OTR tyres for earth moving machinery is potentially dangerous while working in any mine site. They are composite flexible pressure vessels, has a load placed on it and it rolled over unkind off road surfaces and is generally ignored until it goes flat. It is of large size & mass with high magnitude of air pressure, any uncontrolled release of stored energy can have serious, even fatal consequences.
The purpose of this guideline is to refresh customer’s understanding of the causes of accidents related with OTR tyres so as to help them guard against the risk while working with tyres in workshop, mine site, storage etc.
This guideline describes the common hazards when working with tyres, rims, wheels and assemblies on mining equipment during the complete life cycle of tyres. Tyre assemblies are safety-critical components that should be selected, operated and maintained correctly to reduce the risk of worker’s exposure to associated hazards.
Risk based approach is best way to include in any OTR tyre management system.
It broadly includes :
- identifying the tyre hazards
- examining tyre, rim assembly failure if any and regular inspection of rim components
- analysis of premature catastrophic failure of tyres on wheel
- review of selection of tyre based on application
- tyre storage & work area assessment
- assessment of mounting/demounting procedure & selection of proper tyre handling facilities.
- ensure competent work force for tyre handling in workshop
Tyre and rim related accidents at surface mines are caused, in many instances, by the handling and servicing of rims & wheels. Certain accidents are caused by unsafe mounting, de-mounting, exploding tyres, faulty tyres and rim components, improperly trained personnel, etc.
All mining personnel should be trained in safe tyre and rim handling and servicing procedure.Tyre and rim related accidents at surface mines are caused, in many instances, by the handling and servicing of rims & wheels.
Certain accidents are caused by unsafe mounting, de-mounting, exploding tyres, faulty tyres and rim components, improperly trained personnel, etc. All mining personnel should be trained in safe tyre and rim handling and servicing procedure.
Major sources of risk when working with or using tyre assemblies include:
- sudden release of stored pressure energy — leading to projectiles (e.g. rim components, rocks) and percussive shock
- compressed air or other gases (e.g. nitrogen)
- noise
- handling heavy objects
- working with or operating heavy equipment
- heat and fire
- fuels and chemicals
- pyrolysis or diffusion — leading to explosions
Substantial improvements in tyre life and tyre safety can be achieved through a combination of sound management principles based on dedicated inspections, preventive actions, good operating conditions, improved operator awareness and practices, and management of tyre performance.
Different source of risk/hazards, their causes and guidelines -
OTR Tyre Safety & Risk Assessment Chart and
OTR Tyre Safety First
are separately prepared for customers.
A separate OTR Tyre Safety & Risk Assessment Software (TSRA Software) will also be provided to our valued customers for regularly monitoring overall tyre related safety risk.
