Tyre safety in the spotlight

Guideline open for public comment until 22 May
Date: Wednesday, 08 April 2015

Draft tyre safety guideline released by DMP’s Resources Safety Division 

A draft guideline concerning tyre safety for earth-moving machinery has been released for public comment by the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Resources Safety Division.

Mines Safety Director Andrew Chaplyn said the guidelines highlighted the risks of working with tyres off-the-road (OTR) in the mining industry.

“There have been a number of fatalities in the mining industry directly related to not understanding or addressing the risks associated with (OTR) tyres,” Mr Chaplyn said.

“They are dangerous not only because of the size and mass of these tyres, but also because of the pressures and combustible materials involved.”

Mr Chaplyn said the guideline describes the common hazards when working with tyres, rims, wheels and assemblies on heavy mining equipment.

“It provides guidance on safe systems of work in a mining environment, while allowing for flexibility in both process and documentation,” he said.

The guidelines are currently available on the department’s website and the public comment period closes at noon on Friday 22 May.