Tyre and Exhaust Fitting

INTRODUCTION

The HSE have published guidance in HS (G)62 'Health and safety in tyre and exhaust fitting premises', which covers all the main areas of work/activities in such premises. Most of the subjects involved are also covered in other elements within this Information System.

This element, therefore, is a very summarised account of HS (G)62 which employers are encouraged to obtain.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

1. STORAGE OF TYRES AND EXHAUSTS
Requirements include adequate lighting (avoidance of shadows); suitable and adequate racking; properly secured steps and ladders to reach upper levels of stock; storage of heavier items on lower racks; no protrusions into gangways; the possible need for mechanical lifting services to move stock to an upper or mezzanine floor (and associated precautions).

2. UNDER VEHICLE ACCESS

· Maintenance of equipment is essential; training (and authorisation) of personnel to carry out particular activities will be needed.
· Ramps - safety is secured via their intrinsic strength and by observing procedures such as careful manoeuvring of vehicles and braking/chocking of wheels.
· Jacks - should be used for lifting only prior to inserting stands or props etc. underneath the vehicle;

· Vehicle lifts - most common type is the 4 post runway. Safety features include: by a competent person; hold-to-run controls.

3. TYRE SERVICING

· Main hazards arise from the violent separation of the component parts of the wheel or air blast from ruptured or burst tyres.
· Established safe working procedures should be part of induction/refresher training and form the basic standard for monitoring/supervision of operatives.

4. TYRE SERVICING EQUIPMENT

· Bead breakers: the potential trapping hazard is addressed by careful location of the machine (away from distractions, thoroughfares, etc.) and full training.
· Wheel balancing machines: hazards include the ejection of loose objects and trapping by entanglement in rotating parts.

5. OTHER SAFETY ISSUES

Guidance on the following subject can be found elsewhere in this Information System and, specifically, in HS(G)62.

· Abrasive Wheels
· COSHH
· Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare (heating, lighting, ventilation, exhaust fumes, sanitary accommodation; washing and welfare facilities; housekeeping and safe access; public access)
· Accident Reporting
· Information, instruction and training for staff.
· Electrical safety
· Battery charging
· Welding and flame-cutting equipment
· Fuel tanks and lines
· On the road

CHECKLIST - TYRE AND EXHAUST FITTING

1. Have you carried out risk assessments for all hazardous activities

at your premises? - YES / NO
2. Have you identified, and assessed your compliance with, necessary

measures to control identified risks? - YES / NO
3. Do you inform, instruct and train your employees on relevant

matters of health and safety and do you log/record such training? - YES / NO
4. Have you established, implemented and monitored safe working practices (identified as control measures as above) for your activities, including:

· Storage of tyres and exhausts? - YES / NO
· Under vehicle access? - YES / NO
· Tyre servicing and associated equipment? - YES / NO
· Other activities outlined in this element ? - YES / NO

REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS

1.HS (G)62 - Health and Safety in Tyre and Exhaust Fitting Premises 

2. Free leaflet 'Recommendations for dealing with roadside breakdowns' available from The National Tyre Distributors' Association, Suite B, 1st Floor, Elsinore House, Buckingham

Street, Aylesbury. HP20 2NQ Tel: (01296) 395933. Website:

3. HSE Books:

4.HSE website:

5. Hot work on vehicle tyres

6. Tread safely indg 380

7. ROSPA tyre safety information:-

or e-mail ehs@gosport.gov.uk any time