Tires and wheels weigh on average, about 70 pounds which makes safe handling important to avoid sustaining multiple injuries. One of the most frequently handled parts of a vehicle is its tires and wheels. These guidelines will help prevent employee injury when handling tires.
- Always lift small – medium sized tires between the waist and the chest.
- Large tires should be handled in 1 of 4 ways:
- Between the waist and chest
- Just above the ground
- With the help of a fellow employee
- Using a mechanical device, such as a tire handling device or cart
- Tire rotations should be performed by two employees.
- Tire rotations can also be conducted with the assistance of mechanical tire handling devices or carts.
- Tires should never be carried in the service shop.
- Tires should be rolled when being transported in the shop.
- Carts or dollies should also be used if they are available to transport tires.
- Employees need take their time and not rush when performing a lifting.
- Employees will handle tires close to their bodies when handling tires.
- If tires are large, employees will test the weight of the tire before fully lifting it.
- Employees need to lift with their legs, not their back.
- Before handling tires, employees should dry their hands off if their hands are oily or slick.
- Tires should be lifted slowly and smoothly.
- When changing direction while transporting tires employees should turn their entire body.
- When changing directions, you should never twist.
- Never try to catch a tire if it begins to fall for any reason,
- Let it fall and stop moving before attempting to retrieve it.
