Recyclers offered world&#39s first airbag deployment courses

Aimed at training members of the recycling industry to safely remove potentially hazardous airbags from old cars, the course addresses the serious risks posed to workers by exploding devices.

” A lot of people have some knowledge of airbags but don’t have a good overview. It is not as straight forward as some people imagine “
– Course director Tony Weatherhead
It is thought that about 10% of vehicles arising at scrapyards now have airbags, and this is expected to increase with time, as vehicles meeting newer and tougher safety standards come to the end of their lives.

The training courses are being offered by the Consortium for Automotive Recycling (CARE), a partnership of major motor manufacturers and the recycling industry.

The training will be funded by vehicle manufacturers as part of the UK's producer responsibility system for end-of-life vehicles.

CARE chairman Peter Stokes explained: “There is a serious chance of injury from air bags to people dealing with ELVs. We took these concerns from the recycling industry and tried to target vehicles that are most likely to be seen by recyclers. This is the first course of its kind in the world.”

Course
The one-day course begins with a morning session examining airbag types, where to apply particular caution and which tools are available to deploy airbags safely. In the afternoon, delegates are given the chance to put their new expertise into practise.

Tony Weatherhead, director of consultants Jenson Associates, developed and delivers the course on behalf of CARE. He said: “A lot of people have some knowledge of airbags but don’t have a good overview. It is not as straight forward as some people imagine.”

Mr Weatherhead, who used to work for Ford in automotive recycling, piloted the scheme in April. He said: “I've done six courses now in Bristol, Swindon, Crawley and elsewhere, trying to minimise travel for those who sign up. We've had interest from a lot of companies, especially the shredders.”

Mr Stokes added: “We’ve had quite a few bookings and really good feedback.”

The course costs 165 and further details are available at www.caregroup.org.uk.

Mr Stokes said: “CARE doesn’t make any money from this at all. It is not a case of vehicle manufacturers making money off the authorised treatment facilities! It has cost us several thousands to set up.”