Have your Tyre Inflation Cages been designed and installed to actually do their job?
Tyre Inflation Cages are used when inflating light vehicle tyres and highway type truck tyres with rim diameters less than 24 inches. Designed to mitigate the risk of flying objects following a tyre bursting or split rim separation during inflation, many Tyre Inflation Cages have recently been identified as manufactured and purchased without comprehensive instructions for their installation, operation, inspection or maintenance. As can be seen in the above video from Branick Industries, correctly managing this equipment is essential for site and personnel safety.
If the Tyre Inflation Cage has not been engineer designed, installed correctly and third party tested it will most likely not be providing your site and personnel with the protection required in the event of a catastrophic failure.
On the 24th July 2015 the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) issued Mines Safety Bulletin No. 122 identifying the potential hazards resulting in the incorrect installation/restraining of the cage structure as well as a list of recommendations for the safe inflation and deflation of tyres.
Although there are no Australian or International Standards for the design, manufacture and testing of tyre inflation cages, the DEMIRS have given their recommendations for site safety including:
- Using fit for purpose and engineer-certified Tyre Inflation Cages;
- Ensuring competent persons install, operate, inspect and maintain equipment; and,
- Consulting with designers or manufacturers before bolting the cages to concrete floors or surrounds.
RLM-201 Certified Tyre Safety Cage from RLM Industries
If you’re concerned about your site’s duty of care responsibilities in regards to Tyre Inflation Cages, consider the steps identified in the bulletin and the engagement of further consultation. As a leader in plant inspection services including Non-Destructive Testing AME can:
- Carry out a detailed inspection on the correct installation of your tyre inflation cage in accordance with the manufacturer.
- Ensure compliance with AS/NZS 1252:1996 – high strength steel bolts, nuts and washers for structural engineering; and,
- Perform Non Destructive Testing on the tyre cage for any weld and/or structural defects.
When performing high risk work with potentially catastrophic consequences, it is essential that the equipment used to mitigate risk is reliable and installed correctly to pursue your duty of care and the safety of all site personnel.
To discuss this issue further with one of our engineers, call AME now on +61 8 9466 7444 or email us and one of our staff will be in touch.
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