Guide
Seat-belt pretensioners – how to remove and make them safe
A seat-belt pretensioner tightens the belt in a crash using a small explosive charge. That makes it a pyrotechnic component that must be handled safely when scrapping or dismantling a car. Here's what it is, why it's dangerous and how to make it safe.
What is a seat-belt pretensioner?
A seat-belt pretensioner tightens the seat belt in a collision using a small pyrotechnic charge. It usually sits at the belt retractor or buckle and is found in most modern cars.
Is a seat-belt pretensioner dangerous?
Yes. It contains an explosive charge that can go off unexpectedly during cutting, crushing or removal. That's why pretensioners should always be made safe in a controlled way before the car is recycled.
Must seat-belt pretensioners be removed before a car is scrapped?
Yes. Like airbags, pretensioners must be removed or deployed before an end-of-life vehicle is recycled under EU rules. Until they're made safe they count as hazardous waste (waste code 16 01 10*).
How do you make a seat-belt pretensioner safe?
You deploy it in a controlled way with a tool – in the car or after removal. BlastBox connects up and deploys pretensioners and airbags safely, and documents the work.
What tool do you use?
BlastBox is built for vehicle recyclers, dismantlers and workshops. It deploys pretensioners and all types of airbags, is controlled wirelessly and saves documentation for inspection.
Handle seat-belt pretensioners safely with BlastBox
BlastBox deploys seat-belt pretensioners and airbags quickly, safely and with documentation – in the car or already removed.