MSHA reported that on June 14, one firefighter died, and another was injured at Robar Enterprises Inc., Los Angeles, when a front-end loader tire exploded while firefighters fought an equipment fire.
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident.
In the event of a possible or actual fire (e.g., odor, heat, smoke, flames):
- Stop the machine, lower all attachments, set the parking brake, and turn the equipment off.
- Actuate the machine-mounted fire suppression system, if available.
- Safely exit the machine and retreat to a safe location, preferably 1,000 feet away.
- Warn all others in the vicinity of the fire, notify management, and contact appropriate emergency personnel.
- Do not attempt to extinguish a tire fire with a hand-held extinguisher.
- Wait for emergency responders to arrive. Stay clear of the fire.
- From a distance, emergency personnel can use a fire or water truck to cool down the equipment. (See SAE J2828NOV2016 – Off-Road Tire Handling Guidelines.)