Preliminary Precautions

CAUTION: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:
^ Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module
^ Make sure the bag opening points away from you.

When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment otherwise, personal injury may result.

After the inflatable restraint steering wheel module has deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a powdery residue. This powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates), and by-products of the chemical reaction. The deployment reaction produces sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap). The sodium hydroxide quickly reacts with the atmospheric moisture. This atmospheric moisture converts the sodium hydroxide into sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, you will probably find no sodium hydroxide present after the deployment. As a precaution, gloves and safety glasses are recommended. Gloves and safety glasses help to prevent possible irritation of the skin or eyes.