Gas struts are becoming more of a hazard, from days of old when they where just found in the tailgate, we can now expect to find them in many locations.

Tailgate struts can be found in the rear of the Cantrail / roof side rails. On Peugeot cars there can be two on each side of the tailgate, where the tailgate opens either as one unit or two seperate parts.

The picture you can see in only a Peugeot 106 with gas struts under the bonnet / hood.

Another reason why we need to inspect where we are going to cut, as cutting through a pressurised strut can create a projectile that can cause serious injury. These also pose a hazard in car fires, and can become projectiles from out of the smoke, perhaps Breathing apparatus is not such a bad idea?

Foam

Foam can be found in many vehicles, and is used for structural strength, sound proofing and insulation.

The foam can be found within structural pillars ,the dash area and so on. This can pose a hazard when being cut with reciprocating saws as when heated from the blade it will start to give off Isocyanates in the smoke that is produced, this is very toxic and must be avoided.

So if this situation is found it might be an idea to cut these areas with hydraulic tools or similar as this will not cause the foam to burn.

This foam will also create the same hazards during a vehicle fire.