The latest Global Alert outlines a tragic fatal incident overseas where a contract tyre fitter died when he was struck by the metal retaining ring on a wheeled loader tyre, which he was replacing.
You can read the Safety Alert on the UK News download page: here
Stored pneumatic energy can make tyre fitting particularly hazardous and it is essential robust controls are in place, including:
- Competency: Confirm all personnel have up-to-date training experience and are authorised to perform the work.
- Safe System of Work (SSOW): Ensure tasks are performed according to established safety protocols and documented SSOW.
- Induction and Permit to Work: Induct all personnel and issue a Permit to Work, ensuring documented controls and supervision are in place before starting any task and those involved understand the SSOW.
- Tools and Equipment: Regularly check valves and other components for damage. Utilise tyre cages as appropriate and suitable tools to safely manage tyre pressure and removal.
- Line of Fire: Use equipment that allows you to stand at least two metres away from potential danger zones during inflation and deflation processes.
A small working party has been to gather current good practices from across our global operations and key external sources, with a view to sharing further guidance on this topic. It is intended the guidance should focus on tyre removal/replacement (to help identify if the trained experts are using the correct controls) and tyre inflation.
In the meantime, further relevant materials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are available here:
Tyre removal, replacement and inflation
Please review the Alert with your teams, using it as an opportunity to review current practices where tyre removal, replacement and inflation is carried out, taking action where any shortfalls are identified.
Please also display the Alert on relevant noticeboards.
Cemex Global Protocols require all Fatal Alerts to be communicated and managers to capture the signature of employees and contractors to confirm they have received and understood the information and the control measures they need to adopt. In addition, operations are invited to observe a one-minute silence in memory of the deceased at the time of discussing a Fatal Incident Safety Alert.
Before starting any new task always STOP, THINK…& CHECK it is safe, and always STEP IN if you see anything unsafe.
Look after yourself and each other.
Health and Safety information and resources can be found at the following location https://cemex.sharepoint.com/sites/UKHealthandSafety