Delaware Administrative Code
Title 14 - Education
1100 - Transportation
1101 - Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies Placed in Production After March 1, 1998 (Terminology and School Bus Types are described in the National Standards for School Transportation 1995)
Section 1101-3.0 - Standards for Specially Equipped School Buses

Universal Citation: 14 DE Admin Code 1101-3.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

3.1 General Requirements

3.1.1 School buses designed for transporting students with special transportation needs shall comply with the 1995 National Standards and with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards applicable to their GVWR category.

3.1.2 Any school bus to be used for the transportation of children who are confined to a wheelchair or other mobile positioning device, or who require life support equipment which prohibits use of the regular service entrance, shall be equipped with a power lift, unless a ramp is needed for unusual circumstances related to passenger needs.

3.2 Aisles: All school buses equipped with a power lift shall provide a 30 inch aisle leading from any wheelchair or mobility aid position to at least one emergency door and the lift area.

3.3 Glazing: Tinted glazing may be installed in all doors, windows, and windshields consistent with federal, state, and local regulations.

3.4 Identification: Buses with power lifts used for transporting individuals with disabilities shall display below the window line the International Symbol of Accessibility. Such emblems shall be white on blue background, shall not exceed 12 inches in size, and shall be of a high intensity reflectorized material meeting U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) FP-85 Standards.

3.5 Passenger Capacity Rating: The passenger capacity of a school bus is defined as the maximum standard seating capacity of that bus.

3.6 Power Lifts and Ramps

3.6.1 Power lift shall be located on the right side of the bus body when not extended.

3.6.1.1 A ramp device may be used in lieu of a mechanical lift if the ramp meets all the requirements of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) as found in 36 CFR § 1192.23 Vehicle ramp. (See Appendix D, 1995 National Standards).

3.6.1.2 A ramp device which does not meet the specifications of ADA but does meet the specifications of subsection 3.6.1.1 may be installed and used only when a power lift system is not adequate to load and unload students having special and unique needs. A readily accessible ramp may also be installed for emergency exit use. If stowed in the passenger compartment, the ramp must be properly secured and located away from general passenger contact. It must not obstruct or restrict any aisle or exit while in its stowed or deployed position.

3.6.1.3 All vehicles covered by this specification shall provide a level change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift or ramp) and sufficient clearances to permit a wheelchair or other mobility aid user to reach a securement location.

3.6.2 Vehicle lift

3.6.2.1 Design load. The design load of the lift shall be at least 600 pounds. Working parts, such as cables, pulleys, and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the ultimate strength of the material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame, and attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear, shall have a safety factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the material.

Lift capacity. The lifting mechanism and platform shall be able to lift a minimum 800 pounds.

3.6.2.2 Controls: Controls shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift mechanism from either inside or outside the bus. The controls should be interlocked with the vehicle brakes, transmission, or door, or shall provide other appropriate mechanisms or systems to ensure the vehicle cannot be moved when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed unless the interlocks or systems are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all levels (i.e., ground, curb, and intermediate positions) normally encountered in the operating environment. Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering, raising, and stowing the lift and lowering the roll off barrier shall be of a momentary contact type requiring continuous manual pressure by the operator and shall not allow improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied. The controls shall allow reversal of the lift operation sequence, such as raising or lowering a platform that is part way down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold or retract into the stowed position.

3.6.2.2.1 Exception: Where the lift is designed to deploy with its long dimension parallel to the vehicle axis and which pivots into or out of the vehicle while occupied (i.e., "rotary lift"), the requirements of subsection 3.6.2.2 prohibiting the lift from being stowed while occupied shall not apply if the stowed position is within the passenger compartment and the lift is intended to be stowed while occupied.

3.6.2.3 Emergency operation: The lift shall incorporate an emergency method of deploying, lowering to ground level with a lift occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails. No emergency method, manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a manner that could be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when operated according to manufacturer's instructions, and shall not permit the platform to be stowed or folded when occupied, unless the lift is a rotary lift and is intended to be stowed while occupied. No manual emergency operation shall require more than two minutes to lower an occupied wheelchair to ground level.

3.6.2.4 Power or equipment failure: Platforms stowed in a vertical position, and deployed platforms when occupied, shall have provisions to prevent their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 inches per second or their dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying component.

3.6.2.5 Platform barriers: The lift platform shall be equipped with barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the platform during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent design feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the edge closest to the vehicle until the platform is in its fully raised position. Each side of the lift platform which extends beyond the vehicle in its raised position shall have a barrier a minimum 1 1/2 inch high. Such barriers shall not interfere with maneuvering into or out of the aisle. The loading edge barrier (outer barrier), which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at ground level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from riding over or defeating it. The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically raise or close, or a supplementary system shall automatically engage, and remain raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the platform is more than three inches above the roadway or sidewalk and the platform is occupied. Alternatively, a barrier or system may be raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged, or disengaged by the lift operator, provided an interlock or inherent design feature prevents the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the supplementary system is engaged.

3.6.2.6 Platform surface: The platform surface shall be free of any protrusions over 1/4 inch high and shall be slip resistant. The platform shall have a minimum clear width of 32 inches from the platform to 30 inches above it, and a minimum clear length of 48 inches measured from two inches above the surface of the platform to 30 inches above the surface of the platform.

3.6.2.7 Platform gaps: Any openings between the platform surface and the raised barriers shall not exceed 5/8 inch in width. When the platform is at vehicle floor height with the inner barrier (if applicable) down or retracted, gaps between the forward lift platform edge and the vehicle floor shall not exceed 1/2 inch horizontally and 5/8 inch vertically. Platforms on semiautomatic lifts may have a hand hold not exceeding 11/2 inches by 41/2 inches located between the edge barriers.

3.6.2.8 Platform entrance ramp: The outboard entrance ramp or loading edge barrier used as a ramp and the transition plate from the inboard edge of the platform to the vehicle floor shall not exceed a slope of 1:8, measured on level ground, for a maximum rise of three inches, and the transition from roadway or sidewalk to ramp may be vertical without edge treatment up to 1/4 inch. Thresholds between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch high shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

3.6.2.9 Platform deflection: The lift platform (not including the entrance ramp) shall not deflect more than 3 degrees (exclusive of vehicle roll or pitch) in any direction between its unloaded position and its position when loaded with 600 pounds applied through a 26 inches by 26 inches test pallet at the centroid of the platform.

3.6.2.10 Platform movement: No part of the platform shall move at a rate exceeding 6 inches per second during lowering and lifting an occupant and shall not exceed 12 inches per second during deploying or stowing. This requirement does not apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts that are manually deployed or stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied shall be 0.3 g.

3.6.2.11 Boarding direction: The lift shall permit both inboard and outboard facing of wheelchair and mobility aid users.

3.6.2.12 Use by standees: Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers, crutches, canes or braces, or who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The platform may be marked to indicate a preferred standing position.

3.6.2.13 Handrails: Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails on two sides, which move in tandem with the lift, and which shall be graspable and provide support to standees throughout the entire lift operation. Handrails shall have a usable component at least eight inches long with the lowest portion a minimum 30 inches above the platform and the highest portion a maximum 38 inches above the platform. The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. The handrail shall have a cross sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2 inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface and have eased edges with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 11/2 inch knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the vehicle.

3.6.2.14 Circuit breaker: A resetable circuit breaker shall be installed between power source and lift motor if electrical power is used. It shall be located as close to the power source as possible, but not within the passenger and driver compartment.

3.6.2.15 Excessive pressure: Lift design shall prevent excessive pressure that could damage the lift system when the platform is fully lowered or raised, or that could jack the vehicle.

3.6.2.16 Documentation: The following information shall be provided with each vehicle equipped with a lift:

3.6.2.16.1 A phone number where information can be obtained about installation, repair, and parts. (Detailed written instructions and a parts list shall be available upon request.)

3.6.2.16.2 Detailed instructions regarding use of the lift and readily visible when the lift door is open, including a diagram showing the proper placement and positioning of wheelchair or mobility aids on lift.

3.6.2.17 Training materials: The lift manufacturer shall make available training materials to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the lift. These may include instructional videos, classroom curriculum, system test results, or other related materials.

3.6.2.18 Identification and certification: Each lift shall be permanently and legibly marked or incorporate a nonremovable label or tag which states that it conforms to all applicable requirements of the current National Standards for School Buses. In addition, the lift manufacturer, or an authorized representative, upon request of the original titled purchaser, shall provide a notarized Certificate of Conformance, either original or photocopied, which states that the lift system meets all the applicable requirements of the 1995 National Standards.

3.6.3 Vehicle ramp

3.6.3.1 If a ramp is used, it shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to support the special device, occupant, and attendants. It shall be equipped with a protective flange on each longitudinal side to keep special device on the ramp.

3.6.3.2 Floor of ramp shall be constructed of nonskid material.

3.6.3.3 Ramp shall be equipped with handles and be of weight and design to permit one person to put ramp in place and return it to its storage place.

3.6.3.4 Ramps installed in raised floor buses by manufacturers may be used for emergency evacuation purposes. They shall not be used as a substitute for a lift when a lift is capable of servicing the need.

3.7 Regular Service Entrance

3.7.1 On power lift equipped vehicles, step shall be the full width of the stepwell, excluding the thickness of doors in open position.

3.7.2 A suitable device at the front and rear of the step well shall be provided to assist passengers during entry or egress. This device shall allow for easy grasping or holding and shall have no openings or pinch points which might entangle clothing, accessories or limbs.

3.8 Restraining Devices

3.8.1 On power lift equipped vehicles, seat frames may be equipped with attachments or devices to which belts, restraining harnesses or other devices may be attached. Attachment framework or anchorage devices, if installed, shall conform to FMVSS 210.

3.8.2 Seat belt assemblies, if installed, shall conform to FMVSS 209.

3.8.3 Child restraint systems, which are used to facilitate the transportation of children who in other modes of transportation would be required to use a child, infant, or booster seat, shall conform to FMVSS 213 and 222.

3.9 Seating Arrangements: Flexibility in seat spacing to accommodate special devices shall be permitted to meet passenger requirements. All seating shall be forward facing.

3.10 Securement and Restraint System for Wheelchair or Mobility Aid and Occupant: For purposes of better understanding the various aspects and components of this section, the terms "securement" or phrase "securement system" is used exclusively in reference to the devices which secure the wheelchair or mobility aid. The term "restraint" or phrase "restraint system" is used exclusively in reference to the devices used to restrain the occupant of the wheelchair or mobility aid. The phrase "securement and restraint system" is used to refer to the total system which secures and restrains both the wheelchair or mobility aid and the occupant.

3.10.1 Securement and restraint system, general

3.10.1.1 The Wheelchair or Mobility Aid Securement and Occupant Restraint System shall be designed, installed, and operated to accommodate passengers in a forward facing orientation within the bus and shall comply with all applicable requirements of FMVSS 222. Gurney type devices shall be secured parallel to the side of each bus.

3.10.1.2 The securement and restraint system, including the system track, floor plates, pockets, or other anchorages shall be provided by the same manufacturer, or be certified to be compatible by manufacturers of all equipment or systems used.

3.10.1.3 When a wheelchair or mobility aid securement device and an occupant restraint share a common anchorage, including occupant restraint designs that attach the occupant restraint to the securement device or the wheelchair or mobility aid, the anchorage shall be capable of withstanding the loads of both the securement device and occupant restraint applied simultaneously, in accordance with FMVSS 222.

3.10.1.4 When a wheelchair or mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assembly) is shared with an occupant restraint, the wheelchair or mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall be capable of withstanding a force twice the amount as specified in Section 4.4 (a) of FMVSS 209.

3.10.1.5 The bus body floor and sidewall structures where the securement and restraint system anchorages are attached shall have equal or greater strength than the load requirements of the systems being installed.

3.10.1.6 The occupant restraint system shall be designed to be attached to the bus body either directly or in combination with the wheelchair or mobility aid securement system, by a method which prohibits the transfer of weight or force from the wheelchair or mobility aid to the occupant in the event of an impact.

3.10.1.7 When an occupied wheelchair or mobility aid is secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the securement and restraint system shall limit the movement of the occupied wheelchair or mobility aid to no more than two inches in any direction under normal driving conditions.

3.10.1.8 The securement and restraint system shall incorporate an identification scheme which will allow for the easy identification of the various components and their functions. It shall consist of one of the following, or combination thereof:

3.10.1.8.1 The wheelchair or mobility aid securement (webbing or strap assemblies) and the occupant restraint belt assemblies shall be of contrasting color or color shade.

3.10.1.8.2 The wheelchair or mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assemblies) and occupant restraint belt assemblies shall be clearly marked to indicate the proper wheelchair orientation in the vehicle, and the name and location for each device or belt assembly, i.e., front, rear, lap belt, shoulder belt, etc.

3.10.1.9 All attachment or coupling devices designed to be connected or disconnected frequently shall be accessible and operable without the use of tools or other mechanical assistance.

3.10.1.10 All securement and restraint system hardware and components shall be free of sharp or jagged areas and shall be of a noncorrosive material or treated to resist corrosion in accordance with Section 4.3 (a) of FMVSS 209.

3.10.1.11 The securement and restraint system shall be located and installed such that when an occupied wheelchair or mobility aid is secured, it does not block access to the lift door.

3.10.1.12 A device for storage of the securement and restraint system shall be provided. When the system is not in use, the storage device shall allow for clean storage of the system, shall keep the system securely contained within the passenger compartment, shall provide reasonable protection from vandalism, and shall enable the system to be readily accessed for use.

3.10.1.13 The entire securement and restraint system, including the storage device, shall meet the flammability standards established in FMVSS 302.

3.10.1.14 Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) and restraint belt assembly shall be permanently and legibly marked or incorporate a nonremovable label or tag which states that it conforms to all applicable FMVSS requirements, as well as, the 1995 National Standards. In addition, the system manufacturer, or an authorized representative, upon request by the original titled purchaser, shall provide a notarized Certificate of Conformance, either original or photocopied, which states that the wheelchair or mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system meets all of the requirements as specified in FMVSS 222 and the 1995 National Standards.

3.10.1.15 The following information shall be provided with each vehicle equipped with a securement and restraint system:

3.10.1.15.1 A phone number where information can be obtained about installation, repair, and parts. (Detailed written instructions and a parts list shall be available upon request).

3.10.1.15.2 Detailed instructions regarding use, including a diagram showing the proper placement of the wheelchair or mobility aids and positioning of securement devices and occupant restraints, including correct belt angles.

3.10.1.16 The system manufacturer shall make available training materials to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the wheelchair or mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system. These may include instructional videos, classroom curriculum, system test results, or other related materials.

3.10.2 Wheelchair or mobility aid securement system

3.10.2.1 Each securement system location shall consist of a minimum of four anchorage points. A minimum of two anchorage points shall be located in front of the wheelchair or mobility aid and a minimum of two anchorage points shall be located in the rear. The securement anchorages shall be attached to the floor of the vehicle and shall not interfere with passenger movement or present any hazardous condition.

3.10.2.2 Each securement system location shall have a minimum clear floor area of 30 inches by 48 inches. Additional floor area may be required for some applications. Consultation between the user and the manufacturer is recommended to ensure adequate area is provided.

3.10.2.3 The securement system shall secure common wheelchair or mobility aids and shall be able to be attached easily by a person having average dexterity and who is familiar with the system and wheelchair or mobility aid.

3.10.2.4 As installed, each securement anchorage shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13,344 Newtons) when applied as specified in FMVSS 222. When more than one securement device share a common anchorage, the anchorage shall be capable of withstanding the force indicated above, multiplied by the number of securement devices sharing that anchorage.

3.10.2.5 Each securement device, if incorporating webbing or a strap assembly, shall comply with the requirements for Type 1 safety belt systems, in accordance with Sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4(a) of FMVSS 209.

3.10.2.6 The securement system shall secure the wheelchair or mobility aid in such a manner that the attachments or coupling hardware will not become detached when any wheelchair or mobility aid component deforms, when one or more tires deflate, and without intentional operation of a release mechanism (e.g., a spring clip on a securement hook).

3.10.2.7 Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 2,500 pounds when tested in accordance with FMVSS 209.

3.10.2.8 Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall provide a means of adjustment, of manufacturer's design, to remove slack from the device or assembly.

3.10.3 Occupant Restraint System

3.10.3.1 A Type 2A occupant restraint system which meets all applicable requirements of FMVSS 209 and 210 shall provide for restraint of the occupant.

3.10.3.2 The occupant restraint system shall be made of materials which do not stain, soil, or tear an occupant's clothing, and which are resistant to water damage and fraying.

3.10.3.3 Each restraint system location shall have not less than one anchorage, of manufacturer's design, for the upper end of the upper torso restraint.

3.10.3.3.1 The anchorage for each occupant's upper torso restraint shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 1,500 pounds (6,672 Newtons) when applied as specified in FMVSS 222.

3.10.3.4 Each wheelchair or mobility aid location shall have not less than two floor anchorages for the occupant pelvic and the connected upper torso restraint.

3.10.3.4.1 Each floor anchorage shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13,344 Newtons) when applied as specified in FMVSS 222.

3.10.3.4.2 When more than one occupant restraint share a common anchorage, the anchorage shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13,344 Newtons) multiplied by the number of occupant restraints sharing the common anchorage in accordance with FMVSS 222.

3.10.3.5 Each floor and wall anchorage which secures the occupant restraint to the vehicle and which is not permanently attached, shall be of a "positive latch" design, and shall not allow for any accidental disconnection.

3.10.4 Dynamic Testing

3.10.4.1 The wheelchair or mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system shall be subjected to, and successfully pass, a dynamic sled test at a minimum impact speed and deceleration of 30 mph/20g's.

3.10.4.2 The dynamic test shall be performed by experienced personnel using an impact simulator with proven ability to provide reliable, accurate, and test results which can be replicated.

3.10.4.3 The dynamic test shall be performed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Appendix A of SAE J2249 "Test for Frontal Impact Crash Worthiness."

3.10.4.4 The wheelchair or mobility aid used for testing purposes shall be a rigid, reusable surrogate wheelchair that complies with the requirements of Appendix D of SAE J2249 "Specification for Surrogate Wheelchair."

3.10.4.5 The dynamic test shall be performed using system assemblies, components and attaching hardware which are identical to the final installation in type, configuration and positioning. The body structure at the anchorage points may be simulated for the purpose of the sled test.

3.10.4.6 When tested, the wheelchair or mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system shall pass the criteria specified in Section 6.2 of SAE J2249 "Performance Requirements of Frontal Sled Impact Test." Following is an abridged summary of the criteria. (See Appendix D, 1995 National Standards)

3.10.4.6.1 Retain the test dummy in the test wheelchair and on the test sled with the test wheelchair in an upright position.

3.10.4.6.2 Not show any fragmentation or complete separation of any load carrying part.

3.10.4.6.3 Not allow the horizontal excursions of the test dummy and the test wheelchair to exceed specified limits.

3.10.4.6.4 Prevent the test wheelchair from imposing forward loads on the test dummy.

3.10.4.6.5 Allow removal of the test dummy and the test wheelchair, subsequent to the test, without the use of tools.

3.11 Special Light: Doorways in which lifts are installed, shall have, when lift is to be used, at least two foot candles of illumination measured on the floor of the bus immediately adjacent to the lift, and on the lift, when deployed at the vehicle floor level.

3.12 Special Service Entrance

3.12.1 Power lift equipped bodies shall have a special service entrance to accommodate the power lift.

Exception: If the lift is designed to operate within the regular service entrance and is capable of stowing such that the regular service entrance is not blocked in any way, and that persons entering or exiting the bus are not impeded in any way, a special service entrance shall not be required.

3.12.2 The special service entrance and door shall be located on the right side of the bus and shall be designed so as not to obstruct the regular service entrance.

3.12.3 The opening may extend below the floor through the bottom of the body skirt. If such an opening is used, reinforcements shall be installed at the front and rear of the floor opening to support the floor and give the same strength as other floor openings.

3.12.4 A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from entrance.

3.12.5 Door posts and headers from entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to the areas of the side of the bus not used for special service entrance.

3.13 Special Service Entrance Doors

3.13.1 A single door or double doors may be used for the special service entrance. They shall have rub rails.

3.13.2 A single door shall be hinged to the forward side of the entrance unless doing so would obstruct the regular service entrance. If, due to the above condition, the door is hinged to the rearward side of the doorway, the door shall utilize a safety mechanism which will prevent the door from swinging open should the primary door latch fail. If double doors are used, the system shall be designed to prevent the doors from being blown open by the wind resistance created by the forward motion of the bus, and shall incorporate a safety mechanism to provide secondary protection should the primary latching mechanisms fail.

3.13.3 All doors shall have positive fastening devices to hold doors in the open position.

3.13.4 All doors shall be weather sealed.

3.13.5 When manually operated dual doors are provided, the rear door shall have at least a one point fastening device to the header. The forward mounted door shall have at least three point fastening devices. One shall be to the header, one to the floor line of the body, and the other shall be into the rear door. The door and hinge mechanism shall be of a strength that is greater than or equivalent to the emergency exit door.

3.13.6 Door materials, panels and structural strength shall be equivalent to the conventional service and emergency doors. Color, rub rail extensions, lettering and other exterior features shall match adjacent sections of the body.

3.13.7 Each door shall have windows set in rubber which are visually similar in size and location to adjacent non-door windows. Glazing shall be of same type and tinting (if applicable) as standard fixed glass in other body locations.

3.13.8 Doors shall be equipped with a device that will actuate an audible or flashing signal located in the driver's compartment when doors is not securely closed and ignition is in "on" position.

3.13.9 A switch shall be installed so that the lifting mechanism will not operate when the lift platform doors is closed.

3.13.10 Special service entrance doors shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of the door opening. Padding shall be at least three inches wide and one inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Delaware may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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