What component is crucial to observe a wait period after power removal in an SRS before beginning work?

When working on a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), observing a wait period after power removal is crucial primarily due to the airbag component. Airbags are designed to deploy in the event of a collision, and they contain energetic materials that can cause them to inflate rapidly. If power is removed and then work begins immediately, there could be residual voltage present in the system that may still trigger airbag deployment.

The wait period allows any stored energy in the airbag system to dissipate, ensuring that it is safe to work on other components in the vicinity without the risk of accidental airbag deployment, which could lead to serious injury. While other components like the steering wheel and seatbelt are important parts of the SRS, it is the airbag’s potential for sudden deployment that necessitates this precautionary step. Therefore, understanding the inherent risks associated with the airbag system highlights why it is critical to observe a wait period after power removal before beginning any related work.