[Comment: For dates and availability of material
incorporated by reference in this rule, see paragraph (S) of rule 4501-5-01 of
the Administrative Code.]
These standards apply to any school bus used to
transport school children to and from school and/or school related activities
and events.
(A) Access steps. (except "Type
A" buses)
(1) Steps shall be
installed on each side of the school bus to allow access to windshield for
cleaning.
(2) Grab handles shall be
securely mounted in a suitable position to assist in using the
steps.
(3) In lieu of steps
installed on each side, the steps are permitted in or on the front bumper if
the windshield can be accessible for cleaning from that position.
(B) Air compressor for
accessories.
An accessory compressor that supplies air to
accessories only shall be sized appropriately. Accessory compressors shall not
be connected to the braking system in any way.
(C) Aisle.
(1) Minimum width of
aisle shall be twelve inches at floor level.
(2) Minimum width of
aisle between seats shall be twelve inches at seat level.
(3) The aisle shall not
be less than twelve inches wide between any two objects from the service doors
to the aisle in the passenger area from floor to ceiling.
(4) Hold-down fastening
devices used on inside engine cover shall be designed to prevent hooking or
catching on shoes or clothing.
(D) Axles and suspensions.
(1) The front and rear
axles, including suspension assemblies, and all frame-to-ground components,
shall have a gross axle weight rating when measured at the ground at least
equal to that portion of the load as would be imposed by the chassis
manufacturer's maximum gross vehicle weight rating.
(2) Heavy-duty
double-acting shock absorbers compatible with the manufacturer's rated
axle capacity shall be installed on the front and rear of the school bus
chassis.
(3) Suspension assemblies
as specified shall maintain/control stability of school bus under all
conditions.
(E) Battery.
(1) "Type B, C and
D" buses:
(a) A battery or batteries of at least eight hundred cold
cranking amperes for a gasoline powered engine.
(b) A battery or batteries of at least one thousand two hundred
fifty cold cranking amperes for a diesel powered engine.
(2) "Type A I and A
II" buses:
(a) A battery or batteries of at least six hundred cold cranking
amperes for a gasoline powered engine.
(b) A battery or batteries of at least one thousand cold cranking
amperes for a diesel powered engine.
(3) A battery or
batteries of at least one thousand two hundred cold cranking amperes if
equipped with a lift.
(4) One-piece
non-spliced battery cables shall be provided by the chassis manufacturer. All
cables shall conform to SAE standard J541 with respect to electrical
resistance.
(5) "Type A I and A
II" buses may have the battery/batteries located at the
manufacturer's standard. Batteries for "Types B, C, and D" buses
shall be mounted in the body skirt by the body manufacturer. Rear engine buses
may have batteries mounted in engine compartment.
(6) A drawer-type
pull-out tray shall be installed whenever the battery/batteries are accessed
through the body fender skirt. The batteries shall be enclosed by a compartment
constructed of mill-applied zinc coated steel, or other acid resistant
material, provided with drain ports, hold-down carrier mounted so as to avoid
blocking filler ports, and latching device to prevent accidental opening.
Drawer assembly shall be covered with acid-resistant paint or material. Battery
tray shall be equipped with a positive locking device to keep tray from sliding
completely out to prevent battery from being dropped.
(F) Body construction.
(1) All construction
components (except door handles, grab handles, interior decorative parts, other
interior plated parts, and components heavier than twelve-gauge), shall be of
prime commercial quality mill-applied zinc coated steel, other anti-corrosive
coating or composite materials. Components must meet or exceed current strength
and durability and all applicable "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards." The zinc plating shall be one hundred twenty grams per meter
square minimum coating weight (G60) or equivalent applied by either hot dipping
or electroplating. All such construction materials shall be fire
resistant.
(2) All metal surfaces
that will be painted shall be chemically cleaned, etched, zinc-phosphate
coated, and zinc-chromate or epoxy-primed, or conditioned by equivalent
process.
(3) In providing for the
requirements in paragraphs (F)(1) and (F)(2) of this rule, particular attention
shall be given to lapped surfaces, welded connections of structural members,
cut edges, punched or drilled holed areas in sheet metal, closed or box
sections, unvented or undrained areas, and surfaces subject to abrasion during
vehicle operation.
(4) Upon final assembly
of the bus body and after mounting body upon chassis, the total unit strength
of the school bus shall meet or exceed all strength criteria as established by
FMVSS 571.220 and FMVSS 571.221.
(5) Body construction
shall provide a dustproof and watertight unit.
(6) Exterior body panels
shall meet or exceed FMVSS 571.221.
(7) Floor.
(a) The floor shall be not less than fourteen-gauge mill,
corrosive resistant coated steel or composite materials. If zinc plated, the
plating shall be one hundred twenty grams per meter square minimum coating
weight (grade sixty) or equivalent applied by either hot dipping or
electroplating.
(b) The floor may be flat.
(c) "Type A" buses have an additional step from
the step well.
(d) A fuel access plate shall be installed for easy access
to fuel gauge mechanism. ("Type A" buses excluded)
(8) Rub rails.
(a) Manufacturers shall install one rub rail at approximately
seat level, except for the opening for engine compartment side door in a rear
engine bus. This rail shall extend from the main vertical post behind the
service door to the forward-most vertical post on the left side of the body,
including left side emergency door. (Rear emergency door exempted)
(b) A second rub rail shall be installed at approximately the
floor line and cover the same longitudinal area as the seat level rail, except
at wheel housings, and needs only to extend to the radii of right and left rear
corners.
(c) A third rub rail may be installed on the lower edge of
the body skirt.
(d) All rub rails shall be attached at each body post and
all other upright structural members.
(e) Each rub rail shall be four inches or more in width in
its finished form and shall be constructed of sixteen gauge metal or other
material of equivalent strength suitable to help protect body side panels from
damage.
(f) All rub rails shall be mounted outside of body
panels.
(g) Additional external rub rails are permissible if they
form an integral part of the body construction and meet the fastening
requirements.
(9) Fold out steps may be installed at
the regular service entrance.
(a) The fold out step will provide a step level that is six
inches or less to ground level.
(b) The fold out step may be power activated or manually
operated.
(10) If the ceiling is so constructed to
contain lap joints, the forward panel shall be lapped by the rear panel and the
exposed edges shall be beaded, hemmed, flanged or otherwise treated to minimize
sharp edges.
(11) All body components shall be designed
and constructed so as to avoid the entrapment of moisture.
(G) Brakes.
All braking systems and components shall meet or
exceed the minimum requirements specified in applicable Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards 571.105 or 571.121 and the following:
(1) Air or hydraulic
brake systems are acceptable. If brakes are air actuated, they shall be of the
cam drum type on front and rear wheels, disc front and drum rear or four-wheel
disc. Brakes that are hydraulically actuated, shall be disc front and drum rear
or four-wheel disc.
(2) All air brake systems
shall have both visual and audible warning systems that activate as required by
FMVSS 571.121. Hydraulic brake systems that utilize hydraulic power assist
shall have both visual and audible warning systems that activate as required by
FMVSS 571.105.
(3) For air brake
systems, an air pressure gauge shall be provided in the instrument panel
capable of complying with CDL pre-trip inspection requirements.
(4) Air compressors that
supply air to brakes must have sufficient rated capacity that meets or exceeds
FMVSS 571.121 (minimum of thirteen cubic feet per minute) and shall be pressure
oil fed. Clean air to all compressors shall be supplied and filtered through
engine air cleaner.
(5) All air supplied from the air tanks
shall be taken at or above the center line of the air tank to avoid
contaminates entering the braking system or air operated
accessories.
(6) All school buses equipped with air
brakes shall require a desiccant type air dryer with a renewable or replaceable
desiccant cartridge (filter). Dryer shall incorporate an automatic purge and
drain cycle with heating element.
(H) Bumpers.
(1) Front bumper for all
buses having a GVWR of twenty-one thousand five hundred pounds or less shall be
manufacturers standard. ("Type A" buses)
(2) Front bumper for all
buses having a GVWR greater than twenty-one thousand five hundred pounds
rating:
(a) Bumper shall be at least three-sixteenths of an inch thick
pressed steel channel, one-piece construction, with a minimum width of eight
inches after forming. Materials other than pressed steel may be used if
equivalent in strength and durability of pressed steel.
(b) Bumper shall be contoured to offer maximum protection of
fender lines without permitting snagging or hooking.
(c) Bumper shall be attached to the frame and extended forward of
grille, head lamps, fender, or hood sections and extend the entire width of the
bus to provide maximum protection.
(d) The bumper shall be of sufficient strength to permit lifting
the bus with a bumper type lift for servicing
(3) Rear
bumper.
(a) Bumper shall be of sufficient strength to permit lifting the
bus with a bumper type lift for servicing and shall be one piece, heavy-duty
type of pressed steel channel, at least three-sixteenths inch of thickness.
Materials other than pressed steel may be used if equivalent in strength and
durability of pressed steel.
(b) Bumper shall be a minimum of eight inches in height after
forming.
(c) Bumper shall be wrapped around back corners of bus and extend
forward at least twelve inches, measured from rear-most point of body at floor
line. Rear bumper shall also protect rear corners of body by extending beyond
the body exterior side panels. The bend of the rear bumper at the rear body
corners shall be sufficient to allow the entire contour of the forward end of
the rear bumper to extend no more than one inch beyond the body line of the
exterior side panels.
(d) Bumper shall be fastened to chassis frame side rails in such
a manner as to develop full strength of bumper section from rear or side
impact. Bracing materials shall have an impact ratio comparable to that of
bumper material and shall be fastened at the ends and radii of the bumper,
attached to the side of the frame only and not to the body at any
point.
(e) Bumper shall extend beyond rear-most part of body surface at
least one inch, measured at floor line.
(f) No spaces, projections, or cutouts that will permit a
handhold are permitted.
(g) Front ends of the bumper shall be enclosed by endcaps or
other protective metal or shall have the ends rounded or tucked in and shall be
free from sharp edges or projections likely to cause injury or
snagging.
(h) A rubber or metal strip shall be installed to close any
opening exceeding one-fourth inch between rear bumper and body
metal.
(i) The vertical distance between the bottom of the bumper and
the ground shall not exceed thirty inches when the vehicle is
empty.
(I) Color.
(1) Bumpers shall be
black.
(2) Fender and body shall
be painted national school bus yellow.
(3) Hood may be painted
non-reflective national school bus yellow or flat black (except "Type
A").
(4) Frame shall be
painted black.
(5) Grille may be painted
national school bus yellow, black or chrome or anodized aluminum in finish.
Rear engine bus grille area(s) shall be national school bus
yellow.
(6) Steel wheels shall be
black and/or gray. Aluminum wheels are permitted.
(7) All lettering and
numbering on exterior shall be black.
(8) Background area and
optional hoods for warning lights shall be black.
(9) Rub rails shall be
black.
(10) Service door may be
black. Note:
(a) Special service doors shall not be
black.
(b) Left side driver's door on
"Type A and A II" buses shall not be black.
(J) Cooling system.
(1) Cooling system shall
be manufacturer's standard.
(2) Cooling fan(s) may be
variable speed.
(3) The cooling system
shall have a means of checking the coolant without having to remove the
radiator cap.
(K) Defroster.
(1) Defroster system
shall meet or exceed SAE standard J381 performance requirements without use of
auxiliary fan.
(2) The defroster system
shall be of sufficient capacity to keep windshield area, left front side
driver's window, and service door glass area free of condensation or ice
under all possible combinations of pupil load and climatic
conditions.
(3) Defroster system
shall be capable of providing at least sixty per cent fresh air.
(4) Two adjustable
six-inch auxiliary fans shielded with small mesh metal or polypropylene guards
shall be installed. Only one adjustable six-inch auxiliary fan is required for
"Type A" buses.
(a) Each auxiliary fan(s) shall be controlled individually
by a multi-speed switch.
(b) The switch shall be located within easy reach of the
driver while seated.
(L) Drive shaft and differential.
(1) Drive shafts and
universal joints are to be original equipment manufacturer
standard.
(2) Metal drive shaft
guards are required for each drive shaft section extending lengthwise under the
floor of the passenger compartment to prevent projecting through the floor or
dropping to the ground if broken. The drive shaft guard shall be at the end of
the shaft which is provided with a sliding connection (spline or other such
device) to prevent whipping of the shaft in event of failure thereof or any of
its component parts.
(3) The rear axle ratio
shall be compatible with engine, transmission and tire size.
(M) Driver's seat.
(1) Minimum distance
between steering wheel and back rest of driver's seat shall be eleven
inches. Driver's seat shall have vertical adjustment of not less than four
inches and horizontal adjustment of not less than four inches.
(2) The driver's
seat and driver's area shall have a restraining barrier meeting FMVSS
571.222 positioned immediately behind the driver's area.
(3) The driver's
seat upholstery shall meet FMVSS 571.302 (Flammability of interior
materials).
(4) A "Type II"
seat belt is required for the driver. Belts shall be equipped with protective
boots of sufficient quality and strength to keep it retracted and off the floor
and within easy reach of the driver. Belt shall be adjustable on one side only
and keep the driver from sliding sideways under the belt.
(5) Seating options
allowed:
(a) Adjustable air driver's seat;
(b) Internal heating provided by manufacturer;
and
(c) Driver alert technology.
(N) Electrical system.
(1) Alternator.
(a) Minimum of a one hundred forty five ampere alternator on all
"Type A" buses.
(b) Minimum of a two hundred ampere alternator on all other
buses.
(2) All wiring shall conform to current
society of automotive engineers standards.
(O) Emergency equipment.
(1) All shall be mounted
in an easily accessible location.
(2) Bus shall be equipped
with at least one dry-chemical-type fire extinguisher of at least five-pound
capacity, 3A - 40 B.C. rating, located outside of the passenger area, mounted
in a quick release-type bracket and easily accessible by the driver. The
extinguisher shall be equipped with a dial-type graduated gauge which indicates
loss of pressure. Fire extinguisher shall be of the type that permits the
dry-chemical base to be refilled by ordinary procedures.
(3) First aid kits shall
be dustproof, plainly labeled, mounted in a location easily accessible to the
driver, located outside of the passenger area, and securely mounted in a metal
or plastic container.
(4) A twenty-four unit
kit is required for all buses. Note: The first aid kit may be installed at time
of manufacture by the manufacturer, installed by dealer, or installed by the
owner/operator of the school bus.
(5) Three triangle
reflectors with weighted stands shall be properly encased for easy storage. The
triangle reflectors shall meet FMVSS 571.125. The storage container shall be
mounted to prevent movement and shall be mounted within easy access of the
driver.
(6) Six thirty-minute
fusees are permitted and shall be encased for easy storage. The storage
container shall be mounted to prevent movement and shall be mounted within easy
access of the driver. The fusees shall not be stored in the passenger area. No
spiked fusees are permitted.
(7) One body fluid kit
shall be required. The kit shall contain the following items:
(a) Effective chlorine absorbent deodorant.
(b) Effective germicidal detergent. If detergent contains
alcohol, no more than one fluid ounce is permitted in a single-use disposable
container.
(c) Single-use, disposable bag.
(d) Single-use, disposable scraper.
(e) Minimum of one pair of disposable, single-use, effective
protective gloves.
(f) Effective hand rinse. If hand rinse contains alcohol, no more
than one-half fluid ounce is permitted in a single-use disposable
container.
(g) The body fluid clean-up kit shall be easily accessible to the
driver in the area of the first aid kit and shall be securely mounted in a
metal or plastic container.
(h) If alcohol is included, the body fluid clean-up kit shall not
contain more than one and one-half fluid ounces of alcohol.
Note: The body fluid kit may be installed at
time of manufacture, installed by dealer or the owner/operator of the school
bus.
(P) Emergency exits.
Any installed emergency exit shall comply with
the design and performance requirements of FMVSS 571.217 applicable to that
type of exit, regardless of whether or not that exit is required by FMVSS
571.217. Additional exits are allowed in addition to the minimum required by
this rule.
(1) Emergency
doors.
(a) Emergency doors shall meet FMVSS 571.217. An interior handle
shall be provided to pull the door shut from the inside which may be used as a
protection against accidental release.
(b) When the interior handle is not in the position that causes
the emergency door to be closed, a continuous warning sound shall be audible at
the driver's seating position and in the vicinity of the emergency door
and the dome lights (driver's dome light excluded) shall illuminate with
the ignition switch in any position.
(c) Exterior door handle shall be of permanent hitch-proof design
and mounted with enough clearance to permit opening without touching door
surface.
(d) All emergency door openings shall be completely
weather-stripped.
(e) There shall be no step-type mechanism in the use of the
emergency door.
(f) There shall be a head bumper pad installed on the inside at
the top of the emergency exit frame. This pad shall be approximately four
inches in width and extend across the entire top of the emergency exit opening
and shall meet FMVSS 571.302 for flammability standards of interior
materials.
(2) Rear emergency
door.
(a) On all buses, except rear-engine design, an emergency door
shall be located in the rear of the school bus body and centered with respect
to the body.
(b) Emergency door shall have a minimum horizontal opening of
twenty-four inches and a minimum vertical opening of forty-eight inches
measured from floor level.
(c) Rear emergency door shall be hinged on right side and shall
open outward.
(d) The rear emergency door shall contain upper and lower glass
panels. Glass in emergency door shall provide maximum area of visibility for
safe operation of the school bus.
(e) The rear emergency door shall have a prop rod/lock out
bar.
(3) Left side emergency
door.
(a) On all rear-engine school buses, a left side emergency door
shall be installed.
(b) If a door sill or heater line extends above the floor line, a
ramp shall be provided covering the area over which a foot must pass when an
individual exits through the door.
(c) The left side emergency door shall have a prop rod/lock
out bar.
(4) Emergency side window
exits.
(a) Emergency window shall display the words "emergency
exit" at the top of or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency
window exit on both the inside and outside of the bus, in a color contrasting
the background.
(b) Emergency windows, when not fully latched, shall activate a
continuous warning sound that shall be audible in driver's compartment and
activate all dome lights (driver's dome lights excluded). Warning sound
and dome lights shall be operational with the ignition switch in any
position.
(5) Emergency window,
rear-engine buses.
(a) An emergency window shall be installed above the engine
compartment.
(b) Window shall be hinged from top and provided with a device to
ensure against accidental closing when open.
(c) Emergency window in rear shall be equipped with a latch on
the inside, and also be equipped with a handle of hitch-proof design which will
permit opening from the outside.
(d) Emergency window shall display the words "emergency
exit" at the top of or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency
window exit on both the inside and outside of the bus, in a color contrasting
the background.
(e) Emergency window, when not fully latched, shall activate a
continuous warning sound that shall be audible in the driver's compartment
and all dome lights shall activate (driver dome lights excluded). Warning sound
and dome lights will be operational with the ignition switch in any
position.
(6) Emergency roof
exits.
(a) A continuous warning sound that shall be audible in the
driver's compartment and all dome lights shall activate when the hatch is
opened in the escape position (driver dome lights excluded). Warning sound and
dome lights shall be operational with ignition switch in any
position.
(b) If a bus is not manufactured with a static vent, the
emergency roof exit shall be a static-type with exhaust vent.
(7) Number of emergency
roof exits required.
(a) One roof hatch is required for a bus with a
manufacturer's rated shell capacity of one to forty-five.
(b) Two roof hatches are required for a bus with a
manufacturer's rated shell capacity of forty-six and above.
(Q) Engine speed governor shall be
installed on all buses. Setting shall comply with manufacturer's maximum
recommended governed speed. A revolution per minute limiter in lieu of the
engine speed governor is acceptable. Note: Recommended governed speed will
reference maximum speed limits established in section 4511.21 of the Revised
Code.
(R) Exhaust system.
(1) Exhaust pipe, muffler
or a diesel particulate filter in lieu of the muffler, and tailpipe shall be
outside bus body and attached to chassis.
(2) The tailpipe and
after-treatment system shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant tubing
material at least equal in strength and durability to sixteen-gauge steel
tubing of equal diameter.
(3) The tailpipe may be
flush with, or shall not extend more than two inches beyond, the perimeter of
the body for side-exit pipe or the bumper for rear-exit pipe. The exhaust shall
be designed such that exhaust gas will not be trapped under the body of the
bus.
(4) The tailpipe shall
exit to the left or right of the emergency exit door in the rear of the vehicle
to the left side of the bus, in front of or behind the rear drive axle, or the
tailpipe may extend through the bumper. The tailpipe shall not exit beneath any
fuel filler location, emergency door, or lift door.
(5) The exhaust system
shall be insulated in a manner to prevent any damage to any fuel system
component.
(6) The design of the
after-treatment systems shall not allow active (non-manual) regeneration of the
particulate filter during the loading and unloading of passengers. Manual
regeneration systems will be designed such that unintentional operation will
not occur.
(7) Right side discharge
exhaust systems are not permitted.
(S) For after treatment systems that require diesel exhaust
fluid (DEF) An optional left side discharge exhaust system is permitted. If a
left side discharge, the tailpipe shall be located at least three inches and
not more than eighteen inches in front of the rear wheel opening and angled
down at a forty-five degree angle six inches from the end of the pipe. The
discharge shall extend to the edge of the body.
(1) The composition of the DEF must
comply with ISO 22241-1.
(2) The DEF supply tank shall be sized to
meet a minimum ratio of three diesel fills to one DEF fill.
(T) Fenders.
(1) Total spread at outer
edges of front fenders, measured at fender line, shall exceed total spread of
front tires when front wheels are in straight ahead position.
(2) Front fenders shall
be braced and free from any body attachment. Trailing edge of front fender
shall extend to bottom of front body section. Fender extensions are
acceptable.
(3) Fiberglass
replacement fenders and cowl pieces are permitted.
(U) Floor covering.
(1) All floor covering
shall have a calculated burn rate of .1 mm per minute or less using the test
methods, procedures and formulas listed in FMVSS 571.302 and be permanently
bonded to the floor and must not crack or lose its adhesive power when vehicle
is subjected to sudden changes in temperature. Bonding or adhesive material
shall be waterproof and recommended by the manufacturer of the floor covering
material.
(2) Underseat areas shall
have a fire-resistant floor covering, having a minimum overall thickness of
one-eighth inch. The entire joint between the floor covering and the wall of
the school bus body shall be covered with a fitted, rust-free metal or
composite molding or reformed interior panel.
(3) Driver's
compartment floor area shall be of the same quality material as the underseat
floor covering. The driver's compartment floor covering shall be attached
to the floor.
Exception - On "Type A" buses, the
driver's compartment floor area shall be manufacturer's standard. It
shall be attached to the floor.
(4) Center aisle covering
shall be fire-resistant, non-skid and wear-resistant. If ribbed, minimum
thickness shall be one hundred eighty-seven thousandths inch measured from the
top of the ribs.
(5) Metal, composite molding, bonding or
non-metal welding shall cover all floor-covering joints.
(6) Molding around the wheel-well and
floor covering shall be provided to seal floor covering with the wheel
well.
(7) A fuel access plate shall be
installed for easy access to fuel gauge mechanism and shall be installed above
the regular floor covering when possible. The access plate shall not be
undercoated. Panel shall be sealed to prevent any leakage or moisture. Diamond
plate may be used as an access panel. ("Type A" buses and alternative
fuel systems excluded)
(8) Floor covering on top step landing
shall be one piece.
(9) A plywood floor shall
be applied on top of the steel floor. Floor covering shall be applied on top of
the plywood. Plywood shall be five-eighths inch five-ply type CD exterior
grade. Plywood shall extend to fire-wall and under the driver's seat.
Plywood shall be sanded and vacuumed before covering is applied. Waterproof
sealing material shall be applied to seams in the sections of plywood floor.
Plywood shall be four feet by eight feet sections, pieced only as necessary.
Waterproof sealing applied on top of the plywood to hold the floor covering is
considered as one method of sealing the seams in the plywood floor.
(10) Equivalent material
applied to top of steel floor may be used in lieu of plywood, provided it has
equal or greater insulation r-value, sound abatement, deterioration-resistant
and moisture-resistant properties.
(11) If alternate
materials are used in lieu of plywood, manufacturer must certify that FMVSS
571.222 and 571.302 are met.
(V) Frame.
(1) Frame shall be
designed to correspond with or exceed standard practice performance criteria
for trucks of same general load specifications used for highway
service.
(2) Chassis frame shall
extend to rear edge of rear body cross member.
(3) Frame side members
shall be one-piece construction with the following exceptions:
(a) Extension of these members shall be designed, furnished, and
guaranteed by chassis or body manufacturer. Installation shall be guaranteed by
the company installing the extension. Extension of frame lengths shall not be
for the purpose of extending wheel base.
(b) No holes shall be permitted in the chassis rails except those
drilled at the chassis plant or authorized by the frame
manufacturer.
(4) Welding to chassis
rails is permitted only when guaranteed by the company making the modifications
and authorized by the frame manufacturer. The Ohio state highway patrol shall
be notified after the repair and authorized inspection have been completed and
prior to the school bus being operated with students on board.
(W) Fuel fill opening- shall be in the body and shall be
equipped with a hinged cover held closed by a spring or other conveniently
operated device. The mechanism that holds this cover closed shall be sufficient
to keep it closed under severe operating conditions. "Type B, C, and
D" buses may be provided without a door only if a fuel bucket/spill
containment is provided. Exception: On "Type A" buses, the fuel fill
opening shall be manufacturer's standard.
(X) Fuel system-all fuel storage specifications shall
conform to FMVSS 571.301 (fuel system integrity). In addition:
(1) Fuel tank shall have
a minimum capacity of twenty-five gallons, for buses up to and including a
shell capacity of fifty-nine passengers. School buses of sixty passengers and
above shall have a minimum capacity of sixty gallons. It shall be filled and
vented outside of the body. Construction will prevent the spillage or drainage
of fuel on any part of the exhaust system.
(2) Fuel filter with
replaceable element shall be installed.
(3) In addition to the
fuel filter, all diesel fueled engines shall have a water separator installed
between fuel tank and the injector pumps. The fuel/water separator may be
incorporated with the fuel filter but the fuel/water separator shall not serve
as the fuel filter.
(4) Drain plug of at
least one-fourth inch pipe thread shall be located in center of the bottom of
gas and diesel fuel tanks.
(Y) Glass.
(1) All glass shall be
manufactured and maintained as follows:
Location | Glass type | Rating |
Service door | Laminated | AS 1 or AS 2 |
Emergency door | Tempered or laminated | AS 2 or AS 3 |
Emergency window | Tempered or laminated | AS 2 or AS 3 |
Windshield | Laminated | AS 1 |
Driver's side glass | Laminated | AS 1 or AS 2 |
All other glass in passenger's area | Tempered or laminated | AS 2 or AS 3 |
Exception- On "Type A" buses the
driver's door glass shall be manufacturer's standard.
(2) All other glass not
noted in table shall meet FMVSS 571.205 glazing materials.
(Z) Heaters.
(1) Heating systems shall
provide evenly distributed heat throughout the bus body and provide defrosting
for windshield, driver's left side window and service door.
(2) Buses shall be
equipped with heaters capable of maintaining inside temperature of fifty
degrees Fahrenheit using an ambient temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit as
measured per SAE standard J2233.
(3) Buses shall be
equipped with a front heater.
(4) Heaters shall display
the name plate rating in accordance with the standard code for testing and
rating automotive bus hot water heater and ventilating equipment.
(5) All heaters shall be
independently controlled by multi-speed switches.
(6) All hot water lines
inside the driver's/passenger's area shall be
enclosed.
(7) Heater cores and fans
shall be completely encased, but designed to permit servicing heating assembly
by removing all or part of the case.
(8) Heater hose
installation in the engine compartment shall include two shut-off valves able
to shut off coolant completely when necessary.
(a) One shut-off valve shall be mounted between the water pump
inlet and heater hose connection.
(b) One shut-off valve shall be mounted between the engine block
and the heater hose connection.
(9) There shall be a
heater flow regulating valve installed for convenient operation when the driver
is in a normal seated position.
(AA) "Type D" buses with an interior engine cover
shall have a device or design to secure the engine cover when in the open
position, or shall be fully removable.
"Type C" buses shall have a design for
the hood that minimizes the risk of accidental closing.
(BB) Horns.
Buses shall be equipped with a horn(s) of
standard make capable of producing complex sound in band of audio frequencies
from two hundred fifty to two thousand hertz and having total sound level of
one hundred to one hundred twenty decibels within these frequency limits when
measured at fifty feet from the vehicle. Air horns are permitted.
(CC) Electronic stability control shall be equipped
on:
(1) Air brake equipped school buses with a build date of
August 1, 2019 or later.
(2) All school buses with a build date of August 1, 2020 or
later.
(DD) Instruments and instrument panel.
(1) Chassis shall be
equipped with the following instruments and gauges. Lights in lieu of gauges
are not acceptable.
(a) Speedometer.
(b) Odometer which will show accrued mileage up to nine hundred
ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine.
(c) A voltmeter showing the battery voltage. The voltmeter shall
be off when the ignition switch is in the off position.
(d) Oil pressure gauge.
(e) Engine temperature gauge.
(f) Fuel gauge.
(g) Air brake systems shall have independent gauges indicating
air pressure in the primary and secondary air tanks.
(h) Buses may be equipped with a tachometer.
(i) A diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) gauge is required for
diesel engines.
(2) All buses shall have
a warning system consisting of a light and optional audible warning to notify
driver of low engine oil pressure, low engine coolant level, and coolant
overheating. System shall not automatically shut off engine, unless warning
signals have been displayed to the driver and the engine has derated for a
period of time.
(3) The visibility and illumination of
the instruments must comply with FMVSS 571.101.
(EE) Insulation.
(1) Bus body shall be
fully insulated in the roof and all body panels to deaden sound, reduce
vibrations and heat transfer.
(2) Fire resistant
fiberglass insulation or equivalent material of at least one-inch thickness
shall be added in the roof, in addition to the usual sprayed on
material.
(FF) Interior.
(1) Interior of the
school bus shall be free of all projections.
(2) All school buses
shall require inner lining on ceiling and walls and shall include acoustical
(perforated) headlining in the driver area.
(3) The interior sound
level at the driver's seating position shall not exceed ninety decibels
when measured in accordance with test procedures found in 49 CFR
393.94(C).
(4) Cameras and other
monitoring devices may be installed inside the bus as long as they do not
intrude into the head impact zone. For "Type C and D" buses, cameras
may be installed in the ceiling as long as they are above the window ling.
Cameras mounted on the sidewall cannot protrude more than three inches. All
camera mounting shall meet FMVSS 571.222.
(5) Padded/foam covered
panels may be installed on the interior walls to prevent head injuries by
self-abusive pupils.
(a) The padded panels shall be constructed of the same
materials used in the construction of the bus seats.
(b) The padded panel may cover the window.
(c) The padded panel shall be attached to the sidewall of
the bus.
(d) The padded panels shall not obstruct any portion of an
emergency window or exit.
(e) Materials used in the padded panel shall comply with
FMVSS 571.302.
(GG) Inside body height shall be a minimum of seventy-two
inches measured from floor to ceiling at any point on longitudinal center line
from the beginning of the aisle of the passenger compartment to the end of the
aisle.
For "Type A" buses, the inside body
height shall be a minimum of sixty-eight inches measured from floor to ceiling
at any point on longitudinal center line from the beginning of the aisle of the
passenger compartment to the end of the aisle.
Inside height measurement does not apply to air
conditioning equipment.
(HH) Lamps, signals and backing warning device.
(1) All lamps herein
listed and their installation shall conform to current standards and
recommendations of the society of automotive engineers and meet FMVSS
571.108.
(2) Construction of
components:
(a) Directional signal, stop light, taillight, marker light,
clearance light, identification light, back up light and reflector lenses shall
meet applicable society of automotive engineers standards.
(b) All exterior lamp sockets shall be zinc-plated or chromated
steel, or other suitable non-corrosive materials such as plastic or stainless
steel.
(c) Alternately flashing warning signal lamps, body-mounted
directional signals and stop lamps shall be grounded.
(3) When the ignition
switch is in the off position, the hazard warning, stop light, marker lights,
headlamps, passenger dome lights and emergency exit audible warnings shall be
operational.
(4) The service door
step-well light shall automatically operate when the headlights are in
operation and be activated by a switch controlled by the service
door.
(5) High beams are to be
controlled by a column mounted dimmer switch.
(6) A maximum of two fog
lamps may be installed. Fog lamps shall be amber in color.
(7) Daytime running lamps
are required.
(8) One white strobe
light shall be installed on the roof of the bus. The strobe light shall cycle
sixty to two-hundred forty flashes per minute. The roof strobe light shall be
installed on the top of the bus toward the rear as close to the center of the
bus as is practical.
(9) Interior dome lights.
(a) Passenger dome lights when activated shall adequately and
uniformly illuminate aisleway to three to four foot candles.
(b) All dome lights shall be equipped with clear/white
shatter-proof lenses.
(c) Passenger dome lights shall be controlled by switches
in the driver's console. Passenger zones may be switched separately. Power
shall be provided when the ignition switch is in the "On" or
"Accessory" position and shall be on a protected
circuit.
(d) A separate driver dome light shall be provided and
controlled by a single switch in the driver's console.
(10) Directional signals.
(a) Side and rear directional signals shall be wired to operate
properly with the front directional signals.
(b) Manufacturer shall install required signal lamps to the
directional signal control switch so all directional signal lamps shall be
operative. The directional signal system shall be installed on an integral part
of the hazard warning signal switch activated by an independent switch
furnished.
(c) Direction signals, when illuminated, shall be amber in color
and shall meet society of automotive engineers specifications.
(d) Rear directional signals shall have a minimum of thirty-eight
square inches of illuminated surface each. The rear directional signals shall
be identical in type, shape, size, and location.
(11) Backing warning devices.
(a) Two back up lights are required and shall be mounted on or
below the belt line on the school bus body. Back up lights shall conform to
FMVSS 571.108.
(b) All school buses shall be equipped with an audible electrical
warning device, automatically actuated when the bus is in reverse gear. Device
shall be one hundred seven decibels or more, meeting SAE standard J994. Device
shall be installed in an area on or behind the rear axle. A variable volume
sounding device ranging from eighty-seven to one hundred twelve decibels may be
used, maintaining a minimum of five decibels above the ambient noise level.
Audible electric warning devices shall meet FMVSS 571.112.
(12) Stop/tail lights.
(a) Each bus shall have two combination stop/tail lamps as
required in FMVSS 571.108. These two lamps shall be identical in type, shape,
and size.
(b) In addition to the two stop/tail lamps required by FMVSS
571.108, each bus shall be equipped with two combination stop/tail lamps with a
minimum illuminated surface area of thirty-eight square inches, emitting red
light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear. These
lamps shall be as high as practical but below the window line and spaced as far
apart laterally as practicable, but not less than three feet. Measurements
shall be taken from lamp centers. These additional two lamps shall be identical
in type, shape, and size.
(13) A white light shall be installed to
illuminate the area on the body near the left lower brake/tail lamp to
illuminate the state identification number. This light may be incorporated into
the lower left brake/tail lamp.
This light may be incorporated into the lower
left brake/tail lamp.
(14) All school bus body lamps and
reflectors shall comply with FMVSS 571.108.
Reflectors shall not be combined with any other
lamp or items of associated equipment. Exception-front amber reflectors may be
incorporated into a front lamp.
(15) All marker, clearance and identity
lamps shall conform to society of automotive engineers standards for the type
of lamp. These lamps shall be activated by the chassis headlight
switch.
(II) Alternately flashing warning signal lamps.
(1) Each school bus shall be equipped
with a system of four red signal lamps and four amber signal lamps. Both red
and amber lamps shall be installed in accordance with FMVSS 571.108 and the SAE
standard J887. The four red signal lamps shall be identical in type, shape, and
size.
(a) There shall be a system in place to allow the
deactivation of the amber signal lamps without the need to open the service
door or placing the ignition switch in the off position.
(b) These lamps shall alternately flash at a designated
rate from sixty to one hundred twenty cycles per minute.
(2) Operation of alternately flashing
warning signal lamps, stop signal arm and optional crossing control
arm.
(a) Power for these devices shall be provided when the
ignition switch is in the on position. An optional master switch may be
installed for these devices. If installed, a green pilot light shall illuminate
to indicate the system is ready for operation.
(b) With the service door closed and the manual momentary
(amber) start switch activated and released, the amber pilot light and amber
warning lamps shall flash.
(c) When the service door is moved toward the open
position, the amber pilot light and the amber warning lamps shall turn off and
the red pilot light and red warning lamps shall flash.
(d) The stop signal arm and, if installed, the crossing
control arm shall automatically extend when the red warning lamps flash. The
stop arm signal lamps shall flash when extended.
(e) When the service door is closed, the red warning lights
shall deactivate, the stop signal arm and, if installed, crossing control arm
shall retract.
(f) With the service door open and the manual momentary
(amber) start switch activated and released, the red pilot light and the red
warning lamps shall flash and the stop signal arm and, if equipped, the
crossing control arm shall extend. The stop signal arm lamps shall flash when
extended.
(g) The service door switch that activates the red warning
lamps shall be located in a position by a cover or guard that will prevent the
switch from being activated or deactivated by persons boarding or leaving the
bus.
(h) An emergency override system for activating the red
warning lamps and extending the stop signal arm shall be installed. This
emergency override system shall be operational with the ignition switch in any
position.
(i) A red colored or red outlined emergency override switch
shall be installed. This switch shall be marked with the words "Emergency
warning lights" (abbreviation is acceptable). This shall be the only red
colored or red outlined switch on the switch panel.
(ii) When the emergency override system is activated, the
red pilot light and the red warning lamps shall flash and the stop signal arm
shall extend with the door in any position.
The stop signal arm lamps shall flash when extended.
(iii) Power for the system shall be on a protected
circuit.
(3) Hoods may be installed above the
lamps. If installed, all the lamps shall have hoods.
(4) Eight lamp warning
system.
(a) LED "strobelike" effects may be used in the
eight lamp warning system. All lamps shall conform to FMVSS 571.108.
(b) All eight amber and red lamps must alternate between
left and right at a rate of sixty to one-hundred twenty cycles per
minutes.
(c) The "strobe" effect must appear as a flash of
varying intensity and not as separate flashes.
(d) All the warning lamps, amber and red, must
"strobe" in the same pattern. The same pattern is defined as the same
number of flashes per lamp before the system alternates to the other
side.
(JJ) Length of a school bus shall not exceed forty-five
feet, excluding safety devices/bumpers.
(KK) Markings - body shall display the following
identification (in black lettering):
(1) "School
Bus" at least eight inches high on both the front and rear of the body.
Lettering shall be placed as high as possible without impairment of visibility.
The "School Bus" marking shall be on a background of retro
reflective national school bus yellow material. The material shall be the same
quality and type as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards requires for the
marking of emergency exits.
(2) "Stop" on
the rear of the bus in letters not less than ten inches centered on the metal
panel of the rear emergency door or for rear engine buses, centered on the rear
of the bus.
(3) Name of the private
school, school district, school bus owner or operator shall appear on both
sides of the vehicle at the belt line and be at least five inches
high.
(4) The county in which
the private school or the school district resides shall appear on both sides of
the vehicle in a minimum of three-inch letters, unless the name of the city or
exempted village appears as a part of the school district or private school
name.
(5) When required by
FMCSR 390.21, the ownership of the school bus (company name, city, state and
USDOT number as required by FMCSR 390.21) shall appear on both sides of the
bus. The right side markings shall be to the rear of the service door below the
floor rub rail. The left side markings shall be in the area of the stop signal
arm below the floor rub rail. The markings shall be in two inch high letters.
Only the information required by FMCSR 390.21 shall be displayed.
(6) Local school bus
numbers approximately five inches high and shall be located as
follows:
(a) On body near the service door.
(b) On the body, near the right lower tail light.
(c) On the left side of the body in the area of the driver's
window.
(d) Visible to the front, in an area designated by the
operator.
(7) Buses shall be marked
with reflectorized material as follows: All reflectorized material shall be a
retro reflective material which meets FMVSS 517.217 for marking of emergency
exits. In addition:
(a) All reflective material shall be able to retain at least
fifty per cent of the reflective values for a minimum of seven
years.
(b) All reflective material shall be warranted against peeling,
cracking, separation and lifting due to weather conditions, pressure and
mechanical washing for a minimum of seven years.
(c) Reflective yellow material two inches in width (plus/minus
one forth inch) shall be applied to both corners of the rear of the bus and
extend from the bumper vertically up to the top of the rear
windows.
(d) All emergency doors and windows shall be outlined in yellow
only. Emergency roof exits shall be outlined in either red, yellow or white
around the outside perimeter with reflective material as required by FMVSS
571.217.
(e) Both sides of the bus body shall be marked with retro
reflective national school bus yellow material, extending the length of the
body (passenger area) and located at approximately the floor line. This marking
shall be two inches in width and run parallel with the rub rails.
(f) Three seven by fourteen-inch wide pieces of white to
white-silver in color reflective material shall be applied to the front and
rear of the bus to accommodate the state identification and local bus numbers
as follows:
(i) State identification
number on the front of the vehicle shall be placed on a seven by fourteen-inch
piece of reflective material which shall be applied and centered on the front
bumper. If the bumper is manufactured with the holes in the center for two
hooks, the seven by fourteen-inch piece of material may be located on the
driver's side of the bumper. If the bumper is less than six inches in
height, a seven by fourteen-inch plate will be permanently attached to the
bumper to accommodate the seven by fourteen-inch reflective
material.
(ii) In the rear, the
state identification number and the local number shall be placed on individual
seven by fourteen-inch pieces of reflective material which shall be applied and
centered on the flat surface near the left and right lower taillights as the
bus body design will allow.
(8) Additional markings
are permitted as follows and are optional:
(a) Vinyl stick-on lettering in lieu of painted-on letters,
either on original equipment or as replacement letters.
(b) Maximum of two American flags, overall size of each
decal shall not exceed six inches by eleven inches, shall not interfere with
required markings and shall not obstruct the view of the driver.
(c) Buses used for transporting special needs may display
two universal handicap emblems. The emblems shall be reflectorized white on
blue located on the front and rear bumpers.
(d) Route number or marker bracket beside entrance
door.
(e) Optional roof ID numbers, if used, shall be black in
color and must measure eighteen inches tall by ten inches wide with a brush
stroke of three inches.
(LL) Mirrors.
(1) The buses shall be
equipped with mirrors meeting the requirements of FMVSS 571.111 for school
buses.
(2) Interior rear view
mirror shall be a minimum of six by thirty inches. Exception: "Type
A" - Six by sixteen inches.
(3) All exterior mirrors
shall be heated and fully adjustable.
(4) Mirror assemblies
shall be warranted one hundred per cent replacement coverage for thirty-six
months against rust, and corrosion, and against any reduction in clarity of
view due to discoloration or other deterioration of the lens.
(MM) Mounting of body on chassis.
(1) Isolators shall be
placed between the frame and body main cross-sill and intermediate members. The
isolators shall be at least one-fourth inch thick and shall be attached to
chassis frame or body members in a fashion to prevent the isolators from
shifting, separating or displacement of the isolators under severe operating
conditions.
(2) Bus body shall be
attached to chassis frame in such a manner as to prevent shifting or separation
of the body from the chassis under severe operating conditions.
(3) Body front shall be
attached and sealed to the chassis cowl in such a manner as to prevent entry of
moisture.
(NN) Mud flaps - All buses shall be equipped with mud flaps
at all wheel positions. The mud flaps shall be installed as close as practical
to the wheel. May use a system for suppressing flying spray on a wet surface.
Such system may consist of filament type, which is installed around the fender
wheels. A full width mud flap or a full-width filament type plastic skirt may
be placed at the rear wheels. May utilize rubber fender extensions. Length
shall be in accordance with section 5577.11 of the Revised Code.
(OO) Noise suppression switch.
(1) Shall be installed
within easy reach of the driver in a seated position.
(2) Switch shall be an
on/off type.
(3) Shall deactivate
factory installed devices that produce noise. (Exception - devices installed in
"Type A" buses during the manufacture of the
chassis/cowl).
(a) AM/FM radios
(b) Heaters
(c) Air conditioner fans
(d) Fans
(e) Defrosters
(4) This switch shall not
deactivate safety systems, such as windshield wipers, lighting systems or
two-way communication systems.
(PP) Openings created in mounting of bus body to chassis
shall be sealed by manufacturer to prevent entrance of gases, dust or moisture
into passenger and driver's compartments. All openings made by the
manufacturer in the floorboard and fire-wall shall be sealed by the
manufacturer to prevent gases from entering the driver's compartment.
(QQ) Paint standard.
(1) Paint finish coats to
bus body, hood, cowl and all attaching sheet metal and fiberglass parts shall
be warranted for sixty months or one-hundred thousand miles whichever comes
first, one hundred per cent parts and labor, for adhesion and color
retention.
(2) Paint finish to bus
body, hood, cowl and all attaching sheet metal and fiberglass parts shall be
applied for a total dry thickness at a minimum of one and eight tenths mils
over all painted surfaces.
(3) Body
exterior.
All exterior body and chassis sheet metal
including fiberglass shall be painted with polyurethane paint or
equivalent.
(4) All interior panels,
walls, and roof surfaces shall be painted. Finished metal/plastic may be
unpainted.
(RR) Passenger seats.
(1) All seating and
restraining barrier design and construction must meet the provisions of FMVSS
571.222. The top surface of the restraining barriers shall be the same height
as the top surfaces of the seat backs
(2) All seats shall have
a minimum depth of fifteen inches.
(3) Equipment installed
above the seating area must comply with head impact zone requirements found in
FMVSS 571.222.
(4) All school buses
equipped with attachment points, securement devices (seatbelts), and/or
wheelchair securement systems shall also be equipped with a durable webbing
cutter having a full width hand-grip and protected blade. The cutter must be
appropriately stored in the driver's compartment to the left of the
driver. This equipment may be excluded from the manufacturer's bid and
purchased separately.
(5) Seat construction.
(a) Seat, seat back cushion, seat bottom and restraining barrier
shall be covered with flame-barrier fire-retardant seating material. Such
material must pass the "National School Transportation Specifications and
Procedures" school bus seat upholstery "Fire Block"
test.
(i) The flame will not
spread to seat back in front of the fire.
(ii) The flames on the
rear seat will self-extinguish.
(iii) The flame-barrier,
fire retardant seating material will successfully prevent the underlying
padding material from being exposed to the flames.
(b) All seat backs and restraining barriers shall be covered with
energy-absorbing padding material as required by FMVSS 571.222.
(SS) Engine power.
(1) Diesel engines shall
have a minimum of two-hundred horsepower and five-hundred twenty foot pounds of
torque.
(2) Gasoline engines
shall have a minimum of two-hundred sixty-five horsepower and four-hundred
sixty foot pounds of torque.
(3) All diesel engines shall be equipped
with a block heater. Heater shall be a minimum of seven hundred fifty
watts.
(4) Dry type air cleaner with an air
filter restriction indicator is required.
(5) Engine shall be equipped with a fast
idle (air, electronic, or manual) throttle.
(TT) School safety zone decal
(1) The decal shall be
approximately seven inches by seven inches. At the top of the decal shall be
the word "NOTICE", underlined, and immediately below the word
"NOTICE" the symbol for no handgun allowed. Below the no handgun
symbol, the decal shall state in black lettering on a white background
"Unless Otherwise Authorized By Law, Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code
Section 2923.122, No Person Shall Knowingly Possess, Have Under The
Person's Control, Convey Or Attempt To Convey A Deadly Weapon Or
Dangerous Ordnance Onto A School Bus (School Safety Zone)."
(2) No other markings,
symbols or lettering are allowed on the decal.
(3) The location of the
decal shall be on the flat metal surface just above the seat rub rail to the
immediate left of the service door. The right edge of the decal shall be within
two inches of the end of the rub rail.
(UU) Service door.
(1) Service door shall be
outward-opening, split-type on all buses. Service door shall be air, electric,
or manually-operated. Door shall be under the control of the driver and
designed to afford easy release and prevent accidental opening.
(2) Service door shall be
located on right side of bus opposite the driver and within the driver's
direct view.
(3) Service door entrance
shall have minimum horizontal opening of twenty-four inches and minimum
vertical opening of sixty-eight inches.
(4) Glass in service door
shall provide maximum area of visibility for operation of the bus.
(5) All edges of service
door shall be sealed by a flexible material to prevent air from entering the
door entrance when closed.
(6) There shall be no
safety rail or handholds mounted on the inside of the service
door.
(7) Only one handle or
handhold may be placed on the outside of the service door.
(8) There shall be a head
bumper pad installed on the inside at the top of the service door frame. This
pad shall be approximately four inches in width and extend across the entire
top of the service door opening and shall meet FMVSS 571.302 for flammability
standards of interior materials.
(9) Service door shall
have suitable access for easy lubrication.
(10) Manual service
door.
(a) When a manual lever is used, no parts shall come together so
as to shear or crush fingers. Lever shall be equipped with an approved safety
latch to prevent accidental opening which will lock in the over-center position
when door is fully opened. Manually operated doors shall require no more than
twenty-five pounds of pull to close and may be hydraulically
assisted.
(b) Manual door control mechanism shall be heavy-duty bearing
type, adjustable for wear, non-corrosive, anodized steel, or
equivalent.
(11) On power-operated
service doors, the emergency release valve, switch or device to release the
service door must be placed above the required head bumper or at the same
height to the immediate left or right of the service door and must be clearly
labeled.
(a) When the switch or lever is in the released position, it will
override door control in driver's area making it non-operational in any
of the door control positions.
(b) Whenever the switch or lever is placed in the released
position, it will allow the service door to be opened or closed
freely.
(c) This switch and distribution block that control eight light
warning system shall be securely fastened near the door control valve and shall
be easily accessible for service and repair.
(VV) Service door steps.
(1) The first step of the
service door shall be not less than six inches and not more than sixteen inches
from the ground.
(2) Service door entrance
shall be equipped with step risers that do not exceed ten inches. Risers in
each case shall be approximately equal.
(3) Steps shall be
enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.
(4) Steps shall not
protrude beyond side body line.
(5) Hand rails of maximum
length, but not less than ten inches long, shall be installed on both sides of
the interior step-well area. These handles shall be stainless steel clad. Both
hand rails shall be securely fastened and designed so as to prevent clothing or
any other item from being caught. Hand rails may also be yellow polymer
coated.
(6) Surface of steps
shall be of non-skid material.
(a) Steps shall be covered with a covering material which shall
have non-skid characteristics. Step covering shall have a turned-down nosing of
a contrasting color of either white, silver, yellow, or bright
orange.
(b) Step covering shall be securely fastened to the steps in a
manner that will minimize tripping. This requires that the heads of mounting
screws or bolts be below the top surface of the step tread.
(7) The service door
steps shall have a restraining barrier that is in compliance with FMVSS 571.222
positioned between the stairwell and the passenger compartment. This barrier
shall be equipped with a modesty panel.
(WW) Steering system.
(1) All school buses
shall be equipped with heavy-duty, truck-type integral power
steering.
(2) Steering mechanism
shall provide for easy adjustment for lost motion.
(3) No changes shall be
made in the steering mechanism unless approved by manufacturer.
(4) There shall be a
clearance of at least two inches between steering wheel and any other surface
or control.
(XX) Stop signal arm.
The stop signal arm(s) shall comply with the
requirements of FMVSS 571.131 (School bus pedestrian devices).
(YY) Sun visor.
The school bus shall be equipped with at least
one interior adjustable transparent sun visor, folding type, which is a minimum
of six by thirty inches in size. If only one sun visor is installed, it shall
be positioned for use by the driver. Exception - "Type A" shall be
manufacturer's standard.
(ZZ) Tires, rims and wheels.
(1) Manufacturer or
authorized dealer shall balance all wheels and make necessary alignments prior
to delivery.
(2) Dual rear tires and
wheels shall be provided (except "Type A".)
(3) All tires on a given
axle shall be of same size, tread design, construction and
capacity.
(4) All shall be equipped
with tubeless radial tires of proper size and load range that meets or exceeds
chassis gross vehicle weight ratings and body combinations as required by FMVSS
571.120.
(5) Disc wheels shall be
used.
(6) Wheel composition -
wheels shall be made of steel or aluminum.
(AAA) Tow hooks.
(1) Two rear tow hooks
shall be installed, with the hooks and their mounting of sufficient strength to
tow the vehicle at the vehicle's curb weight.
(2) Two front tow hooks
may be installed, with the hooks and their mounting of sufficient strength to
tow the vehicle at the vehicle's curb weight.
(BBB) Transmission.
(1) Manufacturer shall
furnish an automatic transmission or automated manual
transmission.
(2) The torque rating of the transmission
shall meet or exceed the maximum torque output of the engine.
(CCC) Vehicle identification plates - All chassis serial
number identification plates shall be attached to the bus and be clearly
identifiable and legible for the entire life of the bus.
(DDD) Wheel-housings.
(1) Wheel-house shall be
attached to floor components in such a manner to prevent water, dust or fumes
from entering the bus body.
(2) Wheel-house openings
shall allow for easy tire removal and service.
(3) Inside height of
wheel-housing above floor line shall not exceed ten inches.
(4) Wheel-housing shall
provide clearance to permit the installation of tire chains per SAE standard
J683.
(EEE) Width - Overall width of a bus shall not exceed one
hundred and two inches, excluding mirrors.
(FFF) Windows.
(1) Driver's side
window shall be capable of opening and be equipped with a lock-type closure.
Exception - "Type A" buses shall be manufacturer's
standard.
(2) Each side window in
the passenger area shall be split sash and provide unobstructed opening at
least nine inches high and twenty-two inches wide, obtained by lowering the
upper sash. If the bus body design does not allow for all windows to meet the
width dimension requirement, up to two side windows per side in the passenger
area may be less than the twenty-two inches. They may or may not
open.
(3) Individual windows
shall not have a vertical opening greater than twelve inches. Stops shall be
installed where needed to obtain this dimension.
(4) Windows may be tinted
pursuant to section 4513.241 of the Revised Code. Any window tinting must also
meet FMVSS 571.205.
(GGG) Windshield washers.
(1) The windshield washer
fluid reservoir shall have a minimum capacity of two quarts in a rigid plastic
container. It shall be mounted outside the interior of the bus and in a
position readily accessible for refilling,
(2) Windshield washer
shall incorporate a check valve in supply line. Check valve will not allow
washer fluid to drain back into washer tank when not in use.
(3) Heated windshield
wipers and heated washer fluid units are permitted.
(HHH) Windshield wipers.
(1) Two heavy-duty
windshield wipers are required.
(2) Windshield wipers to
be operated by one or more electric motors.
(3) Windshield wipers
shall be controlled with one switch. Switch shall provide multi-speed operation
and shall incorporate an intermittent position.
(4) Wipers shall be wet
arm type.
(5) The windshield wiper
motor or motors shall have sufficient power and the wiper arms and blades shall
be of sufficient length to provide the largest cleaning area
possible.
(III) Wiring.
(1) All wiring shall
conform to current society of automotive engineers standards. Wiring diagrams
must be made available to school bus owners.
(2) Short circuit protective devices
shall be provided for each major circuit and all other electrical functions,
except starter motor and ignition circuits.
(3) All wires within body shall be
insulated and protected by a covering which will protect them from external
damage and minimize dangers from short circuits. Whenever wires pass through
body members, additional protection in the form of an appropriate type of
insert shall be provided.
(4) Wires not enclosed within body shell
shall be fastened securely at intervals of not more than twenty-four
inches.
(5) All joints shall be soldered or
joined by equally effective connectors.
(JJJ) Lift equipped buses. Buses equipped with wheel chair
lifts shall also meet all applicable paragraph of rule 4501-5-03 of the
Administrative Code.