Safety regulations for handling components with gas generators

When working on airbag units or seat belt tensioners, the regulations in accordance with the law relating to the use of explosives must be observed. 

Airbags, seat belt tensioners etc. are pyrotechnical objects. Pyrotechnical objects are assigned to different danger classes on the basis of the quantity of propellant gas that they contain. The classification can be recognized by the identification mark on the product:

Attention! 

Failure to comply with the warning notices and repair notes 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
• Actuators of active pedestrian protection

1. Regulations 

   The regulations cited below apply to the Federal Republic of Germany.

   In all other countries, the respective valid laws and regulations must be observed. Country-specific legal regulations or legal jurisdictions based on them that are more detailed than this information must always be observed or take precedence over these regulations.

   At BMW, the

   • Pyrotechnical restraint systems are subject to danger class P1
   • Gas generators are pyrotechnical objects belonging to danger class P1

   The operation, transportation and storage of non-ignited gas generators are subject to the "Law relating to the use of explosives".

   The first operation of pyrotechnic objects must be notified to the responsible trade supervisory board at least 2 weeks in advance. Here the relevant authority must be notified in writing of the person responsible (e.g. dealership owner, holder of general power of attorney or if necessary workshop supervisor). A certificate of competence, i.e. a special training is not required for the person in charge.

2. Dismantling and installation 
   • Inspection, testing and installation work may only be carried out by expert trained personnel in BMW Service.
   • Work on components of the airbag system must always be carried out on completely voltage-free vehicles:
     • Make sure that there is no battery charger  connected to the jump start terminal in the engine compartment.
     • For vehicles with additional electrical systems (48 V electrical system, high-voltage vehicle electrical system), this absolutely must be deactivated before  the vehicle battery is disconnected.
     • Disconnecting the vehicle battery
   • Work on components of the airbag system should only ever be carried out with the negative terminal post covered and the plug connection of the cable leading to the gas generator disconnected.
   • If only the additional electrical systems (48 V electrical system, high-voltage electrical system) are deactivated and the vehicle battery is disconnected, the following prescribed waiting time must be observed:
     • 1 mins.
   • 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.
   • Components of the airbag system, including diagnostic electronics, that have fallen from a height of more than 0.5 m may no longer be installed 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 diagnostic 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 BMW ISTA.
   • Injury hazard:  The airbag module may only be set down with the airbag itself facing upwards.  Otherwise, the airbag module may be ejected upwards when the alternator is ignited.
   • The ignition squib of a gas generator must not be turned towards people.
   • Components with gas generators must not be fired while they are removed. They must be disposed of by special disposal companies or returned to BMW in the packaging of the new parts.
   • When carrying out straightening and welding work with an electric welder:
     • Make sure that there is no battery charger  connected to the jump start terminal in the engine compartment.
     • For vehicles with additional electrical systems (48 V electrical system, high-voltage vehicle electrical system), this absolutely must be deactivated before  the vehicle battery is disconnected.
     • Disconnecting 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 shipped in the packaging of the new parts.
4. Storage 
   • Observe the regulations of the responsible trade supervisory board or valid country-specific regulations!