Extrication Safety: Hybrid vehicles, Airbags, and movable pedals

 

Hybrid vehicles: Ford, Honda, Toyota, Volvo, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Saturn, Lexus all have a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle has a gasoline motor and an electric motor powered by a battery. As the vehicle travels, it operates off of the battery powered motor at speeds less than 30 mph. At speeds  over 30 mph the gasoline engine operates the vehicle and charges the battery system.

High voltage components of the vehicles: The HV (hybrid vehicle) battery, transaxle, inverter, and service plug are all high voltage components. All of the high-voltage wires and harness are indicated by orange colored insulation or wrapping. The HV battery consists of 38 modules, each module consists of six 1.2 volt cells with a total voltage of 273.6 volts (about 300 volts) This system is separate from the 12 volt wiring system and is located in the trunk area of the vehicle - normally NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) Battery: The cells contain potassium hydroxide (Emergency Response Guidebook - guide #154) which is a highly alkalinic substance that reacts intensely with zinc, aluminum, tin, other active metals, and various type of organic compounds creating flammable hydrogen gas. Furthermore Potassium hydroxide is hazardous to all human body tissues. Toyota required its technicians to use safety items such as alkali-resistant safety goggles, a facemask, synthetic rubber gloves, boots, an apron and a rain coat for handling the battery. Items must not be made of leather or wool. Toyota and Honda both recommend rescuers be in the same chemical resistive equipment while working around a wrecked vehicle. Careless handling of the damaged vehicle may result in electrocution or severe injury.

 (The following is taken from the Toyota Prius Emergency Response Guide and information from a discussion with a Honda engineer)

Handling the damaged vehicle:

1. Necessary items
a. Protective clothing (insulated gloves, rubber gloves, goggles) wear nothing made of leather or wool
b. Saturated boric acid solution 20L
c. Red litmus paper
d. Class D extinguisher
e. Towels
f. Vinyl tape for insulating cables
2. Actions to be taken
a. Wear protective gear
b. Do not touch a bare cable that could be a high voltage cable. If you need to touch it, wear insulated gloves and use vinyl tape to insulate ends of cable.
c. If the vehicle is on fire in the engine compartment or trunk (battery) area use a Type D dry powder extinguisher to extinguish the fire. Using water can be more dangerous than effective unless using a very large flow of water (250gpm +)
d. If the vehicle is partially submerged in water, do not touch any of the high voltage components or cables because of the danger of electrocution.
e. Do not touch any leaking fluids because it could be the highly alkaline electrolyte. If the fluid needs to be removed wear rubber gloves and goggles, neutralize the electrolyte with saturated boric acid or a charcoal solution, and check with red litmus paper to make sure it does not turn blue.
f. If damage to any of the high voltage components and cables are suspected, disconnect the high voltage circuit by putting the vehicle in park and engaging the emergency brake, shut off and remove the ignition key. Disconnect the 12 volt battery cables and isolate.

Standard battery locations: the normal locations of the 12 volt battery are under the hood (visible or hidden under engine components), in the front wheel well, under the rear seat, or in the trunk. These locations are being utilized in all makes of vehicle. Most vehicles with the battery under the rear seat, in wheel well, or hidden in the engine compartment may have remote jumper cable terminals in the engine compartment, which may be used to disconnect the battery system. Disconnecting the battery is preferred to cutting the battery cables. Both cables need to be removed to ensure rescuer safety during car fire and rescue operations. Watch in the future for multiple battery systems (48 volt) due to the increased power needed for multiple electrical components and accessories. The Automotive Engineers Association is pushing for the 46/48 volt battery systems.

Airbag Warnings:

This notice is for all first responders, Dual Action type airbag have two inflators! It is now important to treat all un-deployed airbags with the same respect as an active airbag. 2000 Honda Accords, Acura RL and TL models, Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, and all Volvo models. There is very little information being discussed about the dual action airbag system, or released at this point from the industry. Cooperate legal "red tape" is the major cause for delay or unanswered concerns.

Airbag Inflators

There three different type of inflators used in today's SRS. Solid fuel (sodium azide), Hybrid, and liquid fueled.

Hot gas and cold gas

1. The solid fuelled inflator uses sodium azide pellets to generate a mass quantity of nitrogen gas need to fill the airbag. Temp of around 1200 degrees.
2. Hybrid, usually in passenger side air bags and roof mounted systems. Argon gas (plus a small percentage of Helium) is in a 3000psi canister. A small igniter assembly ruptures a burst disc to release the gas. Boyle's Law states that Temperature/Pressure/Volume are directly proportional, so the inflator assembly warms the gas as it is released into the bag. I have heard of the hybrid style being used on the current Chrysler minivan, Ram pickups, and LH cars on both the drivers and passenger's side airbags. Sodium Azide is still used in the inflator module.
3. Liquid fueled inflators replace the Sodium Azide with jelled Ethyl Alcohol.

Side Impact Curtains

It should be noted that side impact curtains deploy down from the headliner approximately 12 inches. Do not place body parts through open side windows to access the patient. Should an accidental deployment occur, having body parts positioned through an open window could result in serious injury. This type airbag uses a hybrid inflator. Before cutting any post in a vehicle it is imperative to remove the interior plastic covering and visualize what the cutter is going to shear through. Cutting a hybrid inflator can cause it to fragment like a grenade. 2000 Saturn and GM are offering the inflatable curtain as an option this year and standard next year on most of their vehicles. 2000 Ford SUVs also have it as an option and standard next year with the addition of a yaw sensor for use in SUV rollovers. Also as of December, Freightliner Trucks will be putting the Inflatable Tubular Structure side air bag system in their trucks; this is the same inflatable tubular structure in BMWs. The hybrid inflator is low in the firewall; hoses extend to bottom of the 'A' post. The ITS is attached to an anchor at the bottom of the 'A' post and top of the 'B' post. The system deploys out of the 'A' post and roof area along the top of the drivers and passengers window. Side Impact Curtains are also available on 2000 Mercedes Benz S-class, CL, and all E-class, Audi A4, A6, A8, Toyota, VW, 2001 Ford SUVs. Inflatable tubular structures are available on BMW 7 series and as options on the 3 and 5 series models.

Side Impact Curtain Cut Tests

The airbag company (Autoliv) conducting the cutting tests wanted to emulate extrication technicians accidentally cutting through an inflator, which could be possible during roof displacement. The spring "99" tests were conducted in the company's Sweden facilities in Europe. During the first testing there were multiple failures of the inflator vessels, resulting in parts of the test inflators becoming projectiles. While this was not good news, it was a major break through for first responders! A leading manufacturer of supplemental restraint airbags was conducting safety tests with the first responder in mind. Perhaps this will some day lead the industry to develop a fire service disconnect for all systems within a vehicle including the SRS! If the industry wants to add SRS to protect the occupant, why doesn't the industry want to protect the rescuer aiding the occupant as well? Saab requested a second test that was conducted at the US facilities in Utah. The second test was conducted on November 9, 1999. While the test results improved from the spring testing, there were still a failures to the pressure vessel when cut with hydraulic cutters. When the hybrid inflator was cut at the solid propellant chamber where the initiator and extruded propellant were located, there was no reaction. However, when the cutters breached the pressure vessel, both ends (one loose and one secured) became projectiles. This time the testing was video taped, perhaps at some point the video tape will be released to assist training personnel by re-enforcing safety precautions.

Fall 1999 Testing

The second tests used hybrid inflators similar to that which are used on the side impact curtain (IC). This type inflator uses an igniter (detonator) to ignite an extruded propellant (oxidizer) creating a hot oxygen enriched mixed gas to inflate the IC. The gas may be a pressurized mixture of argon and nitrous oxide. Effluent gases may cause skin and eye or mucous membrane irritations. PPE is recommended; safety goggles, latex or equivalent gloves and approved respirator or SCBA is recommended.
   If activated, carbon dioxide, water vapor, argon, nitrous oxide, and trace amounts of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide will be present. Besides the data available on the possible fragmentation of breached inflators, the responder should also be cautious of exposure to any raw materials of inflators in general. Some inflators contain sodium azide, which is moisture reactive. Although the industry states that the chemical residue is harmless, they do precaution you from touching deployed airbags with your bare hands or skin!

Renault

Renault will now be using a rear passenger seatbelt airbag called a "bag-in-the belt system". The airbag is located in the lap belt not the diagonal belt. It will offer rear occupants the same protection that is offered to front passengers. Renault will also be introducing the double action airbag, two-bag system. It will debut at the Paris Motor Show in the Laguan/P5. The company claims to protect the driver in a crash of 55 km/h (40 mph) The based on computer technology, the new system uses two airbags in one package, and varies the level of restraint it offers according to the impact level received by the sensors. The system operates in three levels: In mild crashes below 35 km/h the seatbelt pretension will only activate. Above 35 km/h and up to 45 km/h, the system activates the seatbelt pretensioner and the deployment of a 35-liter airbag. A crash above 45 km/h will activate a further seatbelt pretensioning and the deployment of a second airbag with the capacity of 50-60 liters. This second action of the seat belt pretensioner will pull the body back more creating 5 cm of knee room during the crash which the company feels is a critical factor in avoidance of injuries during a crash. This system was designed by Autoliv for Renault's top of the line vehicles. It can be expected that other companies will soon be using a similar system.

SAFETY

Maintain a safe working distance from all airbags by using the following guide:

* Side Impact Airbags - 5 inches distance
* Driver Frontal Airbags - 10 inches distance
* Passenger Frontal Airbags - 20 inches distance

While these distances will not be appropriate for all newly developed airbags, it does give the responder a general guideline to work from. The airbag manufacturers, the automobile industry and NHTSA-DOT state that you should not restrain any airbag system. Most airbag systems use hot gases to fill the airbags. Passenger frontal inflators containing sodium azide will reach temperatures in excess of 1,200 degrees F. Cutting the cushion to the airbag system will only allow hot gases to be released un-restrained into the ambient atmosphere of the occupant cabin. Cutting the inflator could result in the two ends becoming projectiles. This data only re-enforces our recommended safety procedures to reduce the risk of injury when displacing metal and coping with airbags, especially the side impact curtain. It is recommend that any undeployed airbag component should not be cut.
   Should an undeployed airbag be accidentally deployed, hot gases under pressure could cause injury to patients or responders as the release occurs. Normally, these hot gases are released into the ambient atmosphere at a controlled rate. Should the airbag/IC be cut during an accidental deployment, there would be no control of the force and hot gases released. Anyone in the path of the release could be seriously injured.

Vehicle Fires With Undeployed Airbags

Car fires in modern vehicles can be more dangerous due to the supplemental restraint systems and hydraulic hood and trunk openers. We are seeing more hydraulic openers being used in vehicles today due to lighter body components. Supplemental restraint systems are now standard in the sides of the vehicle and in the roof structure. These systems utilize a hybrid type inflator which is a compressed gas cylinder from 1400 psi to 3000 psi found in the firewall, 'B' post, and 'C' post of vehicles. These compressed gas cylinders may become heated, fail, and fragment. Care should be taken when approaching a vehicle fire, full protective gear and SCBA should be worn and the fire attacked from a distance.
   During a fire, Auto Ignition will occur at 480 degrees Fahrenheit, the first burst disk will rupture venting argon. At 750 degrees Fahrenheit the initiator auto-ignites. Extended exposure to temperatures above 250 degrees will also activate the device. Use proper firefighting procedures for fighting vehicle fires.
   It has been documented, that there are incidents where catastrophic failures of the driver's airbag occurred, resulting in the fragmentation of the inflator units. Videotapes of actual incidents show how the airbag assembly, in part or in whole became projectiles. Some units were propelled through the roofs of the vehicles. At one incident, inflator fragments tore a gapping 3-5 inch whole through the metal roof of one vehicle during an actual vehicle fire. Investigators discovered the remains of the driver's inflator approximately 100 feet away form the vehicle. Other parts have been found such as rivets, whole and partial remains of the airbag assembly, and the airbag.

Movable Pedals

Ford offers power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals in Taurus, Sable, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercury & Ford Winstar minivan. Chevy will be adding this system to their SUVs in the 2001 model year. Chevrolet plans to offer four wheel steering on their SUVs in the 2003 model year.

 

I hope some of this information was useful, if anyone has anything different please forward to me, Thanks ED

 

 

 

 

INJURY FACTS ON AIRBAGS, BELTS and WINDSHIELDS

 

Crashes are Very Violent Energy Forces to the Human Body

"The most important thing is for people to understand how violent a 30 MPH crash really is." Ricardo Martinez, former Director of National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

● Serious injuries occur at 20 MPH, Death at 30MPH. Crashes are the number one cause of death for persons 1-34 years of age. In 2005, an average day in Missouri produced 81 crashes, 111 injuries, along with 2 deaths, costing Missouri’s economy million’s of dollars daily! In the USA: approximately 42,000 die in traffic crashes, 6,000 teen and young drivers, or 20 teens a day!

WINDSHIELDS and the Adhesive are Primary Restraints in a Motor Vehicle

● Vehicle engineers can not count on us being buckled up, so, Windshields provide retention (FMVSS 208), and the roll bar/roof support of today’s vehicle (FMVSS 208).

● Never have your windshield replaced below 40 degrees F; the primers to activate the urethane won’t flash below freezing.

● Original Equipment Manufactures, OEM adhesive, must match the car companies’ recommendations for the urethane adhesive. The urethane glue must "dry or cure completely before the car is driven; check the Safe Drive Away Time with the urethane manufacturer.

● Make sure your installers are National Glass Association trained and the company affiliated with the NGA. (ABC News 20/20 reports 02-25-00) and the urethane glue dries completely before the vehicle is driven. (FOX NEWS Boston 2-25-02)

Seatbelts and Pretensioners are Secondary Restraints and No Longer Optional.

"it’s indefensible to allow anyone to ride unbelted." Paul Brand, Auto Expert, Minneapolis Star and Tribune, January 8, 2000.

● Belts allow you to ride-out & ride-down the deployment of the airbag and provide some distance for proper airbag inflation.

● Belts reduce death and serious injury by 45% in car, 60% in truck/SUV’s. They prevent ejection (3 out of 4 person’s die when ejected.) It is the greatest chance for survival and less injury in a crash. Belts Keep drivers in the seat where maximum vehicle control is not possible without being in the seat.

Airbag and Seatbelt Injuries- Minor and Rare

● Airbags are supplemental restraints, supplemental to the seatbelt and the whole cars crashworthiness. The driver’s bag reduces the chance of dying by 30% in a frontal crash for drivers. Nearly 17,000 lives have been saved by the airbags. Children deaths reduced 90%.

● Combination of seatbelt + airbag = Up to 70-80% reduction in serious injuries to the head and chest.

● 97% of airbag injuries are minor (abrasions), 2-3% are moderate (fractures), and less than 1% are fatal. Majority of deaths (250) are infants, small children, small females-unbelted and misbelted. Airbags were never designed for children or infants.

Side Impact Airbags- Not required but some offer more head protection in side crashes

● You are more likely to die in a side impact crash than a frontal crash. The number one killer is head and chest injuries.

● In over 360 vehicle models, located in the doors, seats, head curtains, tubular windshield/A- Pillar, rear/C-pillar and roof. They protected the occupant’s head and chest from the striking bullet vehicle and prevented ejection.

● Slim-jimming is not recommended, all fatal stories are hoaxes, see http://wwwextrication.com with Ron Shaw

● Deaths are rare with side airbags. Out of position occupants are always at risk from any airbag inflation. Remind all occupants and children not to lean into a side airbag. There are no child fatalities and serious injury injuries are rare.

The Best of the Best Cars-What’s the Safest Car?

For the most protection in a crash, a vehicle should do well in all below

● NHTSA Gov’t Frontal Impact Crash Test at 35 MPH- Star rating 1 lowest, 5 stars the best. The test for restraints in the vehicle.

● NHTSA Gov’t Side impact Crash Test (20MPH) – Star rating 1 the lowest, 5 stars the best. The test for both restraints and structural integrity of the vehicle. See http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov

● Insurance institute for Highway Safety- MPH Offset Crash Test into deformable barrier. The independent test for structural integrity of the vehicle. About 75% of frontal crashes are of this type. Ratings from lowest to highest; poor-marginal-marginal-acceptable-good. See http://highwaysafety.org

● NHTSA Gov’t Roll-over Crash Testing—See http://wwwsafecar.gov

● Cars and older models see http://www.crashtest.com Teen and Parents Book and site, See http://www.crashproofyourkids.com

 

THE FACTS ON SIDE AIRBAGS

READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL!

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) or Airbags have been documented for saving thousands of lives. Airbags are also blamed for injuries or fatalities when occupants have not been wearing seat belts or belts worn improperly. Although side impact airbags and curtain airbags are not required in vehicles, many different types of side airbags are available in most vehicles. Approximately 10,000 persons die in side impact collisions each year. Head injury is the leading cause of death. These guidelines will help prevent this type of injury.

If ANY side impact airbags have deployed into an occupied seated position. Please complete NHTSA’s Special Crash Investigation Form. With or with out an injury. See http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov

FACTS ON SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS

● Are not required by the US government/NHTSA for vehicles, but are new technology

● Some are standard, some are optional on models, but most are affordable, offered in 70% of all car models.

● There are 8 different types of side airbags available, some are standard, some are optional.

● Some are available in the front and rear and most side impact airbags deploy in side collisions.

● Some head curtain airbags protect front 1st row, middle 2nd row or and 3rd row seated occupants

● Some side impact airbags also deploy in a vehicle rollover with a special rollover detection system.

● over 360 models of cars, SUV’s, Wagons and pickups are available with side impact airbags.

SIDE AIRBAGS SAFTY TIPS:

● ALWAYS wear your safety belt properly IN ANY SEAT, sit upright in the center position of the seat

● Do not lean into the side airbag, against the side of the vehicle, or against the side glass.

● Do not place a seat cover over the seat with a set mounted side airbag.

● Children seat belted in an infant seat, child safety seat, or booster has no interaction with the side impact airbag. Side airbags have been shown to be safe for properly restrained children.

● No deaths have been associated with side impact airbags, AORC reports show "extremely safe"

● Most side airbags are 5-8 inches thick or wide in a vehicle. They may vary in length and height.

ALSO:

● You are more likely to die in a side impact crash than from a frontal crash. The number one cause of death is Head & chest injuries. Deaths occur by high G-forces to the head. Up to 74% risk reduction in 2 vehicle crashes with a head bag.

● Curtin airbags offer more head protection in side crashes up to 80% reduction in Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and 45% decrease in deaths (bags that include head protection), chest and abdomen bags only reduce deaths by 11%. Curtain airbags remain inflated for approximately 10 seconds.

● Improperly restrained occupants puts them out of position for airbag deployment can put them in danger.

● Improper structural body work can affect airbag deployment timing.

● In Fire-Rescue operation airbags can deploy!

● Technicians should use care when handling.

● Many new vehicles have side airbags and have warnings specifically for them in the owner’s manual.

● READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL FOR SPECIFIC USE OF RESTRAINT SYSTEMS!

Side Airbag History

● Side airbags were introduced in 1994-1995 model year by Volvo and Mercedes, then GM and Cadillac in the door and the seat.

● No standardization of labeling side airbags; look for airbag, SRS, SIPS, SIRS, Curtain, HPS, or side airbag label.

● Labeling will appear on the seat, seat trim, side pillars, interior trim or roof headliner of the vehicle.

● Most side airbag labels may be difficult to visualize in all crash conditions. Most vehicles label the airbag system; exceptions may include executive-type vehicles such as; Bentley or Rolls Royce, and the Volvo XC 90 SUV.

● Head curtain airbags deploy on rollovers: Ford/Mercury/Lincoln SUV’s, 04 Ford Free star/Mercury Monterey, Ford Freestyle, 03 Mercedes S, SL and E class, BMW, 03-05 Lexus RX330/GS Series, Volvo XC90, 04-5 Acura MDX SUV, Pierce-Oshkosh Series 8 Fire Truck, Nissan Pathfinder Armada and XTerra, infinity QX56, 04-5 Caravan/TC Minivan /Durango/Aspen, Ford 500/Mercury Montego, Toyota SUV’s more…

Slin-jimming

● Damaging or deactivating the side airbag safety system carries liability to the officer.

● All stories of officer deaths related to slim-jimming are hoaxes, see www.extrication.com

● Side airbags mounted in the door may deploy when slim jimming the vehicle; electric door locks are powered and likely to deploy a side airbag if wires are damaged by sharp tools or objects. Slim-jimming is not recommended, unless life threatening emergency.

Technology Facts and Glass

● Most side airbags deploy at a speed 3-4 times as fast as frontal airbags, approximately 495 mph at .12 to .25 milliseconds

● Crash sensor threshold based upon impact at the side sensor location at approximately 15-20km/h

● Side impact sensors are located on the side of the vehicle to detect occupant intrusion in the front, middle or rear sides.

● Additional side protection may include; reinforced steel beams and side pillars, foam bolsters, and break resistant glass. Dual pane/anti-theft deterrent/anti-smash & grab safety & security of dual pane side glass = Break Resistant Glass is available in some models. Vehicles may include: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Expedition, Durango, Navigator, Lincoln and Cadillac Deville, Lexus cars and SUV’s, Buick Rainiere/Saab 9-7Xbuick LaCross, Buick Lucerne, Jeep Commander, Police Crown Victoria.

Rescue Warning

● The hybrid canister inflator for most sedans with curtain airbags is in the low C-pillar.

● The hybrid canister inflator for most SUV’s/ wagons with curtain airbags is in the roof rail between the C&D pillar above the ¼ glass, or may be between the B and C posts.

● The hybrid canister is typically argon gas under 3,000 psi. Do not cut through the hybrid inflator canister. Some test have shown the canister may explode. Canister location may very in mounting location and are not labeled. Always strip before you rip.

● Rescuers may cut through and undeployed airbag fabric or tubing on the side of the vehicle, but must consider the opening a "danger zone" where gas under pressure and heat may be expelled from the hybrid canister. Caution! Peel before cutting.

The Best of the Best Cars-What’s the safest Car? For the most protection, a vehicle should do well in all three below.

● NHTSA Gov’t Frontal (FMVSS 212) Impact Crash Test at 35 mph – Star rating 1 lowest, 5 stars the best. The test for restraints in the vehicle. See http://www.safercars.gov also see child out of position testing for side impact airbags.

● NHTSA Gov’t Side Impact Crash Test (FMVSS 214) 20 mph star rating 1 the lowest, 5 stars the best. The test both for restraints and structural integrity of vehicle. See http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov (Note: utilize head and chest criteria, not abdominal or pelvic injury criteria )

● Insurance Institute for highway Safety –40 mph Offset Crash Test into deformable barrier. The independent test for structural integrity of the vehicle. About 75% of frontal crashes are of this type. Ratings from lowest to highest; poor-marginal-acceptable-good. See http://www.highwaysafety.org

● NHTSA Gov’t Roll-Over Crash testing; see www.safercars.gov Cars and older models see www.crashtest.com .

 

THE FACTS ON FRAUD AIRBAGS

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) or Airbags have been documented for saving thousands of lives. Airbags can also be costly to replace in vehicles that have been involved in a collision. A growing number of repaired vehicles have been found to contain altered or fraudulent airbags. These "stuffed airbags" have been known to contain paper towels, shop rags, plastic bottles, foam, aluminum cans or other filler materials. These materials are stuffed inside, and the airbag cover is then repaired. These altered airbags create a lethal danger in a collision and are hard to detect for the consumer, especially when purchasing a used vehicle. In addition, law enforcement has found the airbag module used as a concealment location for drugs, weapons and contraband. {On August 14 at the Washington D.C. Press Club, a press conference was held on fraud airbags, CNN and Fox News ran a special video from KMSP-TV/Fox News 9 with Jeff Ballion, Consumer Reporter and Dave Long, the airbag Detective from Minneapolis.}

THE AIRBAG COVER:

● On the drivers side, look for the label on the cover of the airbag, the words "Airbag", "SRS" – Supplemental Restraint System, or SIS"- "Supplemental Inflatable Restraint" should be present. NO label may indicate a replacement cover or non-functioning airbag.

● The cover logo should match the vehicle manufacture logo; interior color and appearance of the vehicle should be consistent

● The cover should not be broken, torn, frayed or appear to have been pried open. Also make sure the cover is NOT glued, taped or altered in any way.

● The airbag cover should NOT be painted or dyed. (Unless specified by the manufacturer.)

The Airbag Light:

● When starting the vehicle, look for the airbag system is not working. It MUST illuminate between 5-7 seconds. After 5-8 seconds the light should stay off.

● The warning light indicates a working airbag system. It has completed a self-diagnostic system check and is functioning properly.

● If the light NEVER illuminates, the airbag system is NOT working. It is faulty and needs servicing by a technician. The vehicle should not be driven.

● If the warning light should illuminate and stay on, beep or chime (see owners manual), the airbag system needs servicing by a technician. The vehicle should not be driven.

FRAUD AIRBAGS:

● If the vehicle has been involved in a collision where the airbags should have deployed, have the airbag system inspected for possible tampering. Please note: some types of collisions do not deploy the airbag(s).

● Airbag systems can be tampered with electronically; bypassing he airbag system computer check, resembling a working airbag system and warning light indicator on the instrument panel.

● When in doubt ask the service technician to inspect the airbag computer and components.

● Only use new airbags in vehicles involved in collisions. Obtain a copy of the invoice with the airbag serial and part numbers. Insurance companies will not pay for salvage airbags.

READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL FOR SPECIFIC USE OF RESTRAINT SYSTEMS!

How To Deactivate

Undeployed Airbags

First Responders and 911 personnel arriving at the scene of a vehicle crash are challenged in working with undeployed airbags. Some first responders have been injured when airbags deployed in the middle of a rescue, even knocked unconscious. This information and guidelines will help prevent this type of injury. Always refer to the vehicle owner’s manual or a reference manual on airbag equipped vehicles. (See http://www.holmatro-usa.com or http://www.firehouse.com for resource CD and/or book, or http://www.sceneoftheaccident.org Todd Hoffman)

Generally Accepted Guidelines; ON THE SCENE

● If possible identify type of vehicle prior to arrival and examine vehicle type in reference manual. Use a reference sheet on vehicles equipped with side impact airbags.

● Look, scan and identify airbag(s) systems and label, fuel or hybrid electric vehicle. Identify year make, model if possible. Advise all persons entering the "hot zone" of undeployed airbag(s). Special precautions are required on hybrid vehicles from the OEM’s.

● Cut or unbuckle the patients/occuipent(s) seatbelt.

● Move anything electronic (doors, locks, seats, windows, pedal extenders, trunk, or hood

● Disconnect or cut the negative cable and shield the battery side, Shield/wrap both sides.

● Disconnect or cut positive cable and shield batter side, Shield/wrap both sides.

● If possible, wait for O.E.M. (Original Equipment Manufacturer) deactivation time for the airbag control module (computer) or SRS unit/diagnostic energy reserve module (DERM).

● Check for aftermarket accessories; cell phone, remote starter, theft alarm, CD or stereo item or other electronics containing battery backup power, which can bleed power back into the electrical systems.

● Turn on headlamps or ground out body side positive cable to bleed down any capacitors.

● Avoid any structural movement or object in the zone of deployment.

● Most service manuals advise service technicians to follow similar instructions above, plus remove the airbag fuse, and may disconnect shunt or short-out clip on the airbag wiring system. Automotive personnel must follow the vehicle specific instructions and procedures in the OEM service manual where additional procedures are required.

NOTE! Maintain Five to Eight inches from side bags (Distance varies for HPS, head

thorax seat bags, and ½ curtain and full curtain airbags!), TEN TO TWELVE

inches from driver’s bag, and TWENTY TO TWENTY-FOUR inches from the

passenger side airbag, but THIRTY BY THIRTY inches for flat bench seat;

protecting middle & right front occupants.

Always respect the distance the airbag deploys into!

● Avoid contact with the vehicle whenever rescue workers are in or near the airbag danger zones.

● Avoid contact with the vehicle whenever rescue workers are near the danger zones.

● Be aware of SRS airbags or automatic seatbelt Pretensioners.

If a first responder or automotive technician is injured from an airbag, if side airbags have

deployed in any crash into seated person, airbags in any 2000 or newer vehicles, sever injuries of

fatalities from airbags, Please complete NHTSA’s Special Crash Investigation Form. See

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov or http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-30/ncsa/sciform.html

Airbag Systems are Labeled as:

"air bag" Air bag (some airbag covers have NO acronym-look for large center steering wheel), "Curtain" Side Curtain airbag (1/2 or full 1-2-3 row), "SIR" Supplemental Inflatable Restraint, "SRS" Supplemental Restraint System, "SIPS" Side Impact Protection System "SPS" Side Protection System, "SIRS Side Impact Restraint System. "ITS" Inflatable Tubular Structure ("HPS ITTR, ITB, ITC), "ARS" Advance Integrated Restraint System, "IC" or "VIC" Volvo Inflatable Curtain, "KPS" Knee Protection System, (some knee airbags have no labels), "FPS" Foot Protection System.

Rescuer Tips

● Never cut through or into an undeployed airbag, exception may be only in the head/curtain airbag (fabric) for roof removal. Area must be considered a "danger zone" where hot gases may escape.

● Do not cut into the fabric of a deployed airbag, the airbag module may be up to 600 degrees F after deployment. Move the material away for the air bag module to cool for 30 minutes.

● The rims if the steering wheel may be cut only if anchored and the airbag module is avoided.

● Do not cut into any undeployed airbag modules or airbag inflation canisters, look and remove interior trim panels before cutting into posts and side panels.

Vehicles and Electrical Fires

● All are pre-set to deploy at 185°/270°to350° Fahrenheit in a vehicle or electrical fire.

● Airbags may deploy with the OEM pre-set temperatures. Use caution!

Duel or Multi Stage Airbags

● Introduced in the year 2000 in some Ford and GM vehicles and most newer vehicles.

● Dual stage airbags deploy one or both of the igniters with crash severity sensors.

● in minor frontal impacts, the seatbelt Pretensioners deploy only, not the airbags.

● In moderate frontal impacts, Pretensioners fire, airbags 1st igniter deploys with 70-80% inflation.

● In Sever frontal impacts, Pretensioners fire, airbags 1 and 2nd igniter deploys 100%.

● The second stage of the airbag may still be live with some OEM’s in some crashes.

8 Reasons Why Airbags Can Not be Deactivated

● "All bets are off" after a collision, the airbag system may have been damaged

● Static electricity or delivering electrical power to the airbag system at any time.

● Aftermarket accessories with battery back power.

● Vehicle and electrical fires

● Deactivation time may vary with the OEM airbag computer

● Mechanical airbags-Volvo 850,960& 70 Series side, frontal driver bags 1993 to 1995 Cherokee, pre1996 Jaguar.

● Duel or multistage airbags with live 2nd igniter

● Crushing the airbag computer module or SRS unit/DERM/

6 Reasons on Why Not to Use Aftermarket Airbags Suppressors

1. Not NHTSA recommended, 2. Not FMVSS tested or approved, 3. Violate the rescuer "danger zone" to apply them, 4. Some may cut or puncture the airbag, 5. They can fail, 6. OEM manufactures do not recommend covers over the airbags.

 

Copyright ABRA Auto Body & Glass 1997

HYBIRD VEHICLES

CHEVY SILVERADO/GMC SIERRA Hybird See http://www.gmstc.com Emergency Personnel Information 42V

Saturn VUE Hybird, (Aura spring 07) http://www.gmstc.com Emergency Personnel Information VUE

05-06 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID?MERCURY MARINER HYBRID: See https://www.fleet.ford.com/

Environment Vehicles. Escape hybrid for all "Emergency Response Guide"

● Full hybrid Escape/Mariner, branding "Hybird Escape/Mariner" & green leaf on both front doors & rear door

● 4 cylinder gas engine & electric motor at 330 Volts boiosting to 155 HP, HV cables on RIGHT SIDE

● Electric motor power car up to about 25mph. NiMH Battery in trunk. HV disconnect switch in right rear trunk

● Remove master disconnect switch to SERVICE-SHIPPING position

HONDA INSIGHT HYBIRD

http://www.serviceexpress.honda.com "resources", Click "Honda/Emergency Response"

● Intro 2000 year, 2 door coupe, 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder, mostly aluminum car, 12 volt batter under the hood

● High voltage battery pack in the trunk of 144 volts, sealed NiMH

● Driver and passenger side airbag, pyrotechnic pretensioners, deactivation time is 3 Minutes

● Orange High voltage cables run under LEFT/DIVERS side of car

● If green LED at base of tachometer says "AUTO-STOP" LED car is off

2002-2005 HONDA CIVIC HYBIRD

http://www.serviceexpress.honda.com "resources", Click "Honda/Emergency Response"

● Intro 2002, 4 door, 1.3 liter, 12 volt batter under the hood, hybrid brand on rear

● High voltage battery pack in trunk behind rear seat backs, sealed NiMH brand on tailgate

● Driver and passenger dual-stage airbags, front pyrotechnic pretensioners, deactivation time is 3 Minutes

● Orange High voltage cables run under RIGHT/PASSENGER side of car

● Turn ignition to "off" position and remove key

2005-2006 HONDA ACCORD HYBIRD V6 EX

http://www.serviceexpress.honda.com "resources", Click "Honda/Emergency Response"

● 12 VOLT BATTERY UNDER HOOD, 144V High voltage battery vertical behind rear seat like Civic, brand on tailgate

● HV cables under RIGHT SIDE, if needed, remove main fuse in upper Left fuse box under hood

2006 HONDA CIVIC HYBIRD ERG posted at

http://www.serviceexpress.honda.com "resources", Click "Honda/Emergency Response"

● 158 Volts, HV air conditioner compressor, HV cables on PASSENGER/RIGHT under shield

LEXUS 400h and TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Hybrid SUV See Web site

http://techinfo.toyota.com

● 12 V battery under hood, HV battery of 288 to 650 Volts DC under 2nd seat, brand on tailgate &/or doors

● HV cables under CENTER of vehicle, rear HV electric motor with 4WD models

● 42 V Yellow wiring DC/DC converter in Highlander under hood, Lexus in rear cargo area

● If needed remove IGCT No. fuse (10A RD colored) mid right side of fuse box, 5 minute HV disabling

Lexus 450h Sedan and Toyota Camry Hybrid See Web site http://techinfo.toyota.com

2001-2003 TOYOTA PRIUS: 1st Generation Prius manual, http://techinfo.toyota.com

● Intro 2001, 4 door, 5 passenger sedan, 1.5 liter, 12 volt battery under Left side of trunk, hybrid brand on rear

● High voltage battery pack in trunk of 274 volts DC current, sealed NiMH, 5 minute disabling HV time

● Orange high voltage cables run under the LEFT/DRIVERS side of the car

● if LED reading on dash says "READY" Car is sleeping! CAUTION! Car can move on its own, silently!

● if needed remove main fuse #1. Phillips screwdriver on lower right side of fuse box under hood

2004-2006 TOYOTA PRIUS: 2nd Generation 04-5 Prius manual, http://techinfo.toyota.com

● READY light on dash means car is ON, 12 V battery on Right side of trunk

● HV battery pack in trunk, 201 to 500 DC Volts, after disabling- 5 minute drain time

● ON/OFF Power button, Park button, remove Smart Key 16 feet away from car (also see Lexus 450h)

● if needed, may remove HEV fuse (20A Yellow colored) lower Right under hood fuse box

● HV cables on LEFT/DRIVERS side under vehicl