As spring is under way, the farming and agricultural
industry is gearing up for another busy season. Field-work means vehicles and
tyres must be safely and properly inflated for meting heavy workloads and busy
schedules.
Wheel changing of large agricultural vehicles is not easy
and safety has to be paramount. In open uneven ground the situation can be even
more complicated. Tyres can explode if they are not inflated safely. Serious
accidents, including fatalities, have been caused by unsafe practices during
wheel and tyre changing and when inflating tyres.
The average size of wheels and tyres has increased
significantly, they are now heavier and therefore more difficult to hold and
manoeuvre than ever before. As a result changing tyres now creates a greater risk of
manual handling injuries.Whether the job is part of routine maintenance, or as a result of a puncture or tyre damage, tyre, wheel repair and replacement should only be tackled by competent staff.
Recovering or repairing wheels and tyres in the field for
tractors or larger agricultural vehicles brings new hazards and creates additional risks. It is safer to attempt the repair in a workshop
or use a specialist contractor. Doing this will keep you safe and save you time
and money.
Wherever you tackle repairs yourself safety is paramount. Factors
to consider may include:
- The impact of adverse weather conditions such as wind or rain
- Poor lighting, e.g. at dusk or during stormy weather
- Wet and soft ground conditions
- Safety when working at height
Your specialist contractor
will understand all of the safety issues for changing
tyres on farms and agricultural land and will have the specialist equipment to make changing and repairing your tyres safe and efficient. We always plan the job and use safe systems of work whether in our own workshop or in your field and farm yard.
