Shipping Instructions
This bulletin is being revised to update the DOT exemptions, and correct the IFG phone number. Please discard Bulletin 92-9-3.Undeployed driver's side inflator modules replaced under warranty in all vehicles equipped with Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) are to be returned to Inland Fisher Guide, General Motors Corporation. This bulletin outlines procedures that all dealers must follow for shipping undeployed driver's side SIR inflator modules as flammable solids. This bulletin is in effect and should be retained at all times at the dealership until a subsequent bulletin supersedes it.
Only dealers located in the continental United States should return driver's side inflator modules. Dealers in Alaska, Hawaii, territories of the United States, and foreign countries should not return driver's side inflator modules. Driver's side inflator modules replaced outside of the continental United States should be deployed and disposed of through proper channels. Always refer to the appropriate Service Manual Section 9J "INFLATOR MODULE HANDLING/SHIPPING/SCRAPPING" when it is necessary to deploy a driver's side inflator module.
If a vehicle is the subject of a Product Liability Report related to the SIR system and is subject to a Preliminary Investigation (GM-1241), DO NOT DEPLOY the inflator module and DO NOT ALTER the SIR system until cleared by the Buick Zone Service Representative. A GM-1241 investigation is to be completed by your District Service Manager upon a complaint that a product malfunction or failure led to bodily injury or property damage.
Your Zone Service Representative will supply instructions for returning the driver's side inflator module following the GM-1241 investigation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations classify a driver's side inflator module as an explosive power device, class C or B, depending on its size. However, under exemptions issued by the DOT, manufacturers of driver's side inflator modules may transport them within the continental United States as flammable solids. General Motors has been made a "party to" these exemptions and may also transport inflator modules as flammable solids. As recipients of packages shipped under the exemption, dealers who receive driver's side inflator modules from GM may reship them under the exemption as well.
Reprinted in this bulletin are copies of the DOT exemptions specifying the packaging and shipping requirements for driver's side inflator modules (DOT-E8214, DOT-E8236). Copies of these exemptions must be retained by the shipping dealership. Failure to retain copies and to comply with their provisions will result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation or criminal penalties of up to $25,000 per violation and imprisonment. The DOT exemptions are updated at the expiration date as specified on each exemption. The dealers will be responsible for obtaining an up-to-date copy from the Department of Transportation of each exemption that is being used for driver's side inflator module shipments.
When it is necessary to return an undeployed driver's side inflator module, the following procedure must be followed. Please note that additional packaging and shipping information relating specifically to the inflator module being replaced will be included with the service replacement inflator module.
1. Package the undeployed driver's side inflator module and a legible copy of the repair order detailing the reason for replacement in the same carton in which the service replacement inflator module was shipped (Figure 1). If the carton is severely damaged to the extent that it will not protect its contents, obtain a new shipping carton by contacting Inland Fisher Guide, General Motors Corporation (513) 356-2135.
2. Close the carton and secure with packaging tape. Transparent tape is recommended. All existing labels and markings on the carton must be visible. DO NOT STAPLE CONTAINER. DO NOT COVER ANY PORTION OF THE RED AND WHITE FLAMMABLE SOLID LABEL OR ANY MARKINGS ON THE CARTON.
3. Secure the return address label to the carton.
Return Address:
Inland Fisher Guide
c/o Delco Products
2525 Home Avenue
Dayton, OH 45417
4. The following information on the shipping papers (United Parcel Service Hazardous Material Label and Shipper's Certification) must be completed with the same information as enclosed with the replacement driver's side inflator module when received:
Proper shipping name, hazard class, "UN" number, DOT exemption number, technical name of material, and emergency response information.
A copy of the emergency response guidelines will be enclosed with the replacement driver's side inflator module and must be attached to the shipping papers you complete for the inflator module being shipped.
United Parcel Service (UPS) will provide transportation of undeployed driver's side inflator modules. Shipments are to be freight prepaid with the shipping expenses to be handled in the same manner as any prepaid freight reimbursement.
If a driver's side inflator module is not required to be returned using this return procedure, the inflator module must be deployed prior to disposal. Always refer to the appropriate Service Manual Section 9J "INFLATOR MODULE HANDLING/SHIPPING/SCRAPPING" when it is necessary to deploy driver's side inflator modules.