KEY POINTS:
Army specialists are being called in to help car wreckers dispose of airbags because of the explosive charge contained in them.
By law, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron has to be used because of the explosive device in the bags.
Anything classed as an explosive device cannot just be treated at the wreckers, but must be discharged by a specialist.
The squadron's Major Nick Bowden said newer models of cars containing airbags usually ended up at the wreckers after a crash, when the airbags had already deployed.
But it seemed the first wave of cars that had not had the airbags inflated were now turning up.
"I guess because airbags have been in cars now for a period of time, we're starting to see those cars now come through the disposal system - and so it's really only hitting our radar now," he told Radio New Zealand.
There was a possibility the Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma) could give people licences to do the work, he said.
The Automobile Association's technical advice manager Jack Biddle said he did not believe there would be a change to the design of the airbags.
"I think the really important thing with an airbag is it has to deploy very very quickly - it's in the blink of an eye.
"And I guess an explosive charge is the way that they've got that to happen."
He said with seat belt retractors now containing explosive charges too and the introduction of side airbags to cars, the problem was just going to get bigger.
Maj Bowden said the army was discussing the issue with their counterparts in the United States who had just started noticing the same phenomenon.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron will conduct trials over the next two months to try and find a bulk disposal mechanism.
" Our intention would be to come up with a bulk disposal method that is simple, quick and effective at making these items safe and removing the hazard that they present."
- NZPA
