Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.166 (Safety devices) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 173.166 requires for safety devices (such as air bag inflators, air bag modules, seat-belt pretensioners, and pyromechanical devices):
* Classification: Safety devices must be properly classified either as Class 9 (UN3268) or Division 1.4G.
* To be classed as Class 9 (excluding those with flammable or toxic gases), the design must be examined and successfully tested by an authorized, independent testing agency in accordance with special provision 160 and keep proper records. Air bag inflators, modules, or seat-belt pretensioners meeting these criteria do not need an EX number. All other Class 9 safety device designs must be submitted to the Associate Administrator for approval and assigned an EX number.
* To be classed as Division 1.4G, the design must be examined and tested by an authorized agency, a report must be submitted, and it must be approved in writing by the Associate Administrator and assigned an EX number (or approved via a foreign government's competent authority classification).
* Shipping Papers:
* If classed as Division 1.4G, the shipping paper must include the EX number or a traceable product code for each approved device alongside the basic description (unless the EX number or product code is marked on the outside package).
* Class 9 (UN3268) safety devices are excepted from these EX number/product code shipping paper requirements.
* For serviceable safety devices removed from U.S.-manufactured motor vehicles and shipped to recycling or waste disposal facilities by highway (or other modes), shipping papers are required, but you must enter the word "Recycled" immediately after the basic description, and standard shipping paper requirements under paragraph (c) are waived.
* Packaging and Transport:
* Packagings must be rigid outer packagings meeting part 173 general requirements (and UN specification packagings at the Packing Group III performance level where applicable). They must be designed and constructed to prevent shifting of the articles and to prevent inadvertent activation.
* For shipments to recycling or waste disposal facilities, no more than one device is authorized per package, and it must be cushioned and secured to prevent shifting.
* Safety devices that are already installed in a motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, or other transport conveyance (or completed components like steering columns or door panels) are not subject to the requirements of 49 CFR 173.166.