Trends 2402

Editor: Adam Moffatt President: Charley Kriksic

President’s Message

Charley Kriksic

President’s

OTDA

Please take note to use the correct address as listed below Main Office

Oakwood Drive Port Dover, Ont N0A 1N4

P: 289-887-4046

E: amoffatt@otda.com W: www.otda.com

Billing Office

Ontario Tire Dealers Association 5-4104 Fairview St. Suite 312 Burlington, ON L7L 4Y8

Printer

Barney Printing 1001 Dundas St. Woodstock, Ont N4S 1H5

P: 519-537-5596 1-866-534-0004 F: 519-537-8209

E: info@barneyprinting.com W: www.barneyprinting.com

“YOUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR NUMBERS”

The OTDA is recognized by industry and government as the representative body of the Independent Tire Dealers of Ontario. New

President

HoistsMaintenanceTips:

TirePressureMonitoringSystems(TPMS)

MaintenanceTips forVehicleLiftingDevices

Although not mandatory in Canada, tire dealers should still feel an obligation to their customers to ensure TPMS systems are in working order before they leave the shop.

In the fast-paced environment of a tire shop, the proper maintenance of vehicle lifting devices is paramount for ensuring efficiency, safety and equipment life.

Here are some maintenance tips to keep your hoists and floor jacks in top condition and reduce the risk of accidents:

Sometimes, this is easier said than done, especially if the customer refuses to have the work completed or if you don’t have a properly trained tire technician who understands TPMS.

For shops not currently offering TPMS service work, this is an untapped revenue stream that should be considered. It still boggles my mind that a tire shop would send a customer to a competitor's location to perform TPMS service! In any event, a tire shop and technicians need to have access to current and up-to-date equipment, understand TPMS installation, and be trained on how to properly program sensors, systems and run diagnostics.

1. Conduct Regular Inspections: Inspect hoists for signs of wear and tear, including damaged cables, hydraulic leaks, and worn-out components. Address any issues promptly to prevent equipment failure.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts: Keep hoists well-lubricated to ensure smooth operation and reduce friction.

3. Test Safety Features: Regularly test the safety features of hoists, such as overload protection and emergency stop mechanisms.

4. Schedule Regular Inspections: Consider scheduling annual or biannual inspections by qualified technicians to assess the overall condition of hoists and identify any potential safety hazards.

FloorJacksMaintenanceTips:

1. Check Hydraulic Fluid Levels: Monitor the hydraulic fluid levels in floor jacks and top up as needed. Low fluid levels can affect the lifting capacity and performance of the jack.

The OTDA lead Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Level 300 training course has 4 modules and hands-on training specifically covering TPMS.

2. Inspect Seals and Valves: Check seals and valves for signs of leaks or damage. Replace any faulty components to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage and maintain proper pressure.

3. Verify Lifting Mechanism: Regularly inspect the lifting mechanism of floor jacks to ensure smooth operation—Lubricate pivot points and moving parts to prevent corrosion and ensure functionality.

Technicians can expect to learn basic TPMS knowledge, system identification, system and sensor programming, system re-learn techniques and TPMS troubleshooting.

4. Store Properly: Store floor jacks in a clean and dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and moisture. Proper storage helps prolong the jack's lifespan and prevents rust and corrosion.

Not sure if your techs need training, ask them one simple question. “How many functions does the TPMS dash light have, and what are they?” If they didn’t know there are 2 functions, the telltale and malfunction indicator lamp, it might be time for a TPMS re-fresher.

By following a maintenance schedule, tire shops can help to ensure the safe and reliable operation of vehicle lifting devices and get the maximum life out of your expense investments.

Since tire dealers are expected to have a higher level of tire expertise than the average consumer, it is important that we ensure our staff is not only trained, but fully understands the requirements of today's cars, trucks and equipment.

Safety should always be the top priority in tire shop operations, and regular maintenance plays a crucial role in upholding that commitment.

ATS TRAINING SCHEDULE

AUTOMOTIVE TIRE SERVICE (ATS) TRAINING

Certified Automotive Tire Service (ATS) is a 300-level certification program that provides in-depth and comprehensive instruction on the recommended procedures for servicing modern automobile and light truck tires.

Certified ATS is designed for professional passenger and light truck tire technicians, so the subjects range from the relationship between torque and clamping force to the TPMS relearn procedures on domestic and import vehicles.

• TIA Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Manual

• TIA Certified ATS Technician Certificate

• 13 TIA Certified ATS Technician Uniform Patches

Certification is valid for two years, at which time you will receive notification from the OTDA and TIA that it is time to recertify. The Recertification Exam is available online, allowing for easy access anytime and anywhere within the window of availability. Dates August 28 - 30 -

What is

• air temperature

• humidity

• radiant heat

Heat stress is a condition that can take many forms, depending on the severity of external and internal factors and, of course, the condition of the individual. The heating and cooling balance in the body depends on:

• physical activity

• cooling (by the evaporation of sweat)

• body adjustments (acclimatization)

Heat stress is an issue in many workplaces all year round. Heat stress not only affects employees working outdoors, but also those who are exposed to radiant heat or who come in direct physical contact with hot equipment as part of

What the Law Says

Employers have a duty under Section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the worker. This includes developing policies and procedures to protect workers who have direct physical contact with hot equipment, are exposed to radiant heat sources, or are working in hot weather.

For compliance purposes, the Ministry of Labour recommends the current threshold limit value for heat stress and heat strain (published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). These values are based on preventing unacclimatized workers' core temperatures from rising above 38ºC.

What You Can Do

There are many ways you, as an employer, can take measures to ensure that your staff is healthy and safe from heat stress, including:

• Make staff aware of the hazard of heat stress and provide the necessary training on first aid reporting, emergency response, medical monitoring, etc

• Design work to allow for adequate rest and hydration breaks

• Conduct regular inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure that the necessary controls to prevent an incident are in place

• Investigate heat stress incidents that occur in the workplace

• Provide necessary protective equipment and clothing

RESPONSIBLE. RELIABLE. FAIR.

Used tire collection sites operate throughout Ontario and are part of an important collection network within the recycling system. This includes tire shops, repair shops, tire and automobile dealers; any business, or organization that handles used tires.

We want to thank collection sites for ensuring that every used tire is collected for recycling, and for following Ontario’s tire recycling regulation requirements. This includes accepting used tire drop offs from the public, at no charge, including tires on rims.

If you’re a collection site that wants to enroll with us, please visit us at etracks.ca

If you’re an existing eTracks collection site, and need to 昀nd a new hauler, please contact us at info@etracks.ca and we’ll 昀nd one for you.

Our goal at eTracks is simple, to actually make the system better for everyone who uses it – from collection sites, to producers, to consumers.

Do You Have Employees That Drive For Work?

related to driving a vehicle or operating equipment. Alcohol and cannabis use are the obvious things to look out for when it comes to impaired driving. However, fatigue is a significant cause as well.

a copy of their license, and proof of insurance... It's a good idea to include in your policy that employees must provide an abstract and license annually, for example, or every three years.

Most workplaces have clear policies stating that employees cannot use mobile devices while driving or operating equipment, but make sure your policy addresses the organization's position on hands-free use as well. The best way is to require employees to complete a pre-trip inspection. Having this documentation also shows the employer's due diligence. so make sure they are part of your safety policy and procedures. When you have forklifts and trucks operating in areas where people are working, it poses a significant hazard.

A good working-alone policy includes a regular check-in plan between the employee and their supervisor, a planned route that is communicated to the supervisor, and a backup route.

FREE ONLINE Health & Safety SESSIONS

SESSION

ONE SESSION TWO SESSION THREE

EACH SESSION IS FREE TO ALL OTDA MEMBERS.

TIRES & WHEELS

Over 2,200,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and 2,500,000 tires in inventory!

• Fast delivery, simple & efficient service

• Intuitive, easy-to-use ordering platform

• Partnerships with a broad range of global manufacturers

• Simple return process

Congratulations to our lucky winner!

In appreciation of our OTDAaf昀liated tire retailer partners, we are giving you the chance to win your tire purchase from Distribution Stox.

Until July 31st 2024, every purchase of tires from Distribution Stox by an OTDA member will be automatically entered with a chance to win their purchase. Every purchase from us is another chance to win!

Prize will be awarded in the form of a prepaid gift card by your local Distribution Stox Account Manager.

Denis Laporte, Stox Account Manager, presenting the award to Paul Marion of Centre de pneus Marion Ltée, Vars, Ontario

SAFETY SAFETY CORNER

What to Expect When a Ministry Inspector Comes to Your Workplace

By Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

When an inspector from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) arrives at your workplace, how the visit will go depends on why the inspector is there. “There are two types of inspector visits,” explains Kristin Onorato, Health and Safety Consultant with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). “There are proactive visits and reactive visits. For proactive visits, the inspector is there to complete an inspection. For reactive visits, the inspector is there to investigate.”

Investigations

A few scenarios require the MLITSD to come into the workplace to investigate. The one we’re most familiar with is when a fatality or critical injury occurs; however, an inspector also investigates when someone reports a legislative violation and when there is an escalated (stage 2) work refusal. “In the case of an incident or if someone reports a contravention, the inspector’s job is to determine if the organization violated health and safety legislation, which includes workplace violence and harassment laws,” says Kristin.

The inspector may ask to see relevant documentation—such as maintenance records, policies and procedures, meeting minutes, or training records—as they try to understand what happened. They may also interview employees, take photographs, use or test machinery and equipment, and more. If enough evidence supports that a company has committed an offence, a prosecution may be initiated by the inspector.

A prosecution may also be initiated if an order was previously issued by an inspector but hasn’t been addressed or if a notice of compliance was not filed in accordance with the timeline identified in the field visitation report. “The inspector does not give fines. The case will go to a judge and the judge will impose a fine or charges if the company is guilty of a violation,” says Kristin.

“In the case of a work refusal, the inspector’s job is to determine if the work is likely or not likely to endanger a worker,” says Kristin. When an inspector is brought in to deal with a work refusal, it’s because the organization and the employee are at an impasse. They are unable to settle it internally, so a third party needs to investigate and make the decision.

Inspections

When an inspector comes to investigate a reported incident, the company knows they will be coming and knows the reason. That’s not the case with a proactive visit. “A proactive visit is when an MLITSD inspector comes in to do a workplace inspection, not an investigation. They are there to determine if the company complies with applicable health and safety legislation,” says Kristin. “And they generally don’t give notice that they are coming.”

An inspector may choose to visit a workplace proactively for several reasons. It could be because they noticed that the company’s injury rate has increased. Maybe the company’s operation has grown, and they have a significant number of new employees. Or, it could be simply because they haven’t visited in a while. “If your workplace is aligned with the Ministry’s current inspection campaign or initiative, that could also trigger a visit,” says Kristin.

Kristin explains that during proactive visits, inspectors will seek out a worker member of the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative to join them as they walk through the facility and complete the inspection. The inspector usually asks to see employee training records, health and safety policies and procedures, and meeting minutes.

Orders

If the inspector finds areas of non-compliance, they will likely issue an order.

• The most common type of order is a time-bound order. These types of orders may be issued when required policies are not in place or if the inspector finds that a safety meeting hasn’t been held in several months. “The inspector will issue the order with a deadline to complete the procedure or the meeting,” says Kristin.

• Another type of order is a comply-forthwith order, which means the hazard must be fixed right away. The example Kristin provides is a machine missing a guard. “An inspector may issue a comply-forthwith order in this case, meaning that they expect the guard to be put in place before they leave the facility,” she says.

• The third type of order is a stop-work order. “When a stop-work order is issued, the work cannot continue until the problem is fixed,” says Kristin. “These are similar to comply-forthwith orders in that the work must stop until the problem is fixed. However, with a stop-work order, the problem is likely not something that can be fixed immediately.” For example, if a painting booth doesn’t have proper ventilation, workers cannot use it until the ventilation is repaired and tested. The inspector must come back and review before the stop work order can be released.

Regardless of what brought an inspector to your workplace, they are there to work with you to ensure everyone is safe. “Their ultimate goal is truly to raise awareness of health and safety hazards,” reminds Kristin. “When an inspector arrives, there’s no need to panic. Use it as an opportunity to learn and improve."

As a business owner, you face several risks. When it comes to insurance, don’t settle for a one size fits all solution. Federated Insurance offers coverage that’s specific to your needs – we offer one of the most comprehensive and specialized programs for businesses in Canada.

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Trusting us with your business means you have access to:

Dedicated advisors to give you expert advice and support

Expanded coverage options

Flexible payment and deductible options

Complimentary loss prevention programs to help protect you and your business

Superior claims handling to get your company back up and running as quickly as possible

Our team has the expertise needed to protect your business, so you can focus on growth as a tire dealer. We work closely with our Association Partners and members and we deal with you directly to ensure transparency.

ELECTRICAL FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY

Electrical fires account for 20% of all fires in Canada. Electrical fires are more common than is generally thought, and account for a significant amount of property damage and serious injuries.

Many fires are the result of poor electrical maintenance; however, incorrectly installed electrical components are also potential fire hazards.

Electrical systems are designed for the various needs of building occupants and have built-in safety margins. As needs change and electrical equipment and motors are added, and as electrical components age and deteriorate, the possibility for failure increases. Over time, the inspection and maintenance of electrical systems becomes increasingly important.

We suggest that the regular system checks include checks for:

• Electrical components damaged or subject to damage

• Electrical components subject to heat and moisture

• Circuit load

• Temporary wiring used instead of permanent wiring

• Electrical components deteriorated due to age or conditions

• Electrical components poorly installed and maintained

Over current protection

Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to restrict the amperage to electrical wiring according to their design limitations. If the amperage capacity is not correct, excessive temperatures will break down wire insulation and start a fire. Over current protection must always match the wire size.

Some possible hazardous locations

Special electrical components including motors, lights, or switches are required in locations where flammable gas or vapours, dust or fibrous material are present or may be present. These components are commonly referred to as explosion proof, dust ignition proof or fiber ignition proof. A qualified electrical contractor should be consulted to determine the necessary components for the application.

Preventive maintenance tips

Electrical systems deteriorate over time and require preventive maintenance. For example, wire insulation dries out, receptacles and switches become loose, and equipment accumulates dirt and oil, which can lead to overheating. A qualified electrical contractor should routinely inspect the system.

Thermal infrared imaging is becoming an increasingly popular method of identifying problem areas within an electrical system.

A thermal infrared imaging camera identifies hot spots, which indicates a problem that may result in a fire if not corrected. Any abnormal condition should be investigated immediately.

Many fires are the result of poor electrical maintenance; however, incorrectly installed electrical components are also potential fire hazards.

• Do not plug several power cords into one outlet.

• Never break off the third prong on a plug. Replace broken three-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.

• Never use extension cords as permanent wiring. Use extension cords only to temporarily supply power to an area that does not have a power outlet.

• Keep power cords away from heat, water and oil. They can damage the insulation and cause a shock.

• Do not allow vehicles to pass over unprotected power cords. Cords should be put in a conduit or protected by placing planks alongside them.

• Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage or wear prior to each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.

• Always tape cords to walls or floors when necessary as nails and staples can damage cords causing fire and shock hazards.

• Use cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.

• Always use the correct fuse size. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.

• Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exist. Unplug any cords to these outlets and do not use until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.

• Always use ladders made of wood or other nonconductive materials when working with or near electricity or power lines.

• Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lights can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.

• Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they can help interrupt the electrical circuit before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.

• Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.

• Know where the breakers and boxes are located in case of an emergency.

• Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.

• Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.

• Do not use power tools with the guards removed.

• Do not block access to circuit breakers or fuse boxes.

• Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the current first.

For more information on making your premises safer, contact our Risk Services team at 1.833.692.4112 or visit www.federated.ca

Do

not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the current first.

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Providing scrap tire collection services for Eastern Ontario - Oshawa to HWY 416 and north to Hwy 60 and Deep River. Collection services for all tire types and sizes, on and off the rim.

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