1910.177(f): Safe Procedure for Servicing Multi-Piece Rim Wheels
Employers must set up a safe operating procedure for servicing multi-piece rim wheels and make sure workers are taught it and follow it. The procedure must cover steps such as fully deflating tires by removing the valve core, using rubber lubricant on bead and rim surfaces, inflating in a restraining device, staying out of the trajectory, and inspecting components after inflation.
Key takeaways
- 1910.177(f) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $71,363 in current penalties.
- Most citations: ME (2), MT (2), AR (1).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.177(f) ("Safe operating procedure—multi-piece rim wheels") is one requirement inside 1910.177 Servicing multi-piece and single piece rim wheels, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 13 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(f) Safe operating procedure—multi-piece rim wheels. The employer shall establish a safe operating procedure for servicing multi-piece rim wheels and shall assure that employees are instructed in and follow that procedure. The procedure shall include at least the following elements: 10 citations
(1) Tires shall be completely deflated before demounting by removal of the valve core.
(2) Tires shall be completely deflated by removing the valve core before a rim wheel is removed from the axle in either of the following situations:
(i) When the tire has been driven underinflated at 80% or less of its recommended pressure, or
(ii) When there is obvious or suspected damage to the tire or wheel components.
(3) Rubber lubricant shall be applied to bead and rim mating surfaces during assembly of the wheel and inflation of the tire, unless the tire or wheel manufacturer recommends against it.
(4) If a tire on a vehicle is underinflated but has more than 80% of the recommended pressure, the tire may be inflated while the rim wheel is on the vehicle provided remote control inflation equipment is used, and no employees remain in the trajectory during inflation.
(5) Tires shall be inflated outside a restraining device only to a pressure sufficient to force the tire bead onto the rim ledge and create an airtight seal with the tire and bead. 3 citations
(6) Whenever a rim wheel is in a restraining device the employee shall not rest or lean any part of his body or equipment on or against the restraining device.
(7) After tire inflation, the tire and wheel components shall be inspected while still within the restraining device to make sure that they are properly seated and locked. If further adjustment to the tire or wheel components is necessary, the tire shall be deflated by removal of the valve core before the adjustment is made.
(8) No attempt shall be made to correct the seating of side and lock rings by hammering, striking or forcing the components while the tire is pressurized. 1 citations
(9) Cracked, broken, bent or otherwise damaged rim components shall not be reworked, welded, brazed, or otherwise heated.
(10) Whenever multi-piece rim wheels are being handled, employees shall stay out of the trajectory unless the employer can demonstrate that performance of the servicing makes the employee's presence in the trajectory necessary. 3 citations
(11) No heat shall be applied to a multi-piece wheel or wheel component. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.177.
Export the list: 8 inspections cited 1910.177(f) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: ME (2), MT (2), AR (1), FL (1), IN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HANSCOM CONSTRUCTION, INC. | MARSHFIELD, ME | $23,170 |
| THE TIRE GUYS, INC. | LEWISTOWN, MT | $16,550 |
| ATL HOLDINGS LLP | BLYTHEVILLE, AR | $16,131 |
| EARL W. COLVARD, INC. | JACKSONVILLE, FL | $8,500 |
| TIREWORKS, INC. | TEXICO, NM | $6,622 |
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Frequently asked questions
Does the employer need a written step-by-step procedure for multi-piece rim wheels?
Yes. The employer must establish a safe operating procedure for servicing multi-piece rim wheels and make sure employees are instructed in it and follow it.
When must a tire be fully deflated before the rim wheel comes off the axle?
When the tire has been driven underinflated at 80% or less of its recommended pressure, or when there is obvious or suspected damage to the tire or wheel components. Deflate it by removing the valve core.
Can I lean on the restraining device while a wheel is in it?
No. Whenever a rim wheel is in a restraining device, you must not rest or lean any part of your body or equipment on or against it.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.177 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.