THE ERGONOMICS OF SEASONAL TIRE CHANGING
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310-BYA-01-IGDO © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
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Seasonal Tire Change Ergonomic Considerations
Storage
Handling tires to and from storage may be
performed hundreds of times weekly. Improper
storage could place workers in postures that
could increase the risk of MSDs. Add time
pressures, heavy tires, fatigue, and long hours,
and the risk increases. Even though a technician
may take care to lift correctly, handling a high
volume of tires can take its toll and lead to an
increased risk of MSDs simply due to the tire's
location.
Some shops store tires onsite and may be on
racking in a mezzanine, or a sea-can located on
the premises.
When handling tires to and from racking, consider the following:
Store tires with rims on the lower level whenever possible so you can push or roll them onto the
floor or rack, eliminating the need for lifting. Place tires without rims on the middle and upper
shelves.
If you are storing tires onsite for sale, consider storing specialty or low-demand tires on the higher
shelves and high-demand tires on the lower and middle shelves. Consider this storage solution for
rims if they are stored onsite.
If lifting or lowering tires from the middle or high shelf, consider a two-stage lift/lower if space
allows. Position a utility cart with an upper shelf height between 91 and 112 cm. Lift/lower the tire to
the cart, reposition yourself, and continue the lift/lower. Consider using a second person to assist in
lowering or lifting heavy tires to the top level.
If lowering tires from the upper shelves with rims, ensure you position yourself in front of the tire.
Roll the tire over the outside bar of the rack. Keep both hands on the tire, ensure you are close to the
tire, and keep your hands close to you. Roll the tire slowly as it clears the top of the outside bar, and
push against it to stabilize the tire. Readjust if necessary and lower the tire to a cart or the ground.
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