor Trade