I have tried the search function but it was fruitless for what I am looking for.
I'm now working for an automotive logistics company and we handle pyrotechnics used in car manufacture.
The items are UN Class 1 UN 0432 Articles, Pyrotechnic (Seat Belt Pre-tensioners) and
UN Class 9 UN 3628 Airbag Modules.
The most information I have been able to find is the HSE publication "Guidance on the handling, storage and transport of Airbags and Seat Belt Pretensioners".
I've have written a risk assessment covering the hazards & risks from the above publication but it doesn't cover the subject of removing the pyrotechnics from the manufacturers' packaging, then transporting them to the assembly line. It is more aimed toward motor repair workshops.
I was wondering if anyone has come across a risk assessment for pyrotechnics in the automotive industry, after all there are more than one car manufacturing facilities within the UK.
Before starting a career in H&S I was a CAA dangerous goods shipper in the RAF so am confident & experienced in DG knowledge.
Thanks for any assistance.

Stretch are you a motoring manufacturer?

I would expect that the guidance for the motor repair workshop for example the technicians have to remove the old pyrotechnic from the vehicle, remove the new one from the packaging and then fit it, would be what you would need here.

The work instructions for doing this for the technicians comes from the vehicle manufacture, that is why I asked the question - I recall having to carry the airbag at arms length, pointing upwards and ensuring that you kept you face from the opening zone while fitting.

Point to note: These are safe to transport and fit as they need an electrical charge to trigger. I have never experienced one to go off by itself.

Oh - I see where your coming from now.

A long long time ago.... when these were first fitted in vehicles they were classified as a 1.4 explosive, which meant that they had to be transported as per the Dangerous Goods Licence, they had to be stored in explosive safes in the car dealerships and if any were to be returned to the manufacturer they had to be deployed - there is a special kit and procedure for deploying them. And, you had to get a local explosive licence from the local authority to store them, also you could only store them for a short period of time i.e. as needed. Not to mention the training that was needed to fit them.

These requirements presented lots of issues for vehicle workshop throughout the country, this is why they deregulated them to a Class 9 product for most of Europe (some are still packaged as 1.4s though).

Can I just check, is the manufactures packaging just a cardboard box with the foam padding in it? Or is it something more robust? I ask this because if this was me it may influence my decision of the question you pose.

Point to note, about slowing down production and the storage from the pick, take into consideration electrostatic discharge especially if using a trolley and consider what could happen if there was a fire in the area and the Fire and Rescue Service (or indeed employees) would need to tackle a fire.

HI,

Its interesting that the Class 9 products are packaged in steel boxes and the 1.4 explosive are packaged in cardboard boxes, strange! Are they from the same manufacture?