B767 Technician reported the tire inflation tool; due to wear and tear; does not allow personnel to safely stand forward or aft of the tire during the servicing procedure as recommended in the AMM.

Narrative

The tire inflation tools available for use when servicing tires with nitrogen do not allow for personnel to stand forward or aft of the tire that is being serviced. The fitting at the end of the hose has to be held onto the inflation valve by hand; thus meaning you have to stand in front of the tire during servicing. The AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual) reference states in a warning that 'make sure that the servicing cart and all personnel are forward or aft of the tire before you do the servicing procedure. If the wheel comes apart; the pieces can cause damage to equipment and kill or cause injuries to personnel.' The tooling we have doesn't allow personnel to stand forward or aft of the wheel. I have always felt uncomfortable using this tooling during this task; and so do several of my fellow colleagues. Perhaps the tooling we have works well when new but with time and use it wears.Suggestion: Buy a different inflation tool that allows staff to stand where the AMM suggests during tire servicing; or keep the current tooling but change the hose; so that you are able screw the end of the hose onto the inflation valve.