If there is an undeployed air bag in a vehicle after an MVA, what action should be taken?

When dealing with an undeployed airbag in a vehicle following a motor vehicle accident (MVA), the most appropriate action is to disconnect the battery. This is crucial as it helps to eliminate any remaining electrical power that could potentially activate the airbag. Airbags are designed to deploy upon a significant impact, and the electrical systems involved can still hold a charge, posing a risk of accidental deployment during removal or handling of the airbag components.

Disconnecting the battery effectively stops power from reaching the airbag system, providing a safer environment for first responders who may need to work around the vehicle. It is important to wait a sufficient amount of time after disconnection before proceeding with any other actions related to the airbag system to ensure that any residual energy is dissipated.

While other options may appear applicable, they do not directly address the immediate safety concern associated with an undeployed airbag. For example, grounding the vehicle or manipulating safety switches or sensor units can introduce risks rather than mitigating them. Disconnecting the battery is a definitive step to ensure safety before further actions are taken around the airbag.