Nebraska Administrative Code
Topic - EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF
Title 92 - NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Chapter 91 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS & OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES
Appendix C - PRE-TRIP INSPECTION PROCEDURES
The school bus driver must perform pre-trip inspection of the school bus and equipment before transporting pupils. This pre-trip inspection consists of the following:
a. Bus exterior
b. Bus interior
c. Operating - Road Check
The driver of a small vehicle must perform pre-trip inspection before the vehicle is used for transporting pupils.
Before starting the engine, drivers should conduct an interior and exterior walk-around, visually checking behind doors, accessible panels, under seats, undercarriage, etc., for suspicious items. If a suspicious item is found, the driver should clear the immediate area and notify authorities, as determined by the local school officials.
CARE & INSPECTION
Exterior Inspection or the "pre-trip Walk-Around"
Before conducting the daily pre-trip walk-around, start the engine and allow the vehicle to warm-up. Do not leave the vehicle while it is warming up. Set the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral. Then get out and inspect the vehicle thoroughly - top to bottom and end to end. Walk completely around it, alert to faulty equipment. Carry supplies to clean the lights, mirrors, signs, and windows. When the vehicle lights and signs are not visible because of dirt, other motorists can come to close to the vehicle before reacting. If the headlights, mirrors, or windows are dirty, reaction time is reduced due to poor visibility.
Listed below is each piece of equipment to be inspected for proper working order and warnings, which point to potential problems.
[Pre-trip inspection for small vehicles consists of inspecting the items below which have been indicated by an asterick (*).]
* Lights* - Check all lights applicable to the vehicle: back-up lights, brake lights, directional signals, hazard flashers, headlights, lighted school bus sign, reflectors, running lights, stop arm lights, taillights, and warning lights. Any lights or reflectors exhibiting such problems as inconsistent flashing, cracks, or other damage, should be reported in writing and repaired.
* Mirror* - Mirrors should be aimed and tightly adjusted. Make certain you have a safe view.
* Windows* - All windows, especially the windshield and rear window, should be clear of dirt, ice, road film, and snow that can cause glare or impair visibility. Do not clear just a "peephole." Inspect windows for cracks and report any problems to the administration.
* Emergency Rear Door - Check to see that it opens easily from the outside. The emergency door-warning buzzer should sound when the door is opened and the ignition key is on. This door must always be ready for emergencies, yet tightly sealed when closed to prevent possible entrance of carbon monoxide fumes.
* Exhaust System* - Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs the most frequently when a vehicle is standing still or is in an enclosed space with the engine running. Look for visible exhaust and listen for excessive noise and vibration. Check for leaks in the exhaust system and holes in the body of the vehicle. Leaks should immediately be reported and repaired. The exhaust system should also be checked for sagging tailpipes (exhaust pipes) and mufflers.
* Fluid Leaks* - Examine inner wheels and tires and the area under the vehicle for wetness. Leaks can be engine oil, coolant, fuel, rear axle fluid, or grease, as well as brakes, clutch, or transmission fluid. Leaks should immediately be reported and repaired.
* Tires* - Check the tires and see to if they are under inflated, flat, excessively worn or damaged. Don't drive the vehicle unless the tires are in good shape. One flat rear tire can place a dangerous weight on the companion tire of a dual set.
* Wheels* - Look for loose or missing nuts, excessive corrosion, cracks or other damage. Don't drive with a damaged wheel or with loose wheel nuts.
* Under the Hood* - Before starting the engine for the daily walk-around, you should check the coolant and/or antifreeze and oil to make sure they are at the proper level. Also, look for cracked, loose, or worn drive belts, hoses, and hose clamps.
Interior Inspection
After the exterior inspection is complete, the vehicle should be checked thoroughly on the inside. All driver's instruments and controls must be functioning properly. All of the following items should be checked before operating the vehicle.
* Lights* - Check the panel light and the interior dome lights. They should be clean and work properly.
* Mirrors* - They should be adjusted, aimed and cleaned so your visibility is unobstructed.
* Windows* - These should be cleaned from the inside as well as the outside, for total visibility, especially the windshield and rear window. Check for cracks in the windows and report any problems to the administration.
* Defroster, Fan and Heater* - The vents should be unobstructed; i.e., do not cover them with coats, books, papers, etc., to insure that air moves through properly.
* Driver's Seat and Seat Belts* - These should be adjusted so that the driver's feet reach the pedals, the doors, mirrors, and windows are in comfortable viewing distance, and the steering wheel is easily grasped without stretching or reaching. Seat belts for all passengers (including the driver) shall be in working order.
* Emergency Door and Buzzer - The door should be tightly sealed from the inside, but ready for emergency use. The buzzer should sound when the door is opened.
* Emergency Equipment* - All emergency equipment should be easily accessible, yet out of the pupil's reach. Emergency equipment consists of the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and reflectors. The fire extinguisher should be undamaged and properly stored. Replace cracked or broken hoses, keep nozzles unobstructed and make sure locking pins and sealing wires are in place. Periodically, shake the fire extinguisher to loosen the powder.
* Horn* - It should sound clearly without the horn or horn button sticking.
* Stop Arm Control and Service Door Control - Check to see that the controls coordinate with the actions of the stop arm and door. If there is a problem, it should be reported and repaired.
*The windshield wipers and washers, the steering wheel, and neutral safety switch should also be checked to make sure they are in proper working order.
The following equipment of the Interior Inspection should be checked with the engine running:
* Air Pressure or Vacuum Gauge - This gauge indicates the proper capacity of pressure to operate the brakes. Do not operate the vehicle until the pressure reaches the proper capacity. Loss of pressure indicates a leak in the system.
* Voltmeter Gauge - The voltmeter gauge indicates the voltage of the electrical charging system. This meter should show about 14 volts with the engine running. If it shows a higher or lower voltage, the vehicle should be checked.
* Brake Pedal and Warning Light - If the light comes on during a hard brake application, in a vehicle equipped with a dual brake system, it indicates that at least one of the brake systems is not working properly.
* Fuel Gauge* - It should indicate a safe margin of fuel for operating, never less than ¼ full.
* Oil Pressure Gauge* - The oil pressure gauge indicates the proper oil pressure. If it does not, the engine should be turned off. Learn what the proper oil pressure is for the vehicle.
* Water Temperature Gauge* - The water temperature gauge indicates the temperature of the coolant in the engine. It should read COOL or WARM. If it reads HOT, the engine should immediately be turned off and the problem reported.
Be sure to check the passenger compartment; inspecting seats and windows, making sure there are no potential missiles (such as lunch boxes, toys, or school books) laying on the seats or floor.
Operating - Road Check
The operating inspection is performed while the vehicle is being driven. A daily road check, both before and after loading the pupils, allows the driver to evaluate the working condition of that equipment which can only be inspected while the vehicle is in motion.
A driver should be constantly aware of the weight and motion of the passengers and how the vehicle is affected (as in pick-up characteristics, the tendency to drift, how the vehicle handles on curves, etc.) by always monitoring how the engine performs under load. The operating inspection consists of checking the following:
* Brakes* - Do not wait until the vehicle is on the road to test the brakes. They can be tested in the yard at the bus garage. Moving at a low speed, come to a complete stop. The vehicle should stop in a straight line without pulling to one side, skidding, or swerving. The brakes should not grab, lock, or make excessive noise such as squeaking or squealing. The brake pedal should not feel grabby, over sensitive, or spongy. When the brakes are not in use, watch for dragging which causes the vehicle to pull to one side.
* Clutch (if applicable) - When changing gears, the driver should control the speed of the engine so the shift can be completed easily and smoothly without jerking or slipping. Careless shifting wears out the clutch and reduces its service life. When the shift is completed, remove foot from the clutch-do not "ride" the clutch. When the pedal is released, the clutch should have some "free play." Watch for dragging, grabbing, or lack of free play on the pedal. Listen for unusual sounds. If you smell an odor like burning rubber, the vehicle should immediately be stopped.
* Emergency Parking Brake - To test both air and mechanical brakes with a manual transmission, slowly engage the clutch while the parking brake is on. If the vehicle moves easily, the parking brake is not holding and should immediately be reported. With air brake systems, the parking brake will remain applied if there is partial or complete air loss in the service brakes. Release the parking brake when the vehicle is in motion. Driving with the parking brake on is a frequent cause of failure of the emergency brake.
* Engine* - Do not race the engine when it is cold. Increase the engine's speed slowly so that all the parts can be lubricated. Do not exceed the maximum rpm. Listen for unusual sounds such as backfire, light tapping, occasional misfire, piston slap, rapid hammering, or whistling. Be alert to slow engine warm-up, lack or normal response, vibrations of the chassis, or failure of warm engine to start.
* Steering* - The steering should be easy to handle, precise, responsive, and steady in turns and over rough roads. Power steering should be exceptionally quiet. The steering should not have excessive "play," jerking, "kickback" or rattles.
* Suspension* - Improper suspension can cause "bottoming," excessive bounce, swaying and weaving on curves or rough roads, or one end of the vehicle to sag. Check for broken springs or faulty shock absorbers.
* Transmission* - With the transmission in a moving gear, the vehicle should move smoothly in response to depressing the accelerator. An automatic or manual transmission should slip into gear and have easy and smooth gear changes throughout the shifting range. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended speed for each specific gear (rpm). Exceeding speed recommendations could damage the transmission or reduce its service life. Any metallic or unusual sounds or shifting difficulty should be reported immediately.
Continue to check all equipment throughout the day being alert to warning signs which will indicate potential problems. Be aware that the condition of the vehicle changes during the day.
At the end of the operating period check the passenger compartment for remaining passengers, lost articles such as books, lunch boxes, clothing, or toys. Inspect the seats for damaged upholstery and the window for cracks or breaks. Clean the vehicle, sweeping the floor, washing the seats, windows, and exterior.
