the firing mechanisms can store a charge, kill the battery, wait a while 30 minutes should be a safe time, just to be sure there is no residual power in the lines. Then you can go about removing it. the driver's airbag can blow out 10-12 inches and the passenger about 15 inches, don't screw with them while you are directly in front of it, they can and will kill you.
See youtube for things to do with them after you remove them. Both sides I believe are electrically fired, post back if you find that to be untrue.