12:00 am, Wednesday 26 September, 2007

Source: Worksafe Vic

Using air compressors to inflate small tyres could lead to serious injuries, WorkSafe has warned.

A 27-year-old Warrnambool man last week lost an eye and suffered a head injury after a new wheel-barrow wheel exploded as he inflated it using a compressor at a local business.

He was flown to the Alfred Hospital.

The wheel-barrow wheel was made up of two rim halves which were bolted together. It is thought one of the rim-halves may have hit the man in the head as the tube exploded.

A 73-year-old man died in Melbourne in November 1997 when a wheel-barrow tyre exploded and hit him in the chest as he inflated it at a Melbourne service station.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said these incidents should not be dismissed as ‘freak ‘accidents’.

“Wheel-barrow wheels are typically sold as a complete unit and should be inflated using a hand pump.

“Compressors in workshops or at service stations are designed to inflate car and truck tyres, or operate a piece of equipment. They should be used for the purpose intended.

Recognising the dangers of compressed air explosions, professional car and truck tyre fitters often have access to cages in which tyres are inflated.

WorkSafe’s investigation into last week’s incident is at an early stage. Inspectors have visited the incident scene and the business which sold the wheel.

WorkSafe recommends:

• using a foot pump rather than compressed air to inflate wheelbarrow or similar tyres;

• only inflating tyres to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer;

• when replacing a wheel assembly use the replacement recommended by the manufacturer;

• only inflating wheelbarrow tyres when installed on the wheelbarrow as the frame may provide some protection;

• not inflating tyres on wheels with damaged or rusted rims;

• maintaining compressors and pressure gauges as recommended by the manufacturer(s).

Special note for service station owners and operators:

• Restricting the air pressure at the service station forecourt would help reduce the likelihood of similar accidents. This can be achieved by installing a regulator (plus a safety valve which will vent to atmosphere in the event of failure of the regulator) in the air line.

• Restriction can also be achieved by using automatic tyre inflation equipment. For this type of equipment, the tyre pressure is entered on a display screen and the tyre is automatically inflated to the pressure selected.

• Information signs should be placed at all air points on the forecourt. These signs should give guidance on how to safely inflate tyres. The signs should also warn customers about tyres, or tyre conditions that may represent higher than normal risk.

OHS NEWS TIP – Air Compressor Safe Work Procedure

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