Air Bag: Service Precautions

SRS Component Manual Deployment

If a vehicle is to be scrapped and contains an undeployed airbag module, the module must be manually deployed. Always observe the following precautions:


WARNING: Only personnel who have undergone the appropriate training should undertake deployment of airbag and seat belt pre-tensioner modules.
- A deployed airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner is very hot, DO NOT return to a deployed airbag module until at least 30 minutes have elapsed since deployment.
- Only use approved deployment equipment, and only deploy SRS components in a well ventilated designated area. Ensure SRS components are not damaged or ruptured before deployment. Notify the relevant authorities.
- If a vehicle is to be scrapped, undeployed airbag modules and pre-tensioner units must be deployed in accordance with the instructions in this manual.
- Contact with chemicals from deployed and damaged SRS components could present a health hazard, wear protective clothing when handling. DO NOT eat, drink or smoke when handling SRS components.
- Deployment of airbag modules and seatbelt pre-tensioners can cause injury to personnel in the close vicinity of the deploying unit. In case of injury seek urgent medical advice. Possible sources of injury include:
- impact - due to inflating airbag or pre-tensioner operation causing component 'kick'.
- hearing - due to noise produced by deploying airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioner units.
- burns - hot component parts and gases.
- irritation to eyes and lungs - from deploying gases or combustion residue.
- Ensure the SRS component to be deployed is securely fastened to its mounting.
- Deployment procedures detailed in this manual should be strictly adhered to. Compliance with the following precautions MUST be ensured:
- Only use deployment equipment approved for the in tended purpose.
- Before commencing deployment procedure, ensure the deployment tool functions properly by performing the self test procedure detailed in the SRS Repairs section of this manual.
- Deployment of airbag/pre-tensioner modules should be performed in a well ventilated area which has been designated for the purpose.
- Ensure airbag/pre-tensioner modules are not damaged or ruptured before attempting to deploy.
- Notify the relevant authorities of intention to deploy airbag and pre-tensioner units.
- When deploying airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner units, ensure that all personnel are at least 15 meters away from the deployment zone.
- Ensure deployment tool is connected correctly, in compliance with the instructions detailed in this manual. In particular, ensure deployment tool is NOT connected to battery supply before connecting to the airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner module connector.
- When deploying seatbelt pre-tensioners in the vehicle, ensure the pre-tensioner unit is fully secured to its fixing point.
- When removing deployed airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner modules, wear protective clothing. Use gloves and seal deployed units in a plastic bag.
- Following deployment of any component of the SRS system within the vehicle, all SRS components must be replaced. DO NOT reuse or salvage any parts of the SRS system.
- Do not lean over airbag modules or seatbelt pre-tensioner units when connecting deployment equipment.
- During deployment parts of the airbag module become hot enough to burn you. Wait 30 minutes after deployment before touching the airbag module.