Information Provided by the Equipment Service Center

DATE: August 10, 2000

INCIDENT TYPE: Tire Recall - Firestone/Ford

LOCATION: Statewide

TYPE OF WORK ACTIVITY: N/A

THE ISSUE: Firestone Tire Company has issued a recall on P235 75R15 ATX, ATXII and Wilderness AT. These tires were original equipment on some Ford Rangers and Ford F150. Only 15-inch tires from the Firestone Decautar plant were involved. The Equipment Service Center has also used some of these tires as replacement tires on other Caltrans fleet equipment.

The problem is that these tires can "fall apart" causing vehicle control problems.

A major contributing factor to the tire failures has been low tire pressure which causes excessive heat and accelerated failures.

CONCLUSIONS: Caltrans equipment may have these tires on fleet units that are being used by our staff. The Equipment Service Center will no longer use these tires and will replace any in use.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Caltrans employees should check their tires to see if they are the size and models being recalled. If they are, contact the nearest Shop to arrange the most expedient way to get them changed.

Equipment Service Center remove all Firestone tires from stock to prevent future installation.

Employees frequently check their tire pressure to assure recommended air pressure is maintained. (Check vehicle certification label on drivers door.)

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE OF SAFETY AND HEALTH (916) 227-2640

Released 8/10/00