Tires - Flat Tire Inflators That Contain Hazardous Gases

91bmw04

Group 36 Tires and Wheels


Bulletin Number 36 01 91 (3224)


Woodcliff Lake, NJ April 1991 Service Engineering


SUBJECT: Flat Tire Inflators

MODELS: All

Situation: Some brands of emergency flat tire inflators contain propane and/or isobutane as a propenant and inflating agent. The presence of these gases can present a hazard to a technician dismounting a tire.

Whenever a tire on a customer's vehicle is being dismounted, and it cannot be determined whether a flat tire inflator has been used, the tire should be considered to contain these hazardous gases.

Deflate the tire in a well ventilated area, away from any open flames, sparks, or other ignition sources. Inflate and deflate the tire several times to purge as much residual gas from the tire as possible.

Once the tire has been purged, it may be dismounted in the normal manner, but reasonable care should be taken to prevent any unnecessary sparks or ignition sources in the work area.