Information, Assessment And Legal Requirements When Working With, Handling And Storing Pyrotechnical Components - Ah91.00-Z-0000-10A

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Pyrotechnical components in Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles 

Pyrotechnical components when used as occupant restraint systems contain a gas generator for generating gas flows. This gas generator contains an explosive propellant, which is triggered by an electric lighter (squib) over an electronic control unit (e.g. airbags, emergency tensioning retractors, actuators). The generated gas flow deploys the airbag or tensions the belt strap within milliseconds. In the active engine hood, the engine hood lifter (actuator) lifts up the engine hood at the rear.

The following pyrotechnical components can be installed in a range of versions and quantities (depending on equipment installed and brand):

• Driver airbag
• Front passenger airbag
• Sidebag
• Seat cushion airbag
• Window airbag
• Headbag
• Kneebag
• Pelvis airbag
• Emergency tensioning retractor with and without belt airbag
• Buckle emergency tensioning retractor
• Belt anchor fitting tensioner
• Pyrotechnical engine hood lifter (actuator)
• Mechanical engine hood lifter with pyrotechnical activation (not reversible)
• Pyrotechnical fuse (pyrofuse)
• Hinge trigger capsule
• Roll bar trigger capsule

The installation of pyrotechnical components in the vehicle interior can also be recognized by labels such as "RS", "SRS", "Airbag" or combinations thereof. These are located on the component or in its action and/or deployment area.

Information on handling pyrotechnical components and their adjacent components in accident vehicles 

• Pyrotechnical components are to be checked for external damage and replaced if necessary.
• If axial play or a noise is detected at the steering column tube, this must always be replaced.

General information on handling pyrotechnical components and their adjacent components 

• Only carry out approved and published system tests on pyrotechnical components and their sensor systems when they are installed, and only using the approved diagnostic systems that are suitable for the respective model series. Observe manufacturer's instructions.
• Defective or damaged pyrotechnical components, control units and their sensor systems must always be replaced. Repair of or tampering with such components is not permissible.
• Components that come into contact with pyrotechnical components (e.g. instrument panel, door trim, glove compartment, seats, wiring harnesses, belt straps, etc.) must always be checked for damage and be replaced if necessary. Only technically approved component combinations are permissible. The vehicle documentation must be observed.
• If you notice obvious errors or faults, the installation of non-approved accessories or retrofits, or their incorrect installation in the vehicle (e.g. navigation unit in deployment area of airbag, protective covers on seat without tear seam for sidebag outlet), the customer is to be specifically notified of them.
• New control units for pyrotechnical components: Their initial startup or parameterization may only be conducted using the approved diagnostic systems, suitable for each model series in question. Observe manufacturer's instructions.
• Recommendation for safety reasons:

  In the event of any reasonable suspicion or indications of any counterfeit or otherwise apparently untrustworthy pyrotechnical component (possibly of unknown origin), the supervisor must be informed. In this case the pyrotechnical component may on no account be installed into the vehicle.

Legal requirements pertaining to the handling and storage of pyrotechnical components 

• All legal requirements cited below apply to the Federal Republic of Germany. In other countries, the valid national and local legal requirements and regulations must be observed.
• Pyrotechnical components such as mentioned above are pyrotechnical components in Class P1 (formerly: T1). The handling, transport and storage of these components is subject to the "Explosive Substances Act".
• A pyrotechnical component may not be stored in the immediate vicinity of readily or highly flammable and oxidizing substances.
• Acquisition, transport, storage, installation and removal as well as scrapping may only be performed by trained personnel under observation of all applicable safety specifications. The use of a vehicle's passenger compartment to transport such materials is strictly prohibited.