Recent car manufacturer recalls due to problems with airbags have highlighted some of the dangers that different businesses in the motor trade are faced with when it comes to dealing with pyrotechnical devices. This has lead to the SIMI to update and reissuing both Guidance on the Legal Obligations for Importers and Distributors of Pyrotechnic Articles for Vehicles ( as revised in  June 2014) and Guidance on the Safe Storage of Pyrotechnic Articles for Vehicles (revised April 2013). 

Dealers and in some cases body repairers have to deal with pyrotechnical articles so guidance on safe practice and storage is important. Airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners are designed to function instantly in the event of a crash by generating gas to either inflate an airbag, or tighten a seatbelt. They achieve this quick action by means of an electrical impulse which causes a pyrotechnic component to ignite in order to generate the gas. Since all pyrotechnics are explosives, they must be treated with great care and protected from accidental ignition sources such as static and other electricity, rough handling, or fire.

The following safety precautions are recommend in relation to the handling and storage of pyrotechnical components in order to minimise risk:

• Keep all components and modules in their transport packaging until such time as they are taken out for installation.
• Likewise any articles removed from a vehicle should be carefully packed in the classified transport packaging where possible.
• Keep all packages in an isolated locked room with solid walls preferably with no windows.
• If the storage room has windows, ensure there is no direct line of sight between the location of the packages through the windows to where personnel are likely to be passing or working to avoid being struck in the event of an accidental ignition by fire or other means.
• If this is not possible keep all packages or loose components in a lockable metal cage which has strong mesh small enough to prevent a component from being projected or escaping in the event of a fire or explosion.
• Keep all sources of fire or ignition, or flammable materials well away from stored articles and take advice of fire services regarding fire alarms and fire fighting equipment.
• Make sure all staff are trained, competent and instructed in accordance with manufacturer safety instructions and recommendations.
• Keep all pyrotechnic articles in a secure location to prevent unauthorised access or theft. Garda Crime Prevention Officers can advise on this where necessary.

Links to both guidance documents in complete PDF format can be found in the news section at www.simi.ie