Observing occupant restraint systems
Guidelines for Rescue Services, smart, 2006
Page
31
Rescue
a
Risk of injury
Action
If using
safety devices
intended to protect
against
airbag deployments
after an accident,
there is a
danger
that these devices may be
cata
pulted
by the deploying airbag, presenting an
additional injury hazard
for casualties and
rescuers alike.
We advise against
the use of
"protective devices"
that are intended to prevent a pressure buildup
by
piercing holes
in the airbag fabric because, if
the airbag is triggered, the
hot ignition gases
can
escape unhindered and cause
burns
.
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.
Avoid heating near undeployed airbags.
Do not place any objects near untriggered
airbags.
a
Risk of injury
Action
From
contact with the airbag
during deployment,
occupants may suffer slight
reddening of the skin
and
abrasions
, e.g. on the insides of the forearms
or in the face.Slight
irritation of the respiratory
passages
cannot be ruled out.
The condition of the casualties must be assessed
as accurately as possible, and taking these
aspects into account, before deciding on further
suitable precautionary measures.
i
The white, powdery residues left inside the
vehicle after deployment of an airbag are
nontoxic. They consist for the most part of
talcum, which acts as a lubricant for the airbag
fabric.
i
The triggering strategies for the supple
mental restraint systems are subject to modifi
cation if necessary, e.g. due to new findings in
accident research.