Warning issued after farmer killed while inflating a tyre

The South Australian coroner has issued a warning to the public following the death of a man on a farming property while he was inflating a tyre.

David Whittle says split rim or multi-piece rimmed tyres can explode - causing serious injuries or death – when being inflated without proper precaution.

Safework SA says the incidents happen every year, prompting a reminder to those inflating tyres of the risks when doing so.

Split rims are commonly found on forklifts, earth-moving machinery and wheelbarrows.

They're also used in heavy vehicles, like trucks and buses and are different from regular wheels found on most cars because the rim is made up of multiple parts held together by bolts or a lock ring.

Advice on how to stay safe includes deflating tyres before removing them, checking for any signs of damage, having a safety cage, and using a long air hose, so you can stand well clear when inflating. 

The family of the man killed did not want an inquest into his death, instead, pleading with others to take extra care.