Health & Safety
We are committed to providing a safe working environment for employees and all others who interact with us and our products.
Health & Safety as a priority
We are committed to providing a safe working environment, products and policies that encourage a culture of accident prevention and safe working practices for employees, customers and suppliers.
THINK SAFE - WORK SAFE - BE SAFE
The health and safety of our employees and others who interact with us and our products remains a high priority. We are committed to providing a safe working environment that supports accident prevention and minimises exposure to health risks. Whether an employee, customer or supplier working with GKN Wheels we advise that you:
- Always follow the given safety instructions
- Always use the correct protective equipment and tools for the task at hand
- Help others be safe and work safely
For further information please contact us at marketing.wheels@gknwheels.com
Safety Procedures & Standards for Servicing Rims, Wheels and Tyres
Tyres, rims and wheel assemblies are safety-critical items that must be maintained and used correctly to prevent accidents and minimise exposure to health risks.
Tyres and rims require regular maintenance and service by trained and qualified professionals. There are numerous national, local and industry standards which provide instruction and advice on the correct procedures to follow.
The purpose of these web pages and the related links are to help you guard against risk and to ensure that you follow the correct guidelines to safe tyre service and maintenance. For specific advice please download the safety guidelines document and read in conjunction with the points below...
- Always deflate the tyre you are working on (and both tyres in a dual assembly) completely, before removing from the vehicle or machine or a tyre from a rim wheel. Unseen damage could cause the assembly to explode during removal while it is still inflated.
- All service and maintenance operations must be performed only by an appropriately trained and qualified person: they must follow the correct procedures, utilise the correct tools and equipment and take all the necessary safety precautions.
- Improper handling and assembly of off-highway rim wheels can cause serious or fatal accidents. Components can explode at any time when proper procedures have not been followed, including during:
- Mounting and remounting
- Inflation
- Installation and removal
- Other handling or operation
As a reminder, and for your safety ALWAYS remember these key points:
- Always deflate tyres before commencing any work.
- Never service any tyres, wheels or rims without appropriate training.
- Always use the recommended safety equipment and tools.
- Use a wheel cage or stand-off inflation device while inflating tyres.
- Undertake the appropriate training: never service any tyres, wheels or rims without appropriate training.
- Tyre servicing tools and equipment: always use the recommended safety equipment and tools.
- The importance of deflating tyres before commencing any work: Always deflate the tyre you are working on (and both tyres in a dual assembly) completely, before removing from the vehicle or machine or a tyre from a rim wheel. Unseen damage could cause the assembly to explode during removal whilst it is still inflated.
- A wheel cage or stand-off inflation device should be used to protect persons while inflating tyres.
WARNING - A reminder
Air pressure in an inflated off-highway tyre mounted on a wheel and rim creates explosive energy. This pressure can cause the tyre/rim component to burst apart with great force. This is true of both single piece and multi-piece assemblies. If an exploding tyre or rim component or the sudden release of air from a tyre strikes you, you could be seriously or fatally injured. To help avoid accidents please follow all correct procedures in accordance with the EUWA or OSHA Standards.
Please note: as quoted by EUWA and OSHA, that: “it is mandatory for safety reasons that, before starting to unbolt the tyre-wheel assembly from the vehicle axle, the tyre must be fully deflated”. In the case of a twin (dual) assembly, both tyres must be fully deflated.
For further information and support please contact us at marketing.wheels@gknwheels.com
For industry reference and guidance please follow the relevant links:
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