1. OFF THE ROAD (OTR) TIRE OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
Dean Nichols
Jim Angel

2. DISCLAIMER
The information and recommendations contained in this presentation are to be considered for illustrative and general information purposes in recognizing and evaluating common off road tire out of service criteria only and should not be relied upon as being a comprehensive treatment on the subject. This presentation does not attempt to assess all of the facts and circumstances in evaluating off road tire out of service criteria, and inspectors must consider and evaluate all factors when making a determination whether a tire defect rises to the level of a hazard that would result in a finding that a violation exists at a mine.
The inspector should not cite to the manufacturer’s specs as reason for the citation.
The citation should rely on facts as seen by the inspector. The off road tire out of service criteria in the presentation cannot be referred to in any citation and any enforcement actions cannot be initiated by inspectors regarding tire safety based solely on this presentation.
This material should be used for training purposes only. It is not a compliance guide, but rather a collection of good practices from MSHA, NIOSH, and private sector sources

3. Running Tires to Destruction is Not Recommended
Its not a safe practice
Potential for loss of control of the vehicle
Potential for debris to injure personnel if tire ruptures
Tires with a damaged structural component (are) can create a safety hazard

4. Identifying the Structural Components of a Tire
The tire manufacturer, or their authorized representative, should be consulted since tires have different designs
Inspection of defects, such as determining the depth of cuts, on a pressurized tire can create a safety hazard- safely deflate the tire before inspection

5. Identifying the Structural Components of a Tire
Typically tires have non-structural impact/penetration belts between the tread and the tire’s structural belts
Tires with exposed impact/penetration belts should be scheduled for inspection and, if necessary, maintenance
Tires with exposed structural belts should be removed from service
The ply rating is a nominal strength rating and does not indicate the actual number of belts
Continental Tire considers a tire with any belt exposed no longer “viable”

6. Identifying the Structural Components of a Tire
Typically, tires have one structural belt in the sidewall area with a non-structural turn up of the belt in the bead area
Tires with exposed turn up wires should be scheduled for inspection and, if necessary, maintenance
Tires with exposed sidewall structural belt wires should be removed from service

7. RADIAL TIRE From SAE J2611 Draft Tread Shoulder Sidewall Belts Ply
Turn Up
Chafer
Bead Bundle
Air Chamber
From SAE J2611 Draft

8. Identify the Structural Components of a Tire
Damaged rims can damage tires
Rims with minor damage should be scheduled for maintenance, cracked rims or damaged lock rings should be immediately removed from service
Wheel driver keys are not considered structural components
Missing keys can allow the rim to slip, wear the o-ring, and cause the loss of air pressure, missing keys should be scheduled for maintenance

9. Damaged rim
Driver Key Insert

10. Structural Components of a Tire
Many defects in the tread and sidewall areas can be repaired
The tire manufacturer establishes the tire’s repair limits
Proper repair is essential to maintain the safety of the tire
Moving a tire with a structural defect to a inside rear axle position is an unsafe practice

11. Maintenance Training
Tire maintenance schedules and tire out-of-service criteria should be developed
Equipment operators should visually inspect tires during the pre-shift inspection and be trained to recognize hazardous tire defects
Maintenance personnel should be trained to safely and properly inspect and repair tires

12. Maintenance Training Society of Automotive Engineers:
Off Road Tire Conditions Removal Guidelines- Draft
Draft available for review, comments requested
Note- this document does not affect Agency policy

13. Typical Defects
Bulge : An area of separation packed with rubber that has migrated from an adjoining area of the separation.
Blister : A localized bubble on the surface of a tire.
Chipping : Flaking or tearing away small bits of tread rubber.
Chunking : Tearing or breaking away pieces of tread rubber.
Cracks : Splits or narrow breaks in rubber compounds not caused by a foreign object. Also known as a split.

14. Typical Defects
Cut : Damage made by sharp or jagged objects (e.g. rocks, rock fragments). Also known as a snag.
Exposed Cord : Belt/Breaker, ply (usually nylon or steel) or other reinforcement and steel chafer/bead area reinforcement that can be seen. Excludes fabric (usually nylon) chafer.
Puncture : Any penetration of a tire’s air chamber by a foreign object resulting in loss of air.
Separation : The parting of de-bonding of any adjacent parts of the tire (ply to ply, ply to rubber, etc.

30. Safety Awareness Program
Safety References Tire Safety is Just One Part of a Mine Haulage System Safety Program
MSHA’s Tire and Rim
Safety Awareness Program
MSHA’s Haul Road Inspection Handbook

31. Safety References
Truck Driver’s Safe Operating Procedures -
100-TON OR GREATER TRUCK PREOPERATION INSPECTION -
Design of Surface Mine Haulage Roads – A Manual, IC 8758 –

32. Safety References
Tire manufacturers, tire industry organizations, and machine manufacture’s tire safety and maintenance information
Many available sources- the following are provided as examples, no MSHA endorsement or determination of suitability is implied

33. Safety References
Tire Industry Association- OTR Tire Mount/Demount Training & Certificate Program-
Tire Retread Information Bureau-

34. Safety References
Goodyear-
Reference Goodyear’s “Cause and Prevention of Typical Earthmover Tire Failures”
Michelin-

35. Bridgestone - http://www.bfor.com/tire_management/index.asp
Safety References
Bridgestone -
Also see Bridgestone’s Tire Damage Checklist and Tire Management Software
Continental-

36. Safety References
Yokohama-
Rimex- Safety information and TyreSense
Fuller Brothers, Inc.- Tire Analysis System-
Arnco- Tire Flatproofing-

37. Safety References
Ten Do's and Don'ts of Tire Management Basic maintenance and care contributes to maximum tire performance, tire life, and operator safety.

38. Safety References
Tire Incentive Program Provides Savings for Phelps Dodge and Scholarships to Local Youth-