Two lethal cases reported from the Finnish market, involving trained and experienced tyre fitters

– Parkkola accident

– Lyks accident

Accidents related to tyre inflation

INFORMATION

Parkkola accident

• Two workers died (June 2003)

• Accident investigated by Mr Seppo Wallenius Autorengasliitto Ry, and MD Vuoksen Kumi Oy

Parkkola accident

• Inflating a new-fitted 33 inch earth-mover tire on a 5 piece rim with a damaged lock-ring.

• Lock-ring was bent and one worker tried to get it into place by hitting it with a sledge hammer. The assembly disengaged at a pressure of approx. 600 kPa

• The man with sledge was killed from rim parts and discharged pressure when the rim assembly “exploded”

• The other man was killed when the 1175 kg tyre fell over him

Presumable reasons for the accident /Mr. Wallenius investigation

– Rim parts and grooves were not cleaned properly– Deformation of lock-ring was not found or they did not care– No use of tyre fitting lubricant– Tire inflated without distance filling– Rush

Lyks accident

• Tyre fitter inflated a used tire to check casing condition

• Tire bursted from cord break-up

• Tire fitter died instantly from head injury

Cord break up

Utmost care must be taken when inflating tyres

Truck tyre at a pressure 800 kPa

releases a chock-wave of 32 tons if it

explodes

Safety precautions

• Never use damaged rim and rim-parts • Use proper lubricant• If lock ring is displaced, deflate before

adjusting• Do not use force and never hammer on

inflated assemblies • Always use safety-cage when inflating• If no safety-cage is available, stand well away

and use distance filling

• Never sit or lean against a tyre while inflating• Always supervise the tyre during inflation

Safety precautions

Safety precautions

• Never inflate passenger and truck tyres over 300 kPa without safety-arrangements

• Never inflate Off the Road and agricultural tires over 150 kPa without safety arrangements

Training

• During 2003 Training for Finnish tire fitters has been given by:

Kumiteollisuus (Finnish rubber ind.)and Autorengasalan työalatoimikunta

(tyre dealers association)• 94 workers from 14 companies participated• Make sure that safety information is

followed !!!