To de-energize an airbag, what is the first step in the procedure?

The first step in the procedure to de-energize an airbag is to disconnect the battery. This is crucial because the airbag system is powered by the vehicle’s electrical system, and disconnecting the battery eliminates the immediate electrical current that could trigger the airbag to deploy. By taking this step first, responders greatly reduce the risk of accidental deployment during subsequent steps involving the airbag.

After the battery is disconnected, it’s advisable to wait a brief period (often around ten minutes) to allow any residual power in the system to dissipate. This waiting period is essential for safety; however, the critical first action remains the disconnection of the battery to ensure that all electrical supply to the airbag system is interrupted. This step is foundational in any safe procedure for handling airbag systems.