A one-day course for staff working at car disposal sites (authorised treatment facilities) has been launched.

The course deals with the safe deployment and removal of pyrotechnic devices like airbags and pre-tensioners. These have to be dealt with under recycling rules in the end of life vehicles (ELV) directive. It gives delegates a morning in the classroom learning about airbag types, deployment equipment and methods. In the afternoon, all can be put into practice, with the chance to deploy several types of airbag.

Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "Manufacturers must be just as committed to the safety of those dismantling cars as we are to delivering targets under the end of life vehicles directive. That's why this course has our full support."

Further details on the course and how to book are available here.