Re: ATF regulations.

Randall Clague wrote:

> At 06:58 PM 10/12/2004 -0700, David Weinshenker wrote:
> 
>> One would think that an airbag actuator would fall within the definition
>> of a "propellent actuated device" ("specialized mechanical device or gas
>> generator system that releases or directs work by means of a propellant
>> charge"), and as such would be exempt from 27 CFR part 555 "Commerce in
>> Explosives" by the action of the exemption at 27 CFR 555.141(a)(8)
> 
> 
> Dave, you beat me to it.  For those who haven't rushed out and checked 
> 27 CFR 555.141(a)(8), it exempts propellant actuated devices from 
> regulations under Part 555 (Commerce In Explosives) (which BTW is the 
> only Part in Subchapter C, Explosives) along with gasoline and fertilizer.
> 
> I also found the current Explosives List, though, at 69 FR 16958, and I 
> find no mention of air bag actuators.  Mind you, I don't know what's 
> *in* them, but I share Dave W's belief that they're PADs, and therefore 
> exempt.

Most airbag propellants are sodium azide, which itself is on the List 
(or was, as of a couple years ago).  This material is related to the 
lead azide used in some brands of ammunition primers; it is a shock 
sensitive primary explosive.

However, ISTM that if BATFE wants to go after someone on this one, they 
should start with the car makers, who are distributing this explosive 
willy-nilly to unlicensed individuals, including many who are legally 
disabled (via prior felony convictions) from possessing explosives.

Bottom line: if the government's ability to arrest anyone, any time were 
ever in question, it shouldn't be now.

-- 
I may be a scwewy wabbit, but I'm not going to Alcatwaz!
                                                     -- E. J. Fudd, 1954

Donald Qualls, aka The Silent Observer
Lathe Building Pages  http://silent1.home.netcom.com/HomebuiltLathe.htm
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Opinions expressed are my own -- take them for what they're worth
and don't expect them to be perfect.