Alert: Tire tread cutter safety
Workers who use tire tread cutting machines may be injured or killed while using these machines. Read this alert to learn more about the rules and regulations that may apply to using tire tread cutters.
Issued on December 7, 2017.
Hazard summary
Workers in industrial workplaces, such as recycling facilities, who must use a tire tread cutting machine may be injured or killed if the tire tread cutter is not guarded to prevent access to moving parts.
What you’re required to do by law
General duties
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to provide training to protect the health and safety of workers. It also requires that employers take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect their workers.
Machine guarding
Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments requires that machines that have an exposed moving part be guarded so workers cannot access moving parts which could injure them. In-running nip hazards or pinch points must be guarded. Guarding can be a cover, shield, gate or other protective device or equipment that prevents workers from contacting hazards such as moving parts of a machine.
Pre-start review
Regulation 851 may require a pre-start health and safety review if a safety device is added or changed. Section 7 of the regulation has a chart which lists the circumstances when a review is required subject to any exemptions. You can also use the Ministry of Labour’s Guidelines for Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews.
Long hair and jewelry
Workers with long hair must make sure their hair is confined (for example, by wearing a cap) so it cannot become entangled in the machine. They should not wear jewelry (including rings) or loose clothing around machines with moving parts, including tire tread cutting machines.
Related requirements
Other requirements related to working with tire tread cutting machines may include sections 7, 24, 25 and 83 of Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments.
Recommended precautions
Be sure to guard tire tread cutter machines to prevent access to moving parts which may be a danger to workers.
Contact us
If you need more information about safety requirements, please contact the Ministry of Labour Health & Safety Contact Centre at
This resource does not replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations, and should not be used as or considered legal advice. Health and safety inspectors apply the law based on the facts in the workplace.