Large Tire Handling & Tire Fires
The tires on mining trucks, loaders and graders can weigh thousands of pounds and stand taller than a person. They can crush people, explode when inflated and burn for days when they catch fire. Handling them requires specific equipment and procedures.
- Tire Technicians
- Mine & Quarry
- Heavy Equipment
Hazards
- Crushing: a tire that rolls or falls can kill. Chock and block everything.
- Explosion of the tire or rim: stored air energy and flying parts during servicing and inflation. See Rim Wheel Servicing.
- Heavy lifting with handlers, cranes and jacks.
- Tire fires and explosions: from overheated brakes, heat build-up, hot work near tires or internal ignition of gases inside the tire.
- Pinch points between the tire and the vehicle, handler or rim.
- Falls from high vehicles and working at heights.
Handling
- Use a tire handler or crane designed for the tire size, with rated clamps and chains. Do not roll large tires by hand.
- Block and support the vehicle with stands or cribbing before removing a wheel. Never rely on jacks alone. See Blocking & Cribbing.
- Keep everyone away from the area in front of and behind the tire while it is being moved.
- Store tires upright or in racks, not stacked too high. Follow the stack height limits and use stable supports.
- Use trained workers who know the weight, center of gravity and equipment ratings.
Inflation
- Use a restraining device or cage for inflation and keep out of the trajectory of the tire and rim parts. Use a clip-on chuck and remote inflation hose
- Check the tire and rim for damage, matching sizes and correct parts before inflating
- Inflate in stages to the recommended pressure; never exceed the maximum on the sidewall or rim
- Consider nitrogen inflation, which reduces the risk of internal fires compared with air
- Release air fully before removing parts from a tire. Release air from a hot tire carefully and from a safe distance
Tire fires
- Heat from brakes, overload or underinflation can ignite tires. A tire that smokes or burns may explode, sometimes after a delay.
- Evacuate a large distance (follow the maker's guidance, often hundreds of feet), do not approach, and call emergency services. Let the fire department handle it.
- Keep hot work and fuel away from tires.
Standards & references
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