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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of motor vehicle restraint systems
Level / 3 / Credits / 5
Purpose / This theory-based unit standard is for people in the motorand related industries. People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of:front air bag systems; air bag system diagnosis; seat belt systems; side air bag and air curtain systems; and discriminating restraint systems.
Classification / Motor Industry > Vehicle Bodywork
Available grade / Achieved
Guidance Information
1Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to – Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996;Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; Land Transport Rules: Frontal Impact 2001, Rule 32006/1; Heavy Vehicles 2004, Rule 31002; Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages 2002, Rule 32011; Vehicle Repair 1998, Rule 34001.
2Land Transport Rules are produced for the Minister of Transport by Land Transport New Zealand. These rules are available online at
3Definition
Service information may include but is not limited to – technical information of a vehicle, machine, or product detailing operation; installation and servicing procedures; manufacturer instructions and specifications; technical terms and descriptions; and detailed illustrations. This can be accessed in hard copy or electronic format and is normally sourced from the manufacturer.
4Air bags and seatbelt pre-tensioners contain an explosive charge and are therefore classified as explosive articles under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.
5Recommended skills and knowledge prior to entry: Unit 22800, Describe safe working practices and precautions on vehicles equipped with air bags and seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Outcomes and performance criteria
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of front air bag systems.
Performance criteria
1.1Differences between active and passive restraints are defined in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
1.2The importance of following the vehicle manufacturer service instructions to assist in the repair of a restraint system is explained in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
1.3Main components of an air bag system and their location on a vehicle are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – air bag modules; wiring harnesses; coil, clock spring, or cable reel; restraint system electronic control module; sensors.
1.4Factors that may cause air bag deployment are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – vehicle speed; object being struck; energy absorption; location of impact; angle of impact; deceleration of the vehicle; inadvertent tampering, testing, or handling.
1.5Disabling procedures before starting repairs are explained in accordance with service information.
1.6Cleanup procedures for a deployed air bag are explained in accordance with service information.
1.7Impact sensor circuit operation is described in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – rear sensors (safing or arming sensors), front sensors (discriminating, crash, impact sensors).
1.8Components of an air bag module are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – air bag, inflator module, electrical connectors, trim cover.
1.9Precautions to take when working on an air bag system are described in accordance with service information.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – using the correct service manual, storing an air bag module, carrying an air bag module, repairing or welding on a vehicle, testing electrical connections, adhering to warnings printed on inflator module.
1.10Types of inflator are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – conventional inflator using nitrogen gas, hybrid inflator using argon gas.
1.11The resultant damage effects of deployment to surrounding components are described in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – packing powder dust, heat generated, electrical and electronic components, instrument panels, windscreen areas, steering column.
1.12Removal and installation procedures for an air bag module are described in accordance with service information.
1.13Functions of the electronic control module (ECM) in an air bag system are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangemay include but is not limited to – checking the system for faults, controlling the operation of the air bag warning lamp, recording diagnostic and collision information, providing backup power.
1.14Removal and installation procedures of a clock spring are described in accordance with service information.
1.15Functions and location of knee bolsters or diverters are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate knowledge of air bag system diagnosis.
Performance criteria
2.1Diagnostic methods used for air bag systems are identified in accordance with service information.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – flash code diagnostics (including warning lamp), specialty tester, scan tool diagnostics, test harness measurements.
2.2The importance of following service information when diagnosing faults is explained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – tools and workshop equipment, test equipment, interpretation of fault codes, safety, preventing damage to components.
2.3Procedures to take after the repair is completed are identified in accordance with service information.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – clearing fault codes, road testing, checking all accessories for proper operation, warning lamp operation.
Outcome 3
Demonstrate knowledge of seat belt systems.
Performance criteria
3.1Types of seat belt systems are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – manual seat belts, pre-tensioner seat belts, motorised seat belts.
3.2Seat belt faults are described in accordance with legislative requirements.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – anchorages, webbing, stitching, stalks, twisting, missing labels, locking mechanism and retraction systems, buckles and tongues.
3.3Retractor type seat belt inspection procedures are described in accordance with service information.
Rangevisual inspection, dynamic test; single-sensitive, dual-sensitive.
3.4Seat belt pre-tensioner operation is described in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Outcome 4
Demonstrate knowledge of side air bag and air curtain systems.
Performance criteria
4.1Mounting locations of side air bag and air curtain systems are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – seat, door panel, A-pillar, roof rail, head rest.
4.2Removal and replacement procedures for side air bag and air curtain systems are described in accordance with service information.
Outcome 5
Demonstrate knowledge of discriminating restraint systems.
Performance criteria
5.1Types of discriminating restraint systems are identified in accordance with vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – threshold deployment of either or both air bag or seat belt tensioner, dual-stage air bags, dual-depth air bags, seat-occupied sensored systems, front passenger seat disable, roll-over pop-up bars.
Replacement information / This unit standard and unit standard 22800 were replaced by 30573.This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 26 November 2007 / 31 December 2020
Review / 2 / 26 October 2017 / 31 December 2020
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0014
This CMR can be accessed at
MITO New Zealand IncorporatedSSB Code 101542 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut