[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 shall be installed
(except "Type A" buses). Access steps include:
(1) Steps installed on
each side of the school bus to allow access to windshield for
cleaning.
(2) Grab handles 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 and are not to be connected to
the braking system in any way.
(C) Aisles shall meet minimum measurements. Minimum aisle
measurements include:
(1) Twelve inches at
floor level.
(2) Twelve inches between
seats at seat level.
(3) The aisle is not to
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 are to designed to prevent hooking or
catching on shoes or clothing.
(D) Axles and suspensions shall meet minimum standards. Minimum
axle and suspension standards include:
(1) The front and rear
axles, including suspension assemblies, and all frame-to-ground components, are
to 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 are to be installed on the front and rear of the school bus
chassis.
(3) Suspension assemblies
as specified are to 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 that conform to SAE standard J541 with respect to
electrical resistance shall be provided by the chassis
manufacturer.
(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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum body
construction standards include:
(1) All construction
components (except door handles, grab handles, interior decorative parts, other
interior plated parts, and components heavier than twelve-gauge), are to be of
prime commercial quality mill-applied zinc coated steel, other anti-corrosive
coating or composite materials. Components are to meet or exceed current
strength and durability and all applicable "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards." The zinc plating are to 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 are to be fire
resistant.
(2) All metal surfaces
that will be painted are to 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
are to 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 are to meet or exceed all strength criteria as established by
FMVSS 571.220 and FMVSS 571.221.
(5) Body construction is
to provide a dustproof and watertight unit.
(6) Exterior body panels
are to meet or exceed FMVSS 571.221.
(7) Floor.
(a) The floor is not to be less than fourteen-gauge mill,
corrosive resistant coated steel or composite materials. If zinc plated, the
plating is to 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 is to be installed for easy access to
fuel gauge mechanism. ("Type A" buses excluded)
(8) Rub rails.
(a) Manufacturers are to install one rub rail at approximately
seat level, except for the opening for engine compartment side door in a rear
engine bus. This rail is to 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 is to 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 are to be attached at each body post and all
other upright structural members.
(e) Each rub rail is to be four inches or more in width in its
finished form and 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 are to 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 is to be lapped by the rear panel and the
exposed edges are to be beaded, hemmed, flanged or otherwise treated to
minimize sharp edges.
(11) All body components are to 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 are to 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, are to be disc front and drum
rear or four-wheel disc.
(2) All air brake systems
are to have both visual and audible warning systems that activate as required
by FMVSS 571.121. Hydraulic brake systems that utilize hydraulic power assist
are to have both visual and audible warning systems that activate as required
by FMVSS 571.105.
(3) For air brake
systems, an air pressure gauge are to 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 are to be
pressure oil fed. Clean air to all compressors is to be supplied and filtered
through engine air cleaner.
(5) All air supplied from the air tanks
is to 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 are to require a desiccant type air dryer with a renewable or
replaceable desiccant cartridge (filter). Dryer is to incorporate an automatic
purge and drain cycle with heating element.
(H) Bumpers shall meet minimum standards. Bumper minimum
standards include:
(1) Front bumper for all
buses having a GVWR of twenty-one thousand five hundred pounds or less is to 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 is to 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 is to be contoured to offer maximum protection of
fender lines without permitting snagging or hooking.
(c) Bumper is to 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 is to be of sufficient strength to permit lifting
the bus with a bumper type lift for servicing
(3) Rear
bumper.
(a) Bumper is to be of sufficient strength to permit lifting the
bus with a bumper type lift for servicing and is to 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 is to be a minimum of eight inches in height after
forming.
(c) Bumper is to 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 is to 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 is to 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 is to 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 is to have an impact ratio comparable to that of
bumper material and 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 is to 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 is to be enclosed by endcaps or
other protective metal or have the ends rounded or tucked in and be free from
sharp edges or projections likely to cause injury or snagging.
(h) A rubber or metal strip is to 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 is not to exceed thirty inches when the vehicle is
empty.
(I) Bus must meet color standards. Bus
color standards include:
(1) Bumpers are to be
black.
(2) Fender and body are
to 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 is to 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) are to be national school bus
yellow.
(6) Steel wheels are to
be black and/or gray. Aluminum wheels are permitted.
(7) All lettering and
numbering on exterior is to be black.
(8) Background area and
optional hoods for warning lights are to be black.
(9) Rub rails are to be
black.
(10) Service door may be
black. Note:
(a) Special service doors are not to be black.
(b) Left side driver's door on "Type A and A II"
buses are not to be black.
(J) Cooling system shall meet minimum
standards. Cooling system minimum standards include:
(1) Cooling system is to
be manufacturer's standard.
(2) Cooling fan(s) may be
variable speed.
(3) The cooling system is
to have a means of checking the coolant without having to remove the radiator
cap.
(K) Defroster system shall meet minimum
standards. Defroster minimum standards include:
(1) Defroster system is
to meet or exceed SAE standard J381 performance requirements without use of
auxiliary fan.
(2) The defroster system
is to 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 is
to 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
are to be installed. Only one adjustable six-inch auxiliary fan is required for
"Type A" buses.
(a) Each auxiliary fan(s) is/are to be controlled individually by
a multi-speed switch.
(b) The switch is to be located within easy reach of the driver
while seated.
(L) Drive shaft and differential shall
meet minimum standards. Drive shaft and differential minimum standards include:
(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 is to 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
is to be compatible with engine, transmission and tire size.
(M) Driver's seat shall meet minimum
standards. Minimum driver's seat standards include:
(1) Minimum distance
between steering wheel and back rest of driver's seat is to be eleven
inches. Driver's seat is to 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 are to have a restraining barrier meeting FMVSS
571.222 positioned immediately behind the driver's area.
(3) The driver's
seat upholstery is to meet FMVSS 571.302 (Flammability of interior
materials).
(4) A "Type II"
seat belt is required for the driver. Belts are to 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 is to 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 is to conform to current
society of automotive engineers standards.
(O) Emergency equipment shall be on the
bus and mounted in an easily accessible location. Minimum emergency equipment
includes:
(1) Bus is to 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 is
to be equipped with a dial-type graduated gauge which indicates loss of
pressure. Fire extinguisher is to be of the type that permits the dry-chemical
base to be refilled by ordinary procedures.
(2) First aid kits are to 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.
(3) 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.
(4) Three triangle reflectors with
weighted stands are to be properly encased for easy storage. The triangle
reflectors are to meet FMVSS 571.125. The storage container is to be mounted to
prevent movement and be mounted within easy access of the driver.
(5) One body fluid kit is required. The
kit is to 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 is to be easily accessible to the
driver in the area of the first aid kit and be securely mounted in a metal or
plastic container.
(h) If alcohol is included, the body fluid clean-up kit is not to
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 shall meet minimum
standards. Emergency exit minimum standards include:
Any installed emergency exit is to 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 are to meet FMVSS 571.217. An interior handle
is to 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 is to 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) are to illuminate with
the ignition switch in any position.
(c) Exterior door handle is to be of permanent hitch-proof design
and mounted with enough clearance to permit opening without touching door
surface.
(d) All emergency door openings are to be completely
weather-stripped.
(e) There is to be no step-type mechanism in the use of the
emergency door.
(f) There is to be a head bumper pad installed on the inside at
the top of the emergency exit frame. This pad is to be approximately four
inches in width and extend across the entire top of the emergency exit opening
and 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 is
to be located in the rear of the school bus body and centered with respect to
the body.
(b) Emergency door is to 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 is to be hinged on right side and open
outward.
(d) The rear emergency door is to contain upper and lower glass
panels. Glass in emergency door is to provide maximum area of visibility for
safe operation of the school bus.
(e) The rear emergency door is to have a prop rod/lock out
bar.
(3) Left side emergency
door.
(a) On all rear-engine school buses, a left side emergency door
is to be installed.
(b) If a door sill or heater line extends above the floor line, a
ramp is to be provided covering the area over which a foot must pass when an
individual exits through the door.
(c) The left side emergency door is to have a prop rod/lock out
bar.
(4) Emergency side window
exits.
(a) Emergency window is to 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, is to activate a
continuous warning sound that is to be audible in driver's compartment and
activate all dome lights (driver's dome lights excluded). Warning sound
and dome lights is to be operational with the ignition switch in any
position.
(5) Emergency window,
rear-engine buses.
(a) An emergency window is to be installed above the engine
compartment.
(b) Window is to be hinged from top and provided with a device to
ensure against accidental closing when open.
(c) Emergency window in rear is to 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 is to 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, is to activate a
continuous warning sound that is to be audible in the driver's compartment
and all dome lights are to 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 is to be audible in the
driver's compartment and all dome lights are to activate when the hatch is
opened in the escape position (driver dome lights excluded). Warning sound and
dome lights are to be operational with ignition switch in any
position.
(b) If a bus is not manufactured with a static vent, the
emergency roof exit is to 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 shall meet minimum
standards. Exhaust system minimum standards include:
(1) Exhaust pipe, muffler
or a diesel particulate filter in lieu of the muffler, and tailpipe are to be
outside bus body and attached to chassis.
(2) The tailpipe and
after-treatment system are to 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 is not to extend more than two inches beyond, the perimeter of
the body for side-exit pipe or the bumper for rear-exit pipe. The exhaust is to
be designed such that exhaust gas will not be trapped under the body of the
bus.
(4) The tailpipe is to
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 is not to exit beneath any
fuel filler location, emergency door, or lift door.
(5) The exhaust system is
to be insulated in a manner to prevent any damage to any fuel system
component.
(6) The design of the
after-treatment systems is not to 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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum fender
standards include:
(1) Total spread at outer
edges of front fenders, measured at fender line, is to exceed total spread of
front tires when front wheels are in straight ahead position.
(2) Front fenders are to
be braced and free from any body attachment. Trailing edge of front fender is
to extend to bottom of front body section. Fender extensions are
acceptable.
(3) Fiberglass
replacement fenders and cowl pieces are permitted.
(U) Floor covering shall meet minimum standards. Minimum floor
cover requirements include:
(1) All floor covering is
to 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 is
to be waterproof and recommended by the manufacturer of the floor covering
material.
(2) Underseat areas are
to 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 is to be covered with a fitted, rust-free metal or
composite molding or reformed interior panel.
(3) Driver's
compartment floor area is to be of the same quality material as the underseat
floor covering. The driver's compartment floor covering is to be attached
to the floor.
Exception - On "Type A" buses, the
driver's compartment floor area is to be manufacturer's standard and
be attached to the floor.
(4) Center aisle covering
is to be fire-resistant, non-skid and wear-resistant. If ribbed, minimum
thickness is to be one hundred eighty-seven thousandths inch measured from the
top of the ribs.
(5) Metal, composite molding, bonding or
non-metal welding is to cover all floor-covering joints.
(6) Molding around the wheel-well and
floor covering is to be provided to seal floor covering with the wheel
well.
(7) A fuel access plate is to be
installed for easy access to fuel gauge mechanism and is to be installed above
the regular floor covering when possible. The access plate is to not be
undercoated. Panel is to 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 is
to be one piece.
(9) A plywood floor is to
be applied on top of the steel floor. Floor covering is to be applied on top of
the plywood. Plywood is to be five-eighths inch five-ply type CD exterior
grade. Plywood is to extend to fire-wall and under the driver's seat.
Plywood is to be sanded and vacuumed before covering is applied. Waterproof
sealing material is to be applied to seams in the sections of plywood floor.
Plywood is to 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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum frame standards
include:
(1) Frame is to 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 is to
extend to rear edge of rear body cross member.
(3) Frame side members
are to be one-piece construction with the following exceptions:
(a) Extension of these members are to be designed, furnished, and
guaranteed by chassis or body manufacturer. Installation is to be guaranteed by
the company installing the extension. Extension of frame lengths are not to be
for the purpose of extending wheel base.
(b) No holes are to 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 is to
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 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 meet
minimum standards and conform to FMVSS 571.301 (fuel system integrity). Fuel
system minimum standards include:
(1) Fuel tank is to 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 are to have a minimum capacity of sixty gallons. It is to 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 installed.
(3) In addition to the
fuel filter, all diesel fueled engines are to 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 is not to serve
as the fuel filter.
(4) Drain plug of at
least one-fourth inch pipe thread 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 | Glasstype | Rating |
| Service door | Laminated | AS 1 or AS2 |
| Emergencydoor | Tempered orlaminated | AS 2 or AS3 |
| Emergencywindow | Tempered orlaminated | AS 2 or AS3 |
| Windshield | Laminated | AS1 |
| Driver's sideglass | Laminated | AS 1 or AS 2 |
| All other glass in passenger'sarea | Tempered orlaminated | AS 2 or AS3 |
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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum heater
standards include:
(1) Heating systems are
to provide evenly distributed heat throughout the bus body and provide
defrosting for windshield, driver's left side window and service
door.
(2) Buses are to 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 are to be
equipped with a front heater.
(4) Heaters are to
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 are to be
independently controlled by multi-speed switches.
(6) All hot water lines
inside the driver's/passenger's area are to be enclosed.
(7) Heater cores and fans
are to 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 is to include two shut-off valves able
to shut off coolant completely when necessary.
(a) One shut-off valve is to be mounted between the water pump
inlet and heater hose connection.
(b) One shut-off valve is to be mounted between the engine block
and the heater hose connection.
(9) There is to 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 shall meet minimum
standards. Instruments and instrument panel minimum standards
include:
(1) Chassis is to 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 is to
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 is to 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 are to 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 is not to 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 is to comply with FMVSS 571.101.
(EE) Insulation shall meet minimum standards. Minimum insulation
standards include:
(1) Bus body is to 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 is
to be added in the roof, in addition to the usual sprayed on
material.
(FF) Interior.
(1) Interior of the
school bus is to be free of all projections.
(2) All school buses are
to have inner lining on ceiling and walls and are to include acoustical
(perforated) headlining in the driver area.
(3) The interior sound
level at the driver's seating position is not to 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 is to 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 are to 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 is to be attached to the sidewall of the
bus.
(d) The padded panels are not to obstruct any portion of an
emergency window or exit.
(e) Materials used in the padded panel are to 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 shall meet minimum
standards. Minimum lamp, signal and backing warning device standards
include:
(1) All lamps herein
listed and their installation are to 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 are
to meet applicable society of automotive engineers standards.
(b) All exterior lamp sockets are to 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 are to 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 are to be
operational.
(4) The service door
step-well light is to 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 are to be amber in color.
(7) Daytime running lamps
are required.
(8) One white strobe
light is to be installed on the roof of the bus. The strobe light is to cycle
sixty to two-hundred forty flashes per minute. The roof strobe light is to 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 are to adequately and
uniformly illuminate aisleway to three to four foot candles.
(b) All dome lights are to be equipped with clear/white
shatter-proof lenses.
(c) Passenger dome lights are to be controlled by switches in the
driver's console. Passenger zones may be switched separately. Power is to
be provided when the ignition switch is in the "On" or
"Accessory" position and be on a protected circuit.
(d) A separate driver dome light is to be provided and controlled
by a single switch in the driver's console.
(10) Directional signals.
(a) Side and rear directional signals are to be wired to operate
properly with the front directional signals.
(b) Manufacturer is to install required signal lamps to the
directional signal control switch so all directional signal lamps are
operative. The directional signal system is to be installed on an integral part
of the hazard warning signal switch activated by an independent switch
furnished.
(c) Direction signals, when illuminated, are to be amber in color
and meet society of automotive engineers specifications.
(d) Rear directional signals are to have a minimum of
thirty-eight square inches of illuminated surface each. The rear directional
signals are to be identical in type, shape, size, and location.
(11) Backing warning devices.
(a) Two back up lights are required and are to be mounted on or
below the belt line on the school bus body. Back up lights are to conform to
FMVSS 571.108.
(b) All school buses are to be equipped with an audible
electrical warning device, automatically actuated when the bus is in reverse
gear. Device is to be one hundred seven decibels or more, meeting SAE standard
J994. Device is to 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.
(12) Stop/tail lights.
(a) Each bus is to have two combination stop/tail lamps as
required in FMVSS 571.108. These two lamps are to be identical in type, shape,
and size.
(b) In addition to the two stop/tail lamps required by FMVSS
571.108, each bus is to 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 are to 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
are to be taken from lamp centers. These additional two lamps are to be
identical in type, shape, and size.
(13) A white light is to 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 are to comply with FMVSS 571.108.
Reflectors are not to 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 are to conform to society of automotive engineers standards for the type
of lamp. These lamps are to be activated by the chassis headlight
switch.
(II) Alternately flashing warning signal lamps shall meet minimum
standards. Minimum alternately flashing warning signal map standards
include:
(1) Each school bus is to be equipped
with a system of four red signal lamps and four amber signal lamps. Both red
and amber lamps are to be installed in accordance with FMVSS 571.108 and the
SAE standard J887. The four red signal lamps are to be identical in type,
shape, and size.
(a) There is to 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 are to 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 are to 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 is to 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 are to flash.
(c) When the service door is moved toward the open position, the
amber pilot light and the amber warning lamps are to turn off and the red pilot
light and red warning lamps are to flash.
(d) The stop signal arm and, if installed, the crossing control
arm are to automatically extend when the red warning lamps flash. The stop arm
signal lamps are to flash when extended.
(e) When the service door is closed, the red warning lights are
to deactivate, the stop signal arm and, if installed, crossing control arm are
to 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 are to flash and the stop signal arm and, if equipped, the crossing
control arm are to extend. The stop signal arm lamps are to flash when
extended.
(g) The service door switch that activates the red warning lamps
are to 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 is to be installed. This emergency
override system is to be operational with the ignition switch in any
position.
(i) A red colored or red outlined emergency override switch is to
be installed. This switch is to be marked with the words "Emergency
warning lights" (abbreviation is acceptable). This is to 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 are to flash and the stop signal arm are
to extend with the door in any position.
The stop signal arm lamps are to flash when
extended.
(iii) Power for the system is to be on a protected
circuit.
(3) Hoods may be installed above the
lamps. If installed, all the lamps are to have hoods.
(4) Eight lamp warning
system.
(a) LED "strobelike" effects may be used in the eight
lamp warning system. All lamps are to conform to FMVSS 571.108.
(b) All eight amber and red lamps are to alternate between left
and right at a rate of sixty to one-hundred twenty cycles per
minutes.
(c) The "strobe" effect are to appear as a flash of
varying intensity and not as separate flashes.
(d) All the warning lamps, amber and red, are to
"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.
(e) All eight lamp warning systems on buses manufactured
after January 1, 2027, are to be of LED type.
(JJ) Length of a school bus shall not exceed forty-five feet,
excluding safety devices/bumpers.
(KK) Markings - body shall display identification (in black
lettering if not indicated otherwise). The following are to be
displayed:
(1) "School
Bus" at least eight inches high on both the front and rear of the body.
Lettering is to be placed as high as possible without impairment of visibility.
The "School Bus" marking is to be on a background of retro reflective
national school bus yellow material. The material is to be the same quality and
type as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards requires for the marking of
emergency exits.
(2) "Stop" on
buses manufactured after January 1, 2027, are to be high-visibility
(reflective) marking.
"Stop" on the rear of the bus in
black letters not less than ten inches in height with red reflective material,
meeting FMVSS 517.217 in between the black letters. Black letters are to have a
brush stroke of one-half inches and placed 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 is to 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 is to 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) is to appear on both sides of the
bus. The right side markings are to be to the rear of the service door below
the floor rub rail. The left side markings are to be in the area of the stop
signal arm below the floor rub rail. The markings are to be in two inch high
letters. Only the information required by FMCSR 390.21 is to be
displayed.
(6) Local school bus
numbers approximately five inches high and 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 are to be
marked with reflectorized material as follows: All reflectorized material is to
be a retro reflective material which meets FMVSS 517.217 for marking of
emergency exits. In addition:
(a) All reflective material is to be able to retain at least
fifty per cent of the reflective values for a minimum of seven
years.
(b) All reflective material is to 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) is to 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 are to be outlined in yellow
only. Emergency roof exits are to 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 are to 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
is to 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 is to 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 is to be placed on a seven by fourteen-inch
piece of reflective material which is to 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 is to be placed on individual
seven by fourteen-inch pieces of reflective material which is to 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 is
not to exceed six inches by eleven inches, is not to interfere with required
markings and is not to obstruct the view of the driver.
(c) Buses used for transporting special needs may display two
universal handicap emblems. The emblems are to 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, are to be black in color
and measure eighteen inches tall by ten inches wide with a brush stroke of
three inches.
(LL) Mirrors must meet minimum standards. Minim mirror standards
include:
(1) The buses are to be
equipped with mirrors meeting the requirements of FMVSS 571.111 for school
buses.
(2) Interior rear view
mirror is to be a minimum of six by thirty inches. Exception: "Type
A" - Six by sixteen inches.
(3) All exterior mirrors
are to be heated and fully adjustable.
(4) Mirror assemblies are
to 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 shall meet minimum standards.
Minimum noise suppression switch standards include:
(1) Installed within easy
reach of the driver in a seated position.
(2) Switch to be be an
on/off type.
(3) Deactivation of
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 is not to
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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum paint standards
include:
(1) Paint finish coats to
bus body, hood, cowl and all attaching sheet metal and fiberglass parts are to
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 are to 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 are to be painted with polyurethane paint or
equivalent.
(4) All interior panels,
walls, and roof surfaces are to be painted. Finished metal/plastic may be
unpainted.
(RR) Passenger seats shall meet minimum standards. Minimum
passenger seat standards include:
(1) All seating and
restraining barrier design and construction is to meet the provisions of FMVSS
571.222. The top surface of the restraining barriers are to be the same height
as the top surfaces of the seat backs
(2) All seats are to have
a minimum depth of fifteen inches.
(3) Equipment installed
above the seating area is to 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 are to also be equipped with a durable webbing
cutter having a full width hand-grip and protected blade. The cutter is to 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
are to 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 are to be covered
with energy-absorbing padding material as required by FMVSS
571.222.
(SS) Engine power shall meet minimum standards. Minimum engine
power standards include:
(1) Diesel engines are to
have a minimum of two-hundred horsepower and five-hundred twenty foot pounds of
torque.
(2) Gasoline engines are
to have a minimum of two-hundred sixty-five horsepower and four-hundred sixty
foot pounds of torque.
(3) All diesel engines are to be equipped
with a block heater. Heater is to be a minimum of seven hundred fifty
watts.
(4) Dry type air cleaner with an air
filter restriction indicator.
(5) Engine is to be equipped with a fast
idle (air, electronic, or manual) throttle.
(6) An electric powered
school bus is to meet all federal motor vehicle safety standards and all
society of automotive engineers standards that are applicable at time of
manufacture. The school bus is to meet Ohio school bus construction standards
at the time of manufacture or bid date.
(7) A factory build
hybrid electric school bus is to meet all federal motor vehicle safety
standards and all society of automotive engineers standards that are applicable
at time of manufacture. The school bus is to meet Ohio school bus construction
standards at the time of manufacture or bid date.
(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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum service
door standards include:
(1) Service door is to be
outward-opening, split-type on all buses. Service door is to be air, electric,
or manually-operated. Door is to be under the control of the driver and
designed to afford easy release and prevent accidental opening.
(2) Service door is to be
located on right side of bus opposite the driver and within the driver's
direct view.
(3) Service door entrance
is to have minimum horizontal opening of twenty-four inches and minimum
vertical opening of sixty-eight inches.
(4) Glass in service door
is to provide maximum area of visibility for operation of the bus.
(5) All edges of service
door are to be sealed by a flexible material to prevent air from entering the
door entrance when closed.
(6) There are to 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 is to be a head
bumper pad installed on the inside at the top of the service door frame. This
pad is to be approximately four inches in width and extend across the entire
top of the service door opening and meet FMVSS 571.302 for flammability
standards of interior materials.
(9) Service door is to
have suitable access for easy lubrication.
(10) Manual service
door.
(a) When a manual lever is used, no parts are to come together so
as to shear or crush fingers. Lever is to 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 are to require no more than
twenty-five pounds of pull to close and may be hydraulically
assisted.
(b) Manual door control mechanism is to 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 is to be placed above the required head bumper or at the same
height to the immediate left or right of the service door and 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 is to be securely fastened near the door control valve and be
easily accessible for service and repair.
(VV) Service door steps shall meet minimum standards. Minimum
service door steps standards include:
(1) The first step of the
service door cannot be less than six inches and not more than sixteen inches
from the ground.
(2) Service door entrance
is to be equipped with step risers that do not exceed ten inches. Risers in
each case are to be approximately equal.
(3) Steps are to be
enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.
(4) Steps are not to
protrude beyond side body line.
(5) Hand rails of maximum
length, but not less than ten inches long, are to be installed on both sides of
the interior step-well area. These handles are to be stainless steel clad. Both
hand rails are to 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 are
to be of non-skid material.
(a) Steps are to be covered with a covering material which have
non-skid characteristics. Step covering is to have a turned-down nosing of a
contrasting color of either white, silver, yellow, or bright
orange.
(b) Step covering is to 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 are to have a restraining barrier that is in compliance with FMVSS
571.222 positioned between the stairwell and the passenger compartment. This
barrier is to be equipped with a modesty panel.
(WW) Steering system shall meet minimum standards. Steering system
minimum standards include:
(1) All school buses are
to be equipped with heavy-duty, truck-type integral power
steering.
(2) Steering mechanism is
to provide for easy adjustment for lost motion.
(3) No changes are to be
made in the steering mechanism unless approved by manufacturer.
(4) There is to 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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum
standards fro tires, rims, and wheels include:
(1) Manufacturer or
authorized dealer is to balance all wheels and make necessary alignments prior
to delivery.
(2) Dual rear tires and
wheels are to be provided (except "Type A.")
(3) All tires on a given
axle are to be of same size, tread design, construction and
capacity.
(4) All are to 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 are to be
used.
(6) Wheel composition -
wheels are to 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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum
transmission standards include:
(1) Manufacturer is to
furnish an automatic transmission or automated manual
transmission.
(2) The torque rating of the transmission
is to 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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum
wheel-housing standards include:
(1) Wheel-house is to be
attached to floor components in such a manner to prevent water, dust or fumes
from entering the bus body.
(2) Wheel-house openings
are to allow for easy tire removal and service.
(3) Inside height of
wheel-housing above floor line is not to exceed ten inches.
(4) Wheel-housing is to
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 shall met minimum standards. Minimum window standards
include:
(1) Driver's side
window is to be capable of opening and be equipped with a lock-type closure.
Exception - "Type A" buses are to be manufacturer's
standard.
(2) Each side window in
the passenger area is to 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
are not to have a vertical opening greater than twelve inches. Stops are to 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 is also
meet FMVSS 571.205.
(GGG) Windshield washers shall meet minimum standards. Minimum
windshield washers standards include:
(1) The windshield washer
fluid reservoir is to have a minimum capacity of two quarts in a rigid plastic
container. It is to be mounted outside the interior of the bus and in a
position readily accessible for refilling,
(2) Windshield washer is
to 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 shall meet minimum standards. Minimum
windshield wiper standards include:
(1) Two heavy-duty
windshield wipers.
(2) Windshield wipers to
be operated by one or more electric motors.
(3) Windshield wipers are
to be controlled with one switch. Switch is to provide multi-speed operation
and incorporate an intermittent position.
(4) Wipers are to be wet
arm type.
(5) The windshield wiper
motor or motors are to have sufficient power and the wiper arms and blades are
to be of sufficient length to provide the largest cleaning area
possible.
(III) Wiring shall meet minimum standards. Minimum wiring standards
include:
(1) All wiring is to
conform to current society of automotive engineers standards. Wiring diagrams
are tobe made available to school bus owners.
(2) Short circuit protective devices are
to be provided for each major circuit and all other electrical functions,
except starter motor and ignition circuits.
(3) All wires within body are to 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 is to be provided.
(4) Wires not enclosed within body shell
are to be fastened securely at intervals of not more than twenty-four
inches.
(5) All joints are to be soldered or
joined by equally effective connectors.
