Truck Tire Installation and Maintenance

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work procedure outlines the guidelines for the safe installation and maintenance of tires on trucks, including inspection, inflation, and replacement. It applies to all personnel involved in these tasks and aims to prevent injuries and ensure regulatory compliance.

2. Definitions

PSI Pounds per square inch, a unit of pressure. Clip-on Chuck A device used to attach an air hose to a tire valve for inflation, designed to clip onto the valve securely. [1]

Restraining Device A safety cage or other structure used to contain a tire and wheel assembly during inflation, minimizing the risk of injury in case of a tire explosion. [1]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent to perform tire installation and maintenance tasks.
• Provide the necessary tools and equipment in good working order.
• Enforce the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensure that pre-work inspections are conducted.

3.2 Workers

• Follow all safe work procedures and instructions.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Conduct pre-work inspections of tools and equipment.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of safe work procedures.
• Participate in safety inspections and audits.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The correct PPE must be worn at all times.

• Safety Glasses: ANSI-approved safety glasses with side shields to protect eyes from flying debris.
• Gloves: Heavy-duty work gloves to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.
• Steel-toed Boots: Safety boots with steel toe protection to prevent foot injuries from falling objects.
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect hearing in noisy environments.
• Apron: Wear an apron to protect clothing from battery acid.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and store PPE properly.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be inspected before use.

• Tire Inflation Cage: A safety cage designed to contain a tire and wheel assembly during inflation, minimizing the risk of injury in case of a tire explosion.
• Clip-on Chuck with In-line Gauge: Used for safe and accurate tire inflation, ensuring the operator can maintain a safe distance during inflation. [1]
• Tire Iron/Wrench: Used to loosen and tighten lug nuts during tire removal and installation. Ensure the wrench is the correct size for the lug nuts.
• Torque Wrench: Used to tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque to ensure proper wheel attachment.

Inspect all tools and equipment before each use. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All personnel must be trained and competent in tire installation and maintenance procedures. Training records must be maintained.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the task, hazards, and control measures. Ensure all personnel understand the procedure.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Ensure the work area is clean, well-lit, and free of obstructions.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Pre-Work Inspection: Inspect the tire for any signs of damage (cuts, bulges, or uneven wear). Check the rim for cracks or deformities. Ensure all tools and equipment are in good working order.
2. Vehicle Preparation: Park the vehicle on a level surface. Engage the parking brake. Use wheel chocks to prevent movement.
3. Tire Removal: Loosen the lug nuts with a tire iron. Use a jack to lift the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts completely and remove the tire.
4. Tire Mounting: Clean the rim and tire bead. Apply lubricant to the tire bead. Mount the tire onto the rim using a tire mounting machine or appropriate tools.
5. Tire Inflation: Place the tire and wheel assembly inside the inflation cage. Connect the clip-on chuck to the valve stem. Inflate the tire to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, using an in-line gauge to monitor the pressure. [1]
6. Wheel Installation: Mount the wheel onto the vehicle hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack.
7. Torqueing Lug Nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque in a star pattern.
8. Post-Installation Check: Re-check the lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain properly torqued.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Always use a clip-on chuck with a minimum 24-inch length hose to an in-line foot or hand valve and gauge during tire inflation. [1]
• Ensure the tire inflation control valves automatically shut off the air flow when the valve is released or are of the preset regulator type. [1]
• Provide specific employee instruction to ensure the employee makes the correct tire to rim size match prior to inflating the tire. [1]
• Do not inflate tires to more than the inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer. [1]
• Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer, do not inflate tires beyond a maximum of 40 psi to seat the beads. [1]
• Inspect tire beads for proper seating at intervals not to exceed 20 psi during inflation. [1]
• Completely deflate tires not properly seated at 40 psi (or the manufacturer's maximum recommended psi) before adjusting tire, rim, or wheel components. [1]
• Use a restraining device when seating the beads, except as permitted in Section 3326. [1]
• Do not try to install, remove, charge or service your truck battery unless you are trained and authorized. [6]
• Never smoke or use an open flame around batteries. [6]
• Your company should provide an area where it is safe to work on batteries. Use that area for all battery work. [6]
• Use protective equipment such as gloves, eye shields, aprons etc. [6]
• Make certain you use the correct size and weight battery. Never operate a truck that has an underweight or undersized battery installed. [4]
• Never let anything metal touch the top of the cells. You could cause sparks or do damage to the battery. Use an insulator (such as plywood) when necessary. [4]
• Use an approved spreader bar to place a battery in, or remove it from, the battery compartment. Make sure you adjust the spreader bar hooks to fit the battery. [4]
• Replace the battery retainers. Make certain the retainers on both sides of the truck are in place. [3]
• Connect the battery. Turn the truck ON and check truck operation. [4]
• Be sure the coast selector is off and the brake is on before removing or installing a battery. [5]
• Check for missing lug nuts. Remove debris from the tire tread. Do not operate the truck if the tires are damaged. [2]
• Check the tire pressure. Do not add air if the tire pressure is low. Report the problem to your supervisor. [2]
• Batteries produce explosive gas. Do not smoke, use open flame, or create an arc or sparks near this battery. Ventilate well in enclosed areas and when charging. [7]
• Batteries contain Sulfuric Acid which causes severe burns. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or clothing. In case of contact, flush immediately. Get medical attention if your eyes are affected. [7]
• Make certain the charger is the same voltage and amperage as your battery. [7]
• Be sure the charger is turned OFF before connecting the battery to the charger. Otherwise you might create a spark which could cause the battery to explode. [7]
• Only Crown approved power sources are permitted to be used in your truck. Only authorized service personnel are permitted to modify the power source installed in your truck. [8]
• Follow the manufacturer's specification and instructions when handling power sources. [8]
• Your company should provide an area that is safe to work on power sources. Use that area for all power source work and charging. [8]
• Do not charge or refuel a power source unless you are trained and authorized. [8]
• Do not remove or install a power source unless you are trained and authorized. [8]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a tire explosion, evacuate the area immediately and ensure that all personnel are accounted for.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Tire Explosion: Evacuate the immediate area. Check for injuries and provide first aid. Report the incident to the supervisor.
• Chemical Spill: Contain the spill using absorbent materials. Wear appropriate PPE. Report the spill to the supervisor and follow the SDS guidelines.
• Fire: Activate the nearest fire alarm. Evacuate the area. Use a fire extinguisher if safe to do so. Call emergency services.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A written report must be submitted within 24 hours.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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