Is is safe to remove the upper and lower steering column covers without having the air bags exploding in my face?
They are just two plastic covers.

 

why wouldn't it be? undo the screws, and press in on the sides to remove the two pieces.

 

Thanks a lot.
Why wouldn't it be......if the airbags are somehow connected to them.

 

I've done it; no airbag explosion (to swap ignition switch)
The upper cover is locked in a lower part by plastic tabs. Squeeze the upper part inwards, then pry it up with 1 inch wide spatula; sometimes removing screws at the bottom to detach cover assembly from the column makes entire assembly more flexible and easy to take apart.

 

Super! THANKS