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- August 21, 2025
Operating a tyre changing machine without adequate safety precautions can lead to serious injury or damage. This article highlights common hazards, protective measures and safety programmes to keep your shop safe.
Understanding hazard levels
Safety begins with recognising different hazard levels. Hazards associated with tyre changers range from damaged beads and rusty rims to mismatched tyres and wheels. A commonly referenced safety guide outlines three levels of hazard:
- Low hazard – issues such as loose clothing that can get caught in moving parts.
- Medium hazard – conditions like rusty or damaged wheels that require careful inspection.
- High hazard – critical risks like mismatched tyre and wheel diameters that can lead to catastrophic explosions.
Recognising these hazards and addressing them proactively reduces the likelihood of accidents.
Owner’s responsibilities
The responsibility for a safe work environment ultimately rests with the shop owner. Key measures include:
- Following installation instructions and complying with local and national codes.
- Conducting regular inspections to ensure equipment functions correctly.
- Training operators thoroughly on safe use.
- Using only authorised replacement parts.
- Keeping safety instructions and decals visible and accessible.
Protective equipment for operators
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is a key line of defence. Operators should wear durable clothing, leather gloves, steel‑toed shoes, eye protection, back belts and hearing protection. PPE works best when combined with safe operating practices.
The R.I.M. (Read, Inspect, Mount) safety programme
The R.I.M. programme offers a simple, memorable approach to tyre service safety:
- Read – Verify that the tyre size matches the rim. Mismatches can cause explosions.
- Inspect – Examine both the tyre and rim for damage such as rust, cracks or wear.
- Mount – Follow safe mounting procedures: never lean over the tyre during inflation, avoid inflating beyond 40 PSI if the bead does not seat, and deflate and re‑inspect if problems arise.
Common safety hazards
When using a tyre changer, be aware of these common hazards:
- Damaged beads – Stop and replace the tyre if the bead is damaged during mounting.
- Rusty wheels – Inspect wheels for rust, especially in the bead seat area.
- Mismatched tyres and wheels – Ensure diameters match exactly.
- Improper inflation – Follow manufacturer‑recommended pressures.
- Standing clear – Never stand over the tyre during inflation.
Bead sealing, seating and inflation
Proper bead sealing requires only 1–2 PSI of pressure. For bead seating, start with the long tapered side of the wheel and never exceed 40 PSI. Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, typically 24–45 PSI for passenger tyres.
For advice on safe inspections and upkeep, see our maintenance guide. To learn more about balancing and other related services, read our wheel changer guide. Browse our full catalogue of tyres changers if you need new equipment or upgrades.
