Clean-Up Procedure

Following a supplemental restraint deployment, the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue. This residue consists primarily of harmless by-products used to deploy a supplemental restraint. However, this residue may also contain traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical by-product of the propellant material that is used to generate the inert gas which inflates the airbag. Since sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be sure to wear safety glasses (1), rubber gloves (2), and a long sleeve shirt during cleanup.

WARNING: IF YOU EXPERIENCE SKIN IRRITATION DURING CLEANUP, RUN COOL WATER OVER THE AFFECTED AREA. ALSO, IF YOU EXPERIENCE IRRITATION OF THE NOSE OR THROAT, EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION CEASES. IF IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSICIAN.




1. Begin the cleanup by using a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from the vehicle interior. Clean from outside the vehicle and work your way inside, so that you avoid kneeling or sitting on a non-cleaned area.
2. Be certain to vacuum the heater and air conditioning outlets as well. Run the heater and air conditioner blower on the lowest speed setting and vacuum any powder expelled from the outlets.
3. Next, remove the deployed supplemental restraints from the vehicle.
1. Driver side airbag.
2. Passenger side airbag.
3. Side impact airbag.
4. Seat belt tensioners.

4. You may need to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.