Observing occupant restraint systems
Guidelines for Rescue Services, smart, 2006
Page
27
Rescue
a
Risk of injury
Action
When
disconnecting
the
batteries
or when
cutting
electrical lines
, the
ground lines
must always be
disconnected or cut first, otherwise
there is a
risk of short circuit
.
If this is not possible, insulated tools must be
used to disconnect or cut the cables.
a
Risk of injury
Action
There is a
risk of injury
in the
deployment area
of
undeployed
airbags
.
If, during
rescue work
, where the
battery has not
been disconnected
, parts of the vehicle
undergo
significant movement
or
electrical lines are cut
,
then
an airbag
(front airbag, sidebag or
windowbag) may be deployed. If this happens,
then the
airbag as well as loose objects
and
glass
splinters
may be thrown against the casualty or
the rescuers, causing
injuries
.
Cover the occupants before commencing work,
preferably with a transparent sheet.
Wear protective clothing/safety glasses.
Disconnect all batteries. If this is not possible,
keep well away from undeployed airbags.
Do not perform cutting work near undeployed
airbags.
Avoid heating near undeployed airbags.
Do not place any objects near untriggered
airbags.
i
Merely cutting through the steering wheel
rim or the spokes will not usually trigger the
airbag.
