Safety - Section 20 03/13 OM2032 Page 20-14 TIRES Refer to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), SAE J1337, Off-Road Rim Maintenance Procedures and Service Precautions, Section 4.2 for additional information on demounting the tires and rim assem- blies. Also, refer to Section 4.4 of SAE J1337 for assembly and inflation recommendations. Tire Maintenance If the proper tires are not used for the mine condi- tions, the tires may overheat and burst. Improper tire usage can also lead to cuts from sharp stones result- ing in bursting tires. This may lead to serious injury or damage. The U.S.
Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) addresses tire repairs in its Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations, 30 CFR 57.14104. To maintain tire safety, always adhere to the following conditions: Inflate the tires to the specified pressure. Abnormal heat is generated particularly when the inflation pressure is too low. Use the specified tires. DO NOT stand in front of a rim and locking ring when inflating a tire mounted on the machine. Observers must not be permitted in the area. The tire inflation pressure and permissible speeds are general values. The actual values may differ depending on the type of tire and operating condi- tions.
For details, please consult the tire manufac- turer. DO NOT weld or heat the rim assembly with the tire mounted on the rim. Resulting gases inside the tire may ignite, causing explosion of the tire and rim . When tires become hot, a flammable gas is produced inside the tire, and may ignite. It is particularly dan- gerous if the tires become overheated while the tires are pressurized. If the gas generated inside the tire ignites, the internal pressure will suddenly rise, and the tire will explode, resulting in danger to personnel in the area. Explosions differ from punctures or tire bursts because the destructive force is extremely high.
Therefore, the following actions are strictly pro- hibited when the tire is pressurized: Storing Tires After Removal As a basic rule, store the tires in a warehouse that unauthorized persons cannot enter. If the tires are stored outside, erect a barrier around the tires. Install a warning sign that young children can understand. Stand the tire on level ground. Block the tire securely so that it cannot roll or fall over. If the tire should fall over, flee the area quickly. Tires for mining equipment are extremely heavy. Never attempt to hold or support the tire. Attempting to hold or support a tire may lead to serious injury. Welding the rim Welding near the wheel or tire.
Smoking or creating open flames If the proper maintenance procedures are not used, the tire may burst and cause serious injury or dam- age. When performing tire/wheel maintenance, con- sult your authorized regional Komatsu distributor, or the tire manufacturer for questions regarding tire safety. Mounted tires stored as spares must be inflated to the minimum inflation pressure necessary to keep the tire beads properly seated. Maximum inflation pressure of the stored tire must, in no instance, exceed 15% of the tire’s cold inflation pressure.