I guess you are referring to the following HSE guidelines: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg433.pdf Tyre cages are required to be anchored to the workshop floor, or similarly restrained, so as to minimise violent movement of the cage in the unfortunate event of a tyre explosion. Should a tyre be too large for the cage then inflation should preferably be done whilst secured on the wheel hub of the vehicle with all personnel prevented from access to that side of the vehicle by some form of immovable barrier.

I have always taken fixed/secured tyre safety cages as best practice in workshops. Apart from the restraint aspect it helps to keep an exclusion zone clearly established. As others have said the HSE advice in the UK says as much. I also know that in Oz and NZ they follow the same practice. As a matter of general interest I have added the following link which gives access to the equivalent of our INDG433 and other MVR guidance in Victoria (Oz). See page 33 for the comments about secured cages. It is interetsing to see the different way this info and guidance is presented directly linked to risk ratings; much easier to follow than the HSE stuff. http://www.worksafe.vic....p_safety.pdf?MOD=AJPERES Then I found this unexpected info from Bridgestone Tires in the US. Maybe this is where the overseas manager is coming from? I checked the OSHA Reg (Reg 29CFR 1910.177) and that doesn't mention securing cages either, strange or what? http://www.bridgestonetr...20new/ra13i3_ask-doc.pdf Hope this helps, p48

Thanks all for your help and comments . I'll take a look at all the information you have directed me to. Really appreciate your help.