72 00... Safety regulations for handling components with gas generators

It is essential to comply with the regulations as specified in the law relating to the use of explosives when working on airbag units and seat belt tensioners. 

Airbags, seat belt tensioners etc. are pyrotechnical objects. Pyrotechnical objects are assigned to different danger classes on the basis of the quantity of propellant that they contain. The assignment can be ascertained from the identification marking on the product:

Attention! 

Failure to comply with the warning notices and repair instructions for gas generator components can cause accidental deployment and result in injury and vehicle damage!

This applies in particular to the following components:

• Airbag modules (driver's/front passenger airbags, side airbags)
• Seat belt tensioner
• Head airbag
• Active knee protection
• Active head restraint
• Safety battery terminal

1. Regulations 

   The relevant country-specific legal regulations must be followed.

2. Dismantling and installation 
   • Checking and installation work must be carried out by professionally trained personnel only.
   • Work on airbag system components must only ever be carried out with a disconnected vehicle battery, covered negative terminal and disconnected plug connection of the cable leading to the gas generator. Observe the specified waiting period if merely the vehicle battery is disconnected:
     • 30 min. for vehicles up to 9/93
     • 1 min. for vehicles from 9/93 onward
   • In the event of breaks in work, a component with a gas generator that has been removed must be secured against access by other persons.
   • Individual components must never be repaired. Instead, always replace them.
   • Do not treat airbag system components with cleaning agents or grease.
   • Components of the airbag system must not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 75°C.
   • Airbag system components, including electronic diagnostic components, which have been dropped from heights in excess of 0.5 m must not be reinstalled in the vehicles.
   • Do not remove components of the airbag system from the original packaging until immediately before they are to be installed in the vehicle.
   • Before installing, subject components such as housing, connector pins, etc. of the airbag system (including diagnosis electronics) to a visual inspection for damage and replace if necessary.
   • Airbag system components may only be electrically tested while they are installed and only with the diagnosis system.
   • Danger of injury:  The airbag module may only be set down with the airbag itself facing upwards.  Otherwise the gas generator may be propelled upwards upon potential ignition of the gas generator.
   • Do not point the ignition squib of a gas generator at other persons.
   • Components with gas generators must not be fired while they are removed. They must be disposed of by special disposal companies or returned in the packaging of the new parts.
   • When carrying out straightening and welding work with an electric welder:
     • Disconnect the vehicle battery
     • Cover negative terminal (post)
   • Avoid all contact with the skin when removing a fired airbag module - wear gloves. Wash with water after contact with the skin.
3. Transport 
   • Components with gas generators must be sent off in the packaging of the new components.
4. Storage 
   • Observe the regulations of the relevant trade supervisory authority and the applicable national regulations.