Interpretation ID: nht87-1.1

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 01/01/87 EST

FROM: S.L. LEPOSKY -- EQUIPMENT SUPPLY CO

TO: ALL DISTRIBUTORS AND SALESMEN.

TITLE: NON USE OF DUCK BILLED STEEL TIRE HAMMERS

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 02/11/88 FROM ERIKA Z JONES TO BETH WHITMAN; REDBOOK A31, STANDARD 110, 120; SA 19 AR STEELHAMMERS 2J; SA 29 STEELHAMMERS 2J; LETTER DATED 01/21/87 FROM S. L. LEPOSKY TO DISTRIBUTORS; LETTER DATED 07/09/87 FROM LEO CARE Y TO BETH WHITMAN

TEXT: We have just returned from the annual National Wheel & Rim Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. The tone of the meeting from Wheel & Rim Manufacturers was one of concern and rightly so. They have all reprinted and issued their new Rim & Tire Service Manuals ou t-lining and telling tire dealers, fleets, mining and construction users that they MUST NOT USE steel hammers to disassemble or assemble truck rim components. The practice still goes on and probably will until more people are injured and more lawsuits f iled.

For your convenience we have enclosed two pieces of instruction material produced by Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and National Highway, Traffic Safety & Health Administration (NHTSHA). Have your salesmen carry this with them and discuss it wit h your customers.

The logical alternative to the steel duck bill hammer is the "COMBI" Truck & Farm Tire Bead Breaker. If your people will talk about the regulations, your customers will soon start to buy the proper equipment to replace the hammer.

One of the best places to start is with local City, County, State and Federal service operations. They are very cognizant of the OSHA regulations.