During your pre-shift inspection of a wheel loader on an Ontario construction site, you discover a 15 cm long crack in the inner sidewall of the front-left tire. The tire pressure gauge reads 610 kPa. What is your immediate course of action according to Ontario Regulation 213/91?

Question: During your pre-shift inspection of a wheel loader on an Ontario construction site, you discover a 15 cm long crack in the inner sidewall of the front-left tire. The tire pressure gauge reads 610 kPa. What is your immediate course of action according to Ontario Regulation 213/91?

Answer options: ✅ Tag out the wheel loader and report the defect to your supervisor immediately, ensuring it is not operated until repaired.

• Reduce the tire pressure to 450 kPa to decrease stress on the crack and continue operations, monitoring closely.
• Apply a temporary tire repair patch and continue operating, reporting the issue at the end of your shift.
• Inflate the tire to 690 kPa to seal the crack, then operate the loader cautiously for light duty tasks.

Correct answer: Tag out the wheel loader and report the defect to your supervisor immediately, ensuring it is not operated until repaired.

Explanation: Ontario Regulation 213/91, Construction Projects, Section 93(2) states that 'A mobile equipment shall not be used if any part of its braking system, steering system or tires is defective.' A 15 cm crack is a significant defect rendering the equipment unsafe for operation. The machine must be tagged out and reported.