LSM Technologies wants to bring into focus the importance of Tyre Monitoring Systems and their TyreGuard for heavy vehicles within Australian industry and especially the crane sector.
LSM (life saving mitigation) Technologies market a complete range of Tyre Monitoring System (TMS) for any vehicle / machine with pneumatic tyres and Peter Woodford, Engineering Director and CEO explains how a robust TMS is a proven mitigation control that can both predict and prevent potentially catastrophic events occurring on all heavy vehicles- and specifically cranes.
“There are two types of cranes to be considered where tyres can suffer differing (and the same) modes of failure, these are larger mobile all terrain heavy lift cranes and articulated pick & carry cranes” said Woodford.
“Larger mobile all terrain cranes are used in stationary lifts and utilise outriggers for crane stability. Tyre failures are therefore usually related to traveling at higher speeds on open roads where the tyres can be subjected to pyrolysis resulting in wheel well fires, tyre explosions and blow outs.”
“Apart from external reasons such as an electrical hazards, (eg. overhead power lines, electrical storm strikes), the most common causes of pyrolysis are:
- Exceeding tyre specifications excessive speed and / or load.
- Under pressurisation.
- Overuse or locked brakes.
- A combination of both.
“Enormous amounts of energy can be released by a tyre explosion, often leading to significant equipment damage, serious injuries or fatalities, especially when travelling at high speeds,” said Woodford.
In 2018, the Tasmanian branch of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) released a crane safety bulletin relating to tyre fires, pyrolysis, explosions (Crane Safety Bulletin #235) warning of these dangerous conditions.
“Pick & carry cranes they can also suffer the same tyre failure as for larger mobile cranes when travelling at speed on the open road,” continued Woodford.
“However, where they differ is that pick & carry cranes do not use outriggers, they are articulated and also travel (carry) with the load. Consequently, crane stability is dependent solely on the crane’s suspension and tyres.”
“Recent accidents validate that ensuring correctly inflated tyres is not only critical before a lift (static position) but also during travel, especially with a load,” he said.
CICA (Crane Industry Council of Australia) Position Paper on articulated crane operator Requirements CICA-PA-0009-B (17/08/2015) recognises that corrected inflated tyres are critical for stabilisation / control for pick & carry cranes (articulated cranes).
“A robust and qualified TMSystem provides alarms relating to the condition of the crane tyres. These alarms can relate to the tyre being over or under pressure, high temperature, etc.” said Woodford.
LSM TyreGuard TMSystems are tested and certified to SAE j2848 & J1455 Standards and in Australia for Dangerous Goods (DG) Transport.
“LSM TyreGuard TMSystems have proven to be a robust technology for over 15 years here in Australia. They have been purpose built to function efficiently in the most extreme environmental and operational situations providing the highest levels of accuracy and reliability for crane tyres, cranes, and their operators,” said Woodford.
LSM TyreGuard In-Cab Display provides the operator with live tyre pressure and temperature information with the audio and visual alerts so as they can take immediate action.
“LSM FSM ®Fleet Safety (Tracking) Manager Telematics online system is capable of remote monitoring providing live online alerts, analysis and reporting fast accurate tyre management information, ensuring compliance,” said Woodford.
In recent years Industry regulators and workplace authorities have recognised that TMSystems are a critical safety mitigation control that saves injury and lives.
For example the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRM) released their updated Recognised Standard 13, Tyre, Wheel, and Rim Management November 2016 which states:
“TMSystems beneficial in keeping the tyre pressure within its stated pressure envelope. Some monitoring systems also include temperature monitoring of the tyre air chamber. The capability to inform the vehicle operator (by remote sensing) of a tyre pressure outside the envelope can ensure swift action to correct the situation or prevent tyre damage.
The DNRM Standard 13 also references The Coroner’s recommendation that industry investigate and implement remote or wireless tyre pressure sensing equipment to allow operators to measure tyre pressures from within the cabin.
The introduction of TM Systems to haulage fleet tyres on mine site vehicles was recommended by The Queensland Coroner following a fatality caused by a tyre explosion.
Also the Department of Mines & Petroleum also released their new Tyre Safety Guidelines – Tyre Monitoring Systems 10-Sep-15. Both of these Standards / Guidelines advocate the use of Tyre Monitoring Systems to monitor Tyre Pyrolysis (Fires, etc).
The Mines Safety Director stated, “There have been a number of fatalities in the mining industry directly related to not understanding or addressing the risks associated with such tyres. They are dangerous not only because of their size and mass, but also because of the pressures and combustible materials involved.”
“LSM TyreGuard TMSystems integration is also part of our LSM Sentinel® (pat.pend.) VSS Vehicle Safety System mitigation control portfolio. LSM Sentinel® is a unique set of other vehicle OH&S mitigation engineering controls, committed to providing greater safety and savings for our customers- not just for TMSystems.” Said Woodford.
“All too often, people are put in harms’ way as a result of tyre failure. With today’s technology this is completely avoidable,” he said.
For more information see LSM Technologies web site: lsm.com.au