THE ERGONOMICS OF ROADSIDE TIRE CHANGE
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310-BSU-01-IGDO © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Lifting Tires In and Out of Vehicle
Standard passenger vehicle tires with rims can
weigh up to 28 kg, and up to 46 kg for small trucks
and SUVs. Lifting this much weight unaided can
cause excessive strain on the back and shoulders.
When lifting try to:
Put your body as close to the tire as possible
Try not to reach for the far side of the tire.
Grab the part of the tire closest to you
Engage the core and pull the tire towards you
Use the edge of the trunk as a fulcrum and
push down on the tire to get it to stand up,
making it easier to lift
Loosening and Tightening Lug Nuts
Before removing tires, it is essential to loosen the lug nuts. When removing lug nuts, using a pneumatic
or electric wrench is recommended to make the process easier. If neither tool is available, a breaker bar
can be used, but caution should be taken to avoid applying excessive pressure, which could bend the
wheel stud.
Lug nuts should always be tightened with a torque
wrench, applying downward pressure with one
hand while keeping your back's natural curve -
being careful not to twist or bend awkwardly.
If kneeling, use a cushioned pad to protect your
knees from the hard ground. While you may
not think you need this to change one tire, think
about how often your knees will be on the ground
throughout the day.
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