Basic Operations Firefighter Certification Practice Exam

What are the potential hazards of an undeployed airbag in a vehicle?

1. It can cause fire

2. It can explode when touched

3. It can injure occupants and rescue personnel

4. It can leak gas

The correct answer is: It can injure occupants and rescue personnel

An undeployed airbag poses significant risks, particularly to both vehicle occupants and rescue personnel. If a crash occurs, the airbag is designed to deploy rapidly to protect the occupants; however, if it remains undeployed, it can present a danger. For example, during rescue operations, attempting to intervene in a vehicle with an undeployed airbag could result in it deploying unexpectedly, leading to serious injuries. Moreover, even if no immediate accident has occurred, the airbag can become hazardous if the vehicle's electrical system is compromised, potentially resulting in accidental deployment. The other options, while they touch on relevant concerns, do not capture the primary risk associated with an undeployed airbag as effectively. The risk of a fire is generally more associated with other vehicle components, and explosion from touching an airbag is not a typical concern because it is safely secured in its compartment. A gas leak is not a recognized hazard related to undeployed airbags, as they do not contain hazardous gases in a way that would create a leak.