Commercial tires with tubeless and multi-piece limbs are prone to explosion during inflation, making the simple act of changing tires a potentially life-threatening activity.
Tire inflation safety cages are designed to protect workers changing commercial tires from injury should the tire explode while being inflated, but only when used safely.
Here are the Top Ten Tips for maximizing the safety measures provided by tire inflation safety cages:
1. Make sure no part of your body is inside the inflation cage while the tire is being inflated.
2. When inflating the tire, stand at least 10 feet away and use an extension hose and clip-on chuck.
3. Never exceed the tire manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure.
4. Make sure the tire inflation safety cage is at least three feet away from other objects. It also shouldn’t be bolted to the floor because this prohibits the deformation of the bottom plate and prevents equal dissipation should an explosion occur.
5. When inflating a tire, always wear safety goggles.
6. Don’t inflate a commercial tire on a floor or near any other solid surface that is within one yard of the tire’s sidewall.
7. Once the tire has been inflated, inspect the rim and wheel components to ensure they are properly seated and locked.
8. If an adjustment needs to be made, you have to completely deflate the tire first by removing its valve core while the tire is still in the tire inflation safety cage
9. Don’t try to correct the seating of side flanges or lock rings by hammering or forcing the components while the tire is inflated.
10. Review all safety procedures with anybody working with tire inflation safety cages regularly.