During a pre-operational walkaround inspection of a wheel loader on an Ontario construction site, you notice a 5 cm section of exposed tire cord on the sidewall of the front right tire. According to typical site safety protocols and manufacturer recommendations, what action should you take?

Question: During a pre-operational walkaround inspection of a wheel loader on an Ontario construction site, you notice a 5 cm section of exposed tire cord on the sidewall of the front right tire. According to typical site safety protocols and manufacturer recommendations, what action should you take?

Answer options: ✅ Immediately red-tag the machine and inform your supervisor, as the tire requires replacement.

• Monitor the damage closely throughout the shift, as it's minor and unlikely to cause immediate failure.
• Apply a temporary patch to the exposed cord and continue with operations, scheduling a repair for later.
• Reduce tire pressure to mitigate further damage and use the loader for light-duty tasks only.

Correct answer: Immediately red-tag the machine and inform your supervisor, as the tire requires replacement.

Explanation: Exposed tire cord indicates significant structural damage, making the tire unsafe for operation and prone to catastrophic failure. Section 93(1) of O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects) requires equipment to be maintained in good condition. Such damage necessitates immediate removal from service and replacement.