Discarding Pyrotechnic Components

Discarding pyrotechnic components

Background

Background information regarding the destruction of non-triggered SRS components
A tool kit with mounting devices, discharge box and adapter cables has been developed for the destruction of electrically activated pyrotechnic SRS components that have been disconnected and removed from the vehicle.
Activation of the SRS component destroys its pyrotechnic component. This is to be done with the component secured in the fixture included in the kit.
For components with different versions for different models, only an example of securing and connection is shown.
Destruction is carried out by connecting an adapter cable to the component and then connecting the cable to a 12 V battery via a discharge box, whereby the component can be activated.

Safety precautions

Information for avoiding injury and handling destroyed material
The work may only be performed by knowledgeable personnel and at an approved location for this type of work.
Knowledgeable personnel refers to those with sufficient knowledge in the handling of pyrotechnic equipment.
Approved location refers to a place suitable for the equipment and its function that is deemed acceptable by the appropriate authorities.

Warning! The equipment must not be used unless the aforementioned requirements are fulfilled.

This method has been reviewed by the Swedish Rescue Services Agency's department for flammable and explosive goods (BEX) and has been deemed satisfactory. SRS component destruction requires a permit from the Swedish Rescue Services Agency, whereby the workshop should refer to this method in its application. Before this equipment is put to use in other countries, the sales company must be contacted to ensure that it complies with national legislation.
Check thoroughly that no material or other objects can be spread during the destruction and that no one is within 9 m of the destruction site. The user should preferably be separated from the destruction site by a wall or the like.
To protect from injury, fully covering clothing (long pants and long-sleeved shirts), protective gloves, hearing protection, protective eyewear and, when handling destroyed components, a fresh air mask are to be worn.
Heat develops during destruction and spreads throughout the component. To enable reuse of adapter cables several times (if possible), the cable is to be detached with a pliers as soon as possible after destruction. This does not apply for dual stage airbags as the wait time between stage 1 and stage 2 destruction is 30 minutes.
Avoid skin contact with the component or cable after destruction due to the risk of burns or corrosive injuries caused by gunpowder residue. In the event of skin contact, wash the area thoroughly.
A fresh air mask is to be worn when detaching cables and handling destroyed components to prevent inhalation of the gases formed upon destruction.
After cooling, destroyed components are to be put in a plastic bag and handled as scrap.

Measures upon failed destruction
Repeat activation for destruction and check the lamp on the box.

If the lamp lights during activation, the connection has been properly made and the fuse in intact.
Remove the key from the discharge box and wait 20 minutes.
During that time, observe the SRS component so that no one comes within the destruction site.
After 20 minutes, check the connections of the SRS component.
Adjust the connections as necessary.
Repeat the destruction following the standard method.
If there is still no function, remove the key and disconnect the battery.
Wait another 20 minutes.
During that time, observe the SRS component so that no one comes within the destruction site.
Then detach the connection to the SRS component.
Remove the SRS component from the fixture.
Send the non-disarmed SRS component so it can be rendered harmless.
Ensure that local and national requirements are met.

If the lamp does not light , check:

- that the battery is fully charged
- that all cables are properly connected
- that the fuse is intact.
Adjust the equipment as necessary.
Repeat the destruction following the standard method.
Upon continued failed destruction and indication of the indicator lamp, wait 20 minutes with continued attention paid to the that SRS component so that no one comes within 9 m of the SRS component.
Then detach the connection to the SRS component.
Check the equipment.