Current through March 20, 2024
005.01
Air Cleaner. A dry element type air cleaner shall be
provided.
005.01A All diesel engine air
filters shall include a latch-type restriction indicator that retains the
maximum restriction developed during operation of the engine. The indicator
should include a reset control so the indicator can be returned to zero when
desired.
005.02
Aisle.
005.02A All
emergency exit doors shall be accessible by a 12-inch minimum aisle. Minimum
clearance of aisle or passageway between seat rows leading to side emergency
doors shall be a minimum of 12 inches at seat level.
005.02B Aisle shall be unobstructed at all
times by any type of barrier, seat, wheelchair or tie down, unless a flip seat
is installed and occupied.
005.02C
The track of a track seating system is exempt from the requirements of
subsections 005.02A and 005.02B above.
005.03
Axles. The
front and rear axle and suspension systems shall have a gross axle weight
rating (GAWR) at ground commensurate with the respective front and rear weight
loads of the bus loaded to the rated passenger capacity.
005.04
Back-up Warning
Alarm. An automatic audible alarm shall be installed behind the
rear axle and shall comply with the published Backup Alarm Standards -Society
of Automotive Engineers (SAE J994B), providing a minimum of 112 dBA or shall
have a variable volume feature that allows the alarm to vary from 87 dBA to 112
dBA sound level, staying at least 5 dBA above the ambient noise level.
(SEE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 005.16)
005.05
Body Sizes.
005.05A The overall width of the school bus
shall not exceed 102 inches, excluding accessories.
005.05B Bodies for conventional
body-on-chassis type buses shall conform to all applicable provisions of the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
005.05C The overall length of the school bus
(body and chassis) shall not exceed 45 feet, excluding accessories.
005.05D The minimum inside body height shall
be 72 inches measured at any point on longitudinal center line from front
vertical bow to rear vertical bow. (Type A-1 buses shall be 62 inches or
more.)
005.06
Brakes.
005.06A
School bus chassis with a manufacturer's rated capacity of 72 passengers or
greater shall be equipped with full compressed air brakes.
005.06B
Brakes -
General.
005.06B1 The chassis
brake system shall conform to the provisions of FMVSS No. 105,
Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems, No. 106 , Brake Hoses,
and No. 121, Air Brake Systems, as applicable. All buses shall
have either a parking pawl in the transmission or a park interlock that
requires the service brake to be applied to allow release of the parking
brake.
005.06B2 The anti-lock brake
system (ABS), provided in accordance with FMVSS No. 105, Hydraulic and
Electric Brake Systems or No. 121 Air Brake Systems,
shall provide wheel speed sensors for each front wheel and for each wheel on at
least one (1) rear axle. The system shall provide anti-lock braking performance
for each wheel equipped with sensors. (Four Channel System).
005.06B3 All brake systems shall be designed
to permit visual inspection of brake lining wear without removal of any chassis
component(s).
005.06B4 The brake
lines, booster-assist lines, and control cables shall be protected from
excessive heat, vibration and corrosion and installed in a manner which
prevents chafing.
005.06B5 The
parking brake system for either air or hydraulic service brake systems may be
of a power assisted design. The power parking brake actuator shall be a device
located on the instrument panel within seated reach of the
5th percentile female driver. As an option, the
parking brake may be set by placing the automatic transmission shift control
mechanism in the "park" position.
005.06B6 The power-operated parking brake
system may be interlocked to the engine key switch. Once the parking brake has
been set the ignition switch turned to the "off" position, the parking brake
cannot be released until the key switch is turned back to the "on" position.
005.06C
Hydraulic Brakes.
005.06C1 Buses using a hydraulic-assist brake
shall meet the requirements of FMVSS 105.
005.06D
Air Brakes.
005.06D1 The air pressure supply system shall
include a desiccant-type air dryer installed according to the manufacturers'
recommendations. The air pressure storage tank system may incorporate an
automatic drain valve.
005.06D2
The chassis manufacturer shall provide an accessory outlet for air-operated
systems installed by the body manufacturer. This outlet shall include a
pressure protection valve.
005.06D3
For air brake systems, an air pressure gauge shall be provided in the
instrument panel capable of complying with Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
pre-trip inspection requirements.
005.06D4 Air brake-equipped buses shall be
equipped with a service brake interlock. The parking brake cannot be released
until the brake pedal is depressed.
005.06D5 Air brake systems shall include a
system for anti- compounding of the service brakes and parking
brakes.
005.06D6 Air brakes shall
have both a visible and audible warning device whenever the air pressure falls
below the level where warnings are required under FMVSS No. 121, Air Brake
Systems.
005.07
Bumpers,
Front.
005.07A All school buses
shall be equipped with a front bumper.
005.07B In all buses except Type A-1 buses,
the front bumper shall be equivalent in strength and durability to pressed
steel channel, at least 3/16 inch thickness and not less than 8 inch wide
(high). It shall extend beyond forward-most part of the body, grille, hood, and
fenders and shall extend to outer edges of the fenders at the bumper's top
line.
Type A-1 buses having a GVWR of 14,500 pounds or less may be
equipped with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) supplied bumper. The
front bumper shall be of sufficient strength to permit being pushed by another
vehicle on a smooth surface with a 5 degree ( 8.7 percent) grade, without
permanent distortion. The contact point on the front bumper is between the
frame rails, with as wide a contact area as possible. If the front bumper is
used for lifting, the contact points shall be under the bumper attachments to
the frame rail brackets unless the manufacturer specifies different lifting
points in the owner's manual. Contact and lifting pressures should be applied
simultaneously at both lifting points.
005.07C The front bumper, except breakaway
bumper ends, shall be of sufficient strength to permit pushing a vehicle of
equal gross vehicle weight without permanent distortion to the bumper, chassis
or body.
005.07D Tow eyes or hooks
shall be furnished and attached so they do not project beyond the front bumper.
Tow eyes or hooks attached to the chassis frame shall be furnished by the
chassis manufacturer. This installation shall be in accordance with the chassis
manufacturer's specifications. (Type A buses are exempt.) (See Section
005.54).
005.07E The bumper shall
be designed or reinforced so that it will not deform when the bus is lifted by
a chain that is passed under the bumper (or through the bumper if holes are
provided for this purpose) and attached to both tow eyes. For the purpose of
meeting this standard, the bus shall be empty and positioned on a level, hard
surface and both tow eyes shall share the load equally.
005.08
Bumpers,
Rear.
005.08A Type A-1 bus
bumpers shall be a minimum of 8 inches wide (high). Type A-2, B, C, and D bus
rear bumper shall be a minimum of 9½ inches wide. The bumper shall be of
sufficient strength to permit being pushed by another vehicle without permanent
distortion.
005.08B The bumper
shall be wrapped around back corners of bus. It shall extend forward at least
12 inches, measured from rearmost point of body at floor line and shall be
flush-mounted to the body sides or protected with an end panel.
005.08C The bumper shall be attached to
chassis frame in such a manner that it may be removed. It shall be braced to
resist deformation of the bumper resulting from impact from the rear and
side.
005.08D The bumper shall
extend at least 1 inch beyond rear - most part of body surface measured at the
floor line.
005.08E The bottom of
the rear bumper shall not be more than 30 inches above ground level.
005.09
Certification.
005.09A Upon request by the Nebraska
Department of Education, chassis manufacturers will certify that their product
meets Nebraska's minimum standards on items which are not covered by FMVSS
certification requirements of 49 CFR, Part 567: Certification.
005.09B Vendors of school buses shall
certify, in writing, to the school bus purchaser that their product meets or
exceeds all applicable Federal and State of Nebraska rules and regulations in
effect at the corresponding date of manufacture; or in the alternative, the
vendor shall provide to the purchaser a description of what equipment complies
instead with minimum chassis and/or body standards in effect on a later date in
accordance with Section 003.01A of this Chapter.
005.10
Color.
(Activity buses are exempt.)
005.10A The
school bus body shall be painted National School Bus Yellow as specified and
described in the School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council publication
"National School Bus Yellow Color Standard" (NSBY) (SBMTC-008) (See Appendix
A).
005.10B The body exterior paint
trim shall be black or NSBY.
005.10C The roof of the bus may be painted
white except that front and rear roof caps shall remain NSBY
005.10D Chassis and front bumper, shall be
painted black.
005.10E Body, cowl
hood and fenders shall be painted NSBY. The flat top surface of the hood may be
nonreflective black or NSBY.
005.10F Wheels may be silver, gray, white,
yellow or black.
005.10G Retro
Reflective Sheeting (See Appendix F)
005.10G1
Front and rear bumper shall be marked diagonally 45 degrees down to centerline
of pavement with 2 inch wide strips of non-contrasting reflective
material.
005.10G2 Rear of bus body
shall be marked with strips of reflective National School Bus Yellow material
to outline the perimeter of the back of the bus using material which conforms
with the requirements of FMVSS No. 131, School Bus Pedestrian Safety
Devices Table 1 in effect on date of manufacture. The perimeter
marking of rear emergency exits per FMVSS No. 217 Bus Emergency Exits
and Window Retention and Release and/or the use of reflective "SCHOOL
BUS" signs partially accomplish the objective of this requirement. To complete
the perimeter marking of the back of the bus, strips of a minimum of 1 inch and
a maximum of 2 inches in width of reflective National School Bus Yellow
material shall be applied horizontally above the rear windows and above the
rear bumper extending from the rear emergency exit perimeter marking outward to
the left and right rear corners of the bus; and vertical strips shall be
applied at the corners connecting these horizontal strips.
005.10G3 "SCHOOL BUS" signs, if not of
lighted design, shall be marked with reflective National School Bus Yellow
material comprising background for lettering of the front and/or rear "SCHOOL
BUS" signs.
005.10G4 Sides of bus
body shall be marked with reflective National School Bus Yellow Material at
least 1 3/4 inches in width, extending the length of the bus body and located
(vertically) between the floor line and the beltline.
005.10H Multifunction school activity buses
(MFSABs) are exempt from the requirements in subsection 005.10G
above.
005.11
Communications. School bus shall be equipped with a
two-way communication system which can be used at any point on the vehicle's
route. The system can be after-market provided.
005.12
Construction.
005.12A Construction shall provide a
reasonable dustproof and watertight unit.
005.12A1 Buses shall meet FVMSS 220,
Rollover Protection and FMVSS 221, Body Joint
Strength.
005.12A2 For
buses manufactured on or after the implementation date of this
Rule
:
005.12A2a Buses shall pass
the "Side Intrusion Test." The bus body shall be constructed to withstand an
intrusion force equal to the curb weight of the vehicle or 20,000 pounds,
whichever is less. Each vehicle shall be capable of meeting this requirement
when tested in accordance with the procedures set forth below.
The complete body structure, or a representative seven-body
section mock up with seats installed, shall be load-tested at a location
24-inches plus or minus two inches above the floor line, with a maximum 10-inch
diameter cylinder, 48 inches long, mounted in a horizontal plane.
The cylinder shall be placed as close as practical to the
mid-point of the tested structure, spanning two internal vertical structural
members. The cylinder shall be statically loaded to the required force of curb
weight or 20,000 pounds, whichever is less, in a horizontal plane with the load
applied from the exterior toward the interior of the test structure. Once the
minimum load has been applied, the penetration of the loading cylinder into the
passenger compartment shall not exceed a maximum of ten inches from its
original point of contract. There can be no separation of lapped panels or
construction joints. Punctures, tears or brakes in the external panels are
acceptable but are not permitted on any adjacent interior panel.
Body companies shall certify compliance with this intrusion
requirement, including test results, if requested by the Nebraska Department of
Education.
005.12B If floor insulation is requested by
the local school district or governing authority, it shall be either 5 ply
softwood plywood nominal 5/8 inch thick plywood, or a material of equal or
greater strength and insulation R-value and it shall equal or exceed properties
of exterior-type, C-D Grade, as specified in standard PSI-83 issued by U.S.
Department of Commerce. All exposed edges shall be sealed. Type A buses shall
be equipped with nominal ½ inch thick plywood meeting above
requirements. Equivalent material may be used to replace plywood, provided it
has equal or greater insulation R-value, sound abatement,
deterioration-resistant and moisture-resistant properties.
005.12C Construction shall be reasonably
dust-proof and watertight.
005.13
Defrosters.
(Also see Section 005.26 Heating System)
005.13A All school buses shall be equipped
with defrosters with sufficient flow of heated air to keep windshield, window
to left of driver and glass in entrance door clear of fog, frost and snow. The
defrosting system shall conform to SAE J381
Windshield Defrosting
Systems Test Procedure and Performance Requirements-Trucks, Buses, and
Multipurpose Vehicles.
Note: The requirements of this standard do not
apply to the exterior surfaces of double pane storm windows.
005.13B The defroster and defogging system
shall be capable of furnishing heated, outside ambient air except that part of
the system furnishing additional air to the windshield, entrance door and step
well may be of the recirculating air type.
005.13C Auxiliary fans are not considered
defrosting or defogging systems.
005.13D Portable heaters shall not be
used.
005.14
Doors.
005.14A
Entrance Door.
005.14A1 Entrance door shall be in the
driver's control, designed as to afford easy release and provide a positive
latching device on manual operating door to prevent accidental opening. Manual
door controls shall not require more than 25 pounds of force to operate at any
point throughout the range of operation, as tested on a 10 percent grade both
uphill and downhill.
005.14A2
Entrance door shall be located on right side of bus opposite driver within
direct view of driver.
005.14A2a Buses may be
equipped with a left side entrance door located immediately behind the driver
to be used exclusively for curb side loading/unloading on one-way
streets.
005.14A2b Buses equipped
with a left side entrance door shall have a mirror mounted in the upper right
corner of the interior of the bus to provide a clear view of the left side
entrance door and stepwell.
005.14A3 Entrance door shall have a minimum
horizontal opening of 24 inches and a minimum vertical opening of 68
inches.
005.14A4 Entrance door
shall be of split type and shall open outward.
005.14A5 All entrance door glass shall be
made of safety glass. Bottom of lower glass panel shall not be more than 10
inches from the top surface of the bottom step. Top of upper glass panel when
viewed from the interior shall not be more than 3 inches. below the interior
door control cover or header pad.
005.14A6 Vertical closing edges shall be
equipped with flexible material.
005.14A7 Power operated doors must be
equipped with an emergency release valve, switch or device placed above or to
the immediate left or right of the service door and clearly labeled. The
emergency release valve, switch or device shall work in the absence of
power.
005.14A8 Padding at the top
of edge of each door opening shall be 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick and extend
full width of the door opening.
005.14B
Emergency
Exits.
005.14B1 All installed
emergency exits shall comply with the design and performance requirements of
FMVSS No. 217,
Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and
Release, applicable to that type of exit, regardless of whether or not
that exit is required by FMVSS No. 217.
005.14B1a The upper portion of the emergency
door shall be equipped with safety glazing, the exposed area of which shall be
at least 400 square inches. If installed, all other glass panels on emergency
doors shall be equipped with safety glazing.
005.14B1b There shall be no steps leading to
an emergency door.
005.14B1c There
shall be no obstruction higher than ¼ inch across the bottom of any
emergency door opening. Fasteners used within the emergency exit opening shall
be free of sharp edges or burrs.
005.14B1d The rear emergency window shall
have an assisted lifting device that will aid in lifting and holding the rear
emergency window open.
005.14B2 Emergency Exit Requirements: The
following tables determine the required number and types of emergency exits to
comply with this specification:
005.14B2a A
school bus will meet the requirements of this specification and the
requirements of FMVSS 217 if it contains the types and quantities of emergency
exits listed on the row selected.
Click
here to view
005.14B3 Side emergency exit windows when
installed may be vertically hinged on the forward side of the window. No side
emergency exit window will be located above the stop arm.
005.15
Drive
Shaft.
005.15A The drive shaft
shall be protected by a metal guard or guards of steel or equivalent strength
around circumference of the drive shaft to prevent it from whipping through
floor or dropping to ground if broken.
005.16
Electrical
System.
005.16A
Battery.
005.16A1
The storage batteries shall have minimum cold cranking capacity rating (cold
cranking amps) equal to the cranking current required for 30 seconds at 0
degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum reserve capacity rating of 120 minutes at 25
amps.
005.16A2 All batteries are to
be secured in a slide-out or swingout tray in a closed, vented compartment in
the body skirt or chassis frame so that the battery is accessible for
convenient servicing from the outside. When in the stored position, the tray
shall be retained by a securing mechanism capable of holding the tray [with
battery(ies)] in position when subjected to a 5g load from any direction. The
battery compartment door or cover, if separate from the tray, shall be hinged
at the front or top. It shall be secured by a positive operated latching system
or other type fastener. The door may be an integral part of the battery slide
tray. The door or cover must fit tightly to the body, and not present sharp
edges or snagging points. Battery cables shall meet SAE requirements. Battery
cables shall be of sufficient length to allow the battery tray to fully extend.
Any chassis frame-mounted batteries shall be relocated to a battery compartment
on Type A buses.
005.16A3 All
batteries are to be secured in a sliding tray except that on van conversion or
cutaway front-section chassis, batteries may be secured in accordance with the
manufacturer's standard configuration. In these cases, the final location of
the battery and the appropriate cable lengths shall be agreed upon mutually by
the chassis and body manufacturers. However, in all cases the battery cable
provided with the chassis shall have sufficient length to allow some slack, and
shall be of sufficient gauge to carry the required amperage.
005.16A4 Buses may be equipped with a battery
shut-off switch. The switch is to be placed in a location not readily
accessible to the driver or passengers.
005.16B
Alternator.
005.16B1 All Type A and Type B buses with a
GVWR of 15,000 lbs or less shall have a minimum 130-amp alternator. Buses
equipped with an electrically powered wheelchair lift and/or air conditioning
shall be equipped with the highest rated capacity available from the chassis
OEM.
005.16B2 All buses over 15,000
lbs shall be equipped with a heavy-duty truck or bus-type alternator having a
minimum output rating of 200-amp or higher, and should produce a minimum
current output of 50 percent of the rating at engine idle speed.
005.16B3 All other buses described in
subsection 005.16B1 equipped with an electrically powered wheelchair lift
and/or air conditioning shall have a minimum output of 240 amps and may be
equipped with a device that advances the engine idle speed when the voltage
drops to, or below, a pre-set level.
005.16B4 A belt alternator drive shall be
capable of handling the rated capacity of the alternator with no detrimental
effect on any other driven components. (See School Bus Manufacturer Technical
Council's "School Bus Technical Reference" for estimating required alternator
capacity.)
005.16B5 A direct drive
alternator is permissible in lieu of a belt driven alternator.
005.16C
Electrical
Components. Materials in all electrical components shall contain
no mercury.
005.16D
Wiring. Chassis.
005.16D1 All wiring shall conform to current
applicable recommended practices of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
005.16D2 All wiring shall use
color and at least one other method of identification. The other method shall
be either a number code or name code, and each chassis shall be delivered with
a wiring diagram that illustrates the wiring of the chassis.
005.16D3 The chassis manufacturer shall
install a readily accessible terminal strip or plug on the body side of the
cowl or in an accessible location in the engine compartment of vehicles
designed without a cowl. The strip or plug shall contain the following
terminals for the body connections:
005.16D3a
Main 100 amp body circuit;
005.16D3b Tail lamps;
005.16D3c Right turn signal;
005.16D3d Left turn signal;
005.16D3e Stop lamps;
005.16D3f Back-up lamps; and
005.16D3g Instrument panel lights (controlled
by dimmer switch).
005.16D4 An appropriate identifying diagram
(color plus a name or number code) for all chassis electrical circuits shall be
provided to the body manufacturer for distribution to the end user.
005.16D5 The headlight system must be wired
separately from the electronic controlled body
solenoid/module.
005.16E
Wiring, Body.
005.16E1 Wiring shall be arranged in circuits
as required with each circuit protected by a fuse or electronic protection
device. A system of color and number coding shall be used and an appropriate
identifying diagram shall be provided to the end user along with the wiring
diagram provided by the chassis manufacturer. The wiring diagrams shall be
specific to the bus model supplied and include any changes to wiring made by
the body manufacturer. Chassis wiring diagrams shall also be supplied to the
end user. A system of color and number coding shall be used on buses. The
following body interconnecting circuits shall be color coded as noted:
FUNCTION
|
COLOR
|
Left Rear Directional Lamp
|
Yellow
|
Right Rear Directional Lamp
|
Dark Green
|
Stop Lamps
|
Red
|
Back-up Lamps
|
Blue
|
Tail Lamps
|
Brown
|
Ground
|
White
|
Ignition Feed, Primary Feed
|
Black
|
The color of the cables shall correspond to SAE J 1128,
Low-Tension Primary Cable.
005.16E2 Wiring shall be arranged in at least
six (6) regular circuits as follows:
005.16E2a Head, tail, stop (brake), clearance
and instrument panel lamps.
005.16E2b Step well lamps shall be actuated
when entrance door is open.
005.16E2c Dome lamps.
005.16E2d Ignition and emergency door
signal.
005.16E2e Turn signal
lamps.
005.16E2f Alternately
flashing signal lamps.
005.16E3 Any of above combination circuits
may be subdivided into additional independent circuits.
005.16E4 Heaters and defrosters shall be
wired on an independent circuit.
005.16E5 Each body circuit shall be coded by
number or letter on a diagram of circuits and shall be attached to the body in
readily accessible location. Buses may be equipped with a 12-volt power port in
the driver's area.
005.16E6 All
other electrical functions (such as sanders and electric-type windshield
wipers) shall be provided with independent and properly protected
circuits.
005.16F Wires
not enclosed within body shall be fastened securely at intervals of not more
than 18 inches. All joints shall be soldered or joined by equal effective
connectors which shall be water-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
005.16G All wiring shall have an amperage
capacity exceeding the design load by at least 25 percent. All wiring splices
are to be noted as splices on the wiring diagram.
005.16H A body wiring diagram sized to be
easily read, shall be furnished with each bus body or affixed in an area
convenient to the electrical accessory control panel.
005.16I The body power wire shall be attached
to a separate terminal on the chassis.
005.16J All wires passing through metal
openings shall be protected by a grommet.
005.16K All wiring shall conform to current
applicable SAE recommended practices.
005.16L A manual noise suppression switch
must be installed in the control panel. The switch shall be labeled and
alternately colored. This switch shall be an on/off type that deactivates body
equipment that produces noise, including at least the AM/FM radio, heaters, air
conditioners, fans and defrosters. This switch shall not deactivate safety
systems, such as windshield wipers or lighting systems.
005.16M The entire electrical system of the
body shall be designed for the same voltage as the chassis on which the body is
mounted. The reference to a common body/chassis voltage does not apply to buses
utilizing a high voltage propulsion system (more than 48 nominal volts),
commonly referred to as "High Voltage-Powered Vehicles."
005.17
Emergency
Equipment. All buses shall be equipped with emergency equipment as
listed in this section. Any of the following emergency equipment may be mounted
in an enclosed compartment, provided the compartment is labeled in not less
than one-inch letters, identifying each piece of equipment contained therein.
005.17A
Fire
Extinguisher. The bus shall be equipped with at least one (1)
Underwriter's Laboratory Inc. (UL) approved pressurized, dry chemical-type fire
extinguisher, with hose, mounted and secured in a bracket located in the
driver's compartment readily accessible to the driver and passengers. A
pressure gauge shall be mounted on the extinguisher shall be easily read
without moving the extinguisher from its mounted position.
005.17A1 The fire extinguisher shall have a
total rating of 2-A:10-BC or greater. The operating mechanism shall be sealed
with a type of seal that will not interfere with use of the fire
extinguisher.
005.17B
First Aid Kit. The bus shall have at least one
removable, moisture proof and dustproof first aid kit in an accessible place in
the driver's compartment. It shall be properly mounted and clearly identified
as a first aid kit. The location for the first aid kit shall be marked.
Contents of the first aid kit are listed in Appendix B of this Chapter.
005.17B1 All school bus bodies with a
manufacturer's rated seating capacity of thirty (30) or less shall be equipped
with one (1) first aid kit.
005.17B2 All school bus bodies with a
manufacturer's rated seating capacity greater than thirty (30) shall be
equipped with two (2) first aid kits.
005.17B3 When two (2) first aid kits are
carried on the bus, one (1) kit shall be mounted over the rear exit door and
the other in the driver's compartment.
005.17C
Body Fluid Clean-up
Kit. Each bus shall have a removable and moisture proof body fluid
clean-up kit. It shall be securely mounted and identified as a body fluid
clean-up kit. (Required contents of kit are listed in Appendix C of this
Chapter.)
005.17D
Warning Devices. The school bus shall carry three (3)
retroreflective triangle road warning devices that meet the requirements of
FMVSS No. 125, Warning Devices. They shall be mounted in an
accessible place.
005.18
Exhaust System.
005.18A Exhaust pipe, muffler, and tailpipe
shall be outside the bus body compartment and attached to chassis, so as not to
damage any other chassis component.
005.18B Tailpipe and after treatment system
shall be constructed of corrosion resistant tubing of 16-gauge steel or
equivalent.
005.18C The tailpipe
shall not extend more than two inches beyond the perimeter of the body for
side-exit pipe or the bumper for rear-exit pipe. The exhaust system shall be
designed such that exhaust gas will not be trapped under the body of the bus.
005.18D The tailpipe shall exit to
the left or right of the emergency exit door in the rear of the vehicle or 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 exit location on all Types
A-1 or B-1 buses may be in accordance to the manufacturer's standards. The
tailpipe shall not exit beneath any fuel filler location, emergency door or
lift door.
005.18E The exhaust
system shall be insulated in a manner to prevent any damage to any fuel system
component.
005.18F The design of
the after treatment systems shall not allow active (non-manual) regeneration of
the particulate filter during the loading and unloading of passengers. Manual
regeneration systems will be designed such that unintentional operation will
not occur.
005.18G For after
treatment systems that require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet federally
mandated emissions:
005.18G1 The composition
of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) must comply with International Standard ISO
22241-1. Refer to engine manufacturer for any additional DEF
requirements.
005.18G2 The DEF
supply tank shall be sized to meet a minimum ratio of 3 diesel fills to 1 DEF
fill.
005.19
Fenders, Front - Type C Vehicles.
005.19A When measured at the fender line,
total spread of outer edges of front fenders, measured at fender line, shall
exceed the total spread of front tires when front wheels are in a straight
ahead position.
005.19B Front
fenders shall be braced and free from any body attachment. Rear bottom edge of
front fender shall extend to the bottom of the front body section.
005.20
Floor,
Covering.
005.20A Floor in the
under seat area, including tops of wheel housings, driver's compartment, and
toe board, shall be covered with an elastomer floor covering, having a minimum
overall thickness of .125 inch and a calculated burn rate of 0.1 or less, using
the test methods, procedures and formulas listed in FMVSS No. 302,
Flammability of Interior Materials. The floor under the
driver's seat in all Type A buses may be manufacturer's standard flooring and
floor covering.
005.20B Floor
covering in aisle shall be ribbed or other pattern of elastomer and have a
calculated burn rate of 0.1 or less using the test methods, procedures, and
formulas listed in FMVSS No. 302, Flammability of Interior
Materials. Minimum overall thickness shall be 3/16th in. measured from
tops of ribs.
005.20C Floor
covering must be permanently bonded to floor and must not crack when subjected
to sudden changes in temperature. Bonding or adhesive material shall be
waterproof and shall be of type recommended by manufacturer of floor-covering
material. All seams must be sealed with waterproof sealer.
005.20D A flush-mounted, screw-down plate
that is secured and sealed shall be provided to access the fuel tank sending
unit and or fuel pump. (This plate shall not be installed under flooring
material. (Type A Buses are exempt.)
005.21
Frame.
005.21A Frame lengths shall be established in
accordance with the design criteria for the complete vehicle.
005.21B Any secondary manufacturer that
modifies the original chassis frame shall provide a warranty at least equal to
the warranty offered by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and shall
certify that the modification and other parts or equipment affected by the
modification shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service intended by the OEM.
005.21C Holes in top or bottom flanges or,
side units of the frame, and welding to the frame shall not be permitted except
as provided or accepted by the chassis manufacturer.
005.21D Frames shall not be modified for the
purpose of extending the wheelbase.
005.22
Fuel Tank.
005.22A Fuel tank or tanks shall be provided
by the chassis manufacturer. The tanks shall be filled and vented to the
outside of the body and the fuel filter should be placed in a location where
accidental fuel spillage will not drip or drain on any part of the exhaust
system.
005.22B Fuel lines shall be
mounted to the chassis frame in such a manner that the frame provides the
maximum possible protection from damage.
005.22C The fuel system shall comply with
FMVSS No. 301, Fuel System Integrity.
005.22D Fuel tank(s) may be mounted between
the chassis frame rails or outboard of the frame rails on either the left or
right side of the vehicle. The actual draw capacity of each fuel tank shall be
a minimum of 83% of the tank capacity.
005.22E Installation of alternative fuel
systems, including fuel tanks and piping from tank to engine, shall comply with
all applicable fire codes in effect on the date of manufacture of the bus.
005.22E1 Installation of Liquefied Petroleum
Gas (LPG) tanks shall comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
58.
005.22E2 Installation of
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) containers shall comply with FMVSS No. 304,
Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Container Integrity.
005.22E3 The CNG Fuel System shall comply
with FMVSS No. 303, Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas
Vehicles.
005.22E4
Installation of alternative fuel systems, including fuel tanks and piping from
the tank to the engine, shall comply with all applicable fire codes in effect
on the date of manufacture of the bus.
005.23
Fuel
Alternative. School transportation vehicles may use alternative
fuel systems. The fuel system integrity shall meet the specified leakage
performance standards when impacted by a moving contoured barrier in accordance
with test conditions specified in FMVSS No. 301 or FMVSS No. 303, as
applicable.
005.23A Chassis shall meet all
specifications in Section 005 of this Chapter.
005.23B Chassis shall meet all applicable
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
005.23C The fuel system integrity shall meet
the specified leakage performance standards when impacted by a moving contoured
barrier in accordance with test conditions specified in FMVSS No. 301,
Fuel System Integrity, or FMVSS No. 303, Fuel System
Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles, as applicable.
005.23D Original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) and conversion systems using compressed natural gas (CNG) shall comply
with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Specification 52 2013,
Compressed Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems. Fuel systems
using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shall comply with NFPA Specification 58
2014, Liquefied Petroleum Gases Engine Fuel Systems.
005.23E Fuel tank(s) for vehicles of less
than 54 passenger capacity powered by LPG or CNG shall have a minimum 40-gallon
capacity. Fuel tank(s) for vehicles of 54 or more passenger capacity powered by
LPG or CNG shall have a minimum 60-gallon capacity.
005.23F Natural gas-powered buses may be
equipped with an interior/exterior gas detection system. All natural
gas-powered buses may be equipped with an automatic or manual fire detection
and suppression system.
005.23G All
materials and assemblies used to transfer or store alternative fuels shall be
installed outside the passenger/driver compartment.
005.23H All Types C and D buses using
alternative fuels shall meet the same base requirements of BUS CHASSIS
SPECIFICATIONS for passenger load.
005.23I The total weight shall not exceed the
vehicle's GVWR when loaded to rated capacity.
005.23J The manufacturer supplying the
alternative fuel equipment must provide the owner and operator with adequate
training and certification in fueling procedures, scheduled maintenance,
troubleshooting and repair of alternative fuel equipment.
005.23K All fueling equipment shall be
designed specifically for fueling motor vehicles and shall be certified by the
manufacturer as meeting all applicable federal, state and industry
standards.
005.23L All on-board
fuel supply containers shall meet all appropriate requirements of the American
Society for Mechanical Engineering (ASME) code, United States Department of
Transportation (USDOT) regulations or applicable FMVSSs and NFPA standards.
005.23M All fuel supply containers
shall be securely mounted to withstand a static force of eight times their
weight in any direction.
005.23N
All safety devices that discharge to the atmosphere shall be vented to the
outside of the vehicle. The discharge line from the safety relief valve on all
school buses shall be located in a manner appropriate to the characteristics of
the alternative fuel. Discharge lines shall not pass through the passenger
compartment.
005.23O CNG buses
shall have a positive, quick-acting (¼ turn) shut-off control valve
shall be installed in each gaseous fuel supply line, as close as possible to
the fuel supply containers. The valve controls shall be placed in a location
easily operable from the exterior of the vehicle. The location of the valve
controls shall be clearly marked on the exterior surface of the bus.
005.23P An electrical grounding system shall
be required for grounding of the fuel system during maintenance-related
venting.
005.23Q Fuel systems
identified as compatible with biodiesel must be provided with components
compatible with biodiesel conforming to the specifications of ASTM 6751,
Biodiesel Standard.
005.23R High Voltage-Powered Vehicles: Buses
utilizing a high voltage propulsion system (more than 48 nominal volts) shall
meet the requirements of FMVSS 305,
Electric Powered Vehicles:
Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection, except for the
following:
005.23R1 The propulsion power
source (batteries, fuel cells, etc.) shall be located outside the passenger
compartment.
005.23R2 The
propulsion power source enclosure shall be constructed to conform to the power
source manufacturer's requirements and recommendations.
005.23R3 Due to the much larger size and
quantities of the propulsion power sources on larger vehicles, buses over
10,000 lbs are permitted to exceed the 5.0 liter spillage constraint of Section
S 5.1, Electrolyte damage from propulsion batteries and the
requirements to statically rotate the vehicle on its longitudinal axis post
test.
005.24
Governor. The engine and road speed governors may be
installed to limit engine speed to a maximum revolutions per minute as
recommended by the engine manufacturer.
005.25
Handrails. At
least one handrail shall be installed. The handrail shall be a minimum of 1"
diameter and be constructed from corrosion resistant material(s). The
handrail(s) shall assist passengers during entry or exit and shall be designed
to prevent entanglement, as evidenced by the passing of the NHTSA string and
nut test.
005.26
Heating System. The engine shall be capable of
supplying coolant at a temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit at the
engine coolant thermostat opening. The coolant flow rate shall be 50 pounds per
minute at the return end of 30 feet of one inch inside diameter automotive hot
water heater hose. (See SBMTC-001, Standard Code for Testing and Rating
Automotive Bus Hot Water Heating and Ventilating Equipment.)
005.26A
Heat and Air Conditioning
Systems
005.26A1 Heaters shall
be hot water type combustion type, electric heating element or heat
pump.
005.26A2 If only one heater
is used, it shall be the fresh air type or the combination fresh air and
recirculating air type.
005.26A3 If
more than one hot water heater is used, additional heaters may be of
recirculating air type.
005.26A4
The heating system shall be capable of maintaining bus interior temperatures as
specified in Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure
J2233.
005.26A5 Optional: Auxiliary
fuel-fired heating systems are permitted, provided they comply with the
following:
005.26A5a The auxiliary heating
system fuel shall utilize the same type fuel as specified for the vehicle
engine.
005.26A5b Heater(s) may be
direct hot air or connected to the engine's coolant system.
005.26A5c An auxiliary heating system, when
connected to the engine's coolant system, may be used to preheat the engine
coolant or preheat and add supplementary heat to the bus's heating
system.
005.26A5d Auxiliary heating
systems shall be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's recommendations and
shall not direct exhaust in such a manner that will endanger bus passengers.
005.26A5e The auxiliary heating
system shall be low voltage.
005.26A5f Auxiliary heating systems shall
comply with FMVSS No. 301, Fuel system integrity and all other
applicable FMVSS in effect on date of manufacture, as well as SAE test
procedures.
005.26A5g All
combustion heaters shall be in compliance with current Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations.
005.26A6 All forced-air heaters installed by
body manufacturers shall bear a nameplate that indicates the heater rating in
accordance School Bus Manufacturer's Technical Council SBMTC-001. The plate
shall be affixed by heater manufacturer and shall constitute certification that
the heater performance is as shown on the plate.
005.26A7 Heater hoses shall be adequately
supported to guard against excessive wear due to vibration. The hoses shall not
dangle or rub against the chassis or sharp edges and shall not interfere with
or restrict the operation of any engine function, such as the spark advance of
an automatic distributor. Heater hose shall conform to the standards of the
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J20c Coolant System
Hoses. Heater lines on the interior of the bus shall be shielded to
prevent scalding of the driver or passengers.
005.26A8 Each hot water system installed by a
body manufacturer shall include one shut-off valve in the pressure line and one
shut-off valve in the return line with both valves at the engine in an
accessible location, except that on all Type A and B buses the valves may be
installed in another accessible location.
005.26A9 There shall be a water flow
regulating valve installed in the pressure line for convenient operation by the
driver while seated.
005.26A10
Accessible bleeder valves shall be installed in an appropriate place in the
return lines of body company-installed heaters to remove air from the heater
lines.
005.26A11 Access panels
shall be provided to make heater motors, cores, and fans readily accessible for
service. Outside access panel may be provided for the driver's
heater.
005.26B
Passenger Compartment Air Conditioning (Optional). The
following specifications are applicable to all types of school buses that may
be equipped with air conditioning.
005.26B1
Requirements
005.26B1a Evaporator cases, lines and ducting
(as equipped) shall be designed in such a manner that all condensation is
effectively drained to the exterior of the bus below the floor level under all
conditions of vehicle movement and without leakage on any interior portion of
the bus;
005.26B1b Evaporators and
ducting systems shall be designed and installed to be free of projections or
sharp edges. Ductwork shall be installed so that exposed edges face the front
of the bus and do not present sharp edges;
005.26B1c On school buses equipped with
Type-2 seatbelts having anchorages above the windows, the ducting (if used)
shall be placed at a height sufficient to not obstruct occupant securement
anchorages. This clearance shall be provided along the entire length (except at
evaporator locations) of the passenger area on both sides of the bus
interior;
005.26B1d The body may be
equipped with insulation, including sidewalls, roof, firewall, rear, inside
body bows and plywood or composite floor insulation to reduce thermal
transfer;
005.26B1e All glass
(windshield, service and emergency doors, side and rear windows) may be
equipped with maximum integral tinting allowed by federal, state or ANSI
standards for the respective locations, except that windows rear of the
driver's compartment, if tinted, shall have approximately 28 percent light
transmission;
005.26B1f Electrical
generating capacity shall be provided to accommodate the additional electrical
demands imposed by the air conditioning system;
005.26B1g Air intake for any evaporator
assembly(ies), except for front evaporator of Type A-1, shall be equipped with
replaceable air filter(s) accessible without disassembly of evaporator
case.
005.26B1h For all buses
(except Type D rear engine transit) equipped with a rear evaporator assembly,
evaporator shall not encroach upon head impact zone, but may occupy an area of
less than 26.5 inches from the rear wall and 14 inches from the
ceiling.
005.26B1i For Type D rear
engine transit buses equipped with a rear evaporator over the davenport, the
evaporator assembly may not interfere with rear exit window and may not extend
above the rear seating row.
005.27
Horn. The bus
shall be equipped with a horn(s) of standard make. Each horn shall be capable
of producing complex sounds in bands of audio frequencies between approximately
250 and 2,000 cycles per second and tested in accordance with Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) J-377.
005.28
Identification.
005.28A Body shall bear words "SCHOOL BUS" in
black letters at least 8 inches high on both front and rear of body or on signs
attached thereto. Lettering shall be placed as high as possible without
impairment of its visibility. Lettering shall conform to "Series B" of Standard
Alphabets for Highway Signs of the Federal Highway Administration (See
23 CFR
655.601 ). "SCHOOL BUS" lettering shall have
a reflective background or may be illuminated by backlighting. Activity buses
may instead bear lettering identifying the school, school district, school
mascot and/or school logos at these locations.
005.28B Required lettering and numbering is:
005.28B1 District, school, company name or
owner of the bus displayed at the beltline.
005.28B2 If the bus has a district or other
identification number, it shall be displayed on the sides, on the rear, and on
the front.
005.28C Other
lettering, numbering or symbols which may be displayed on the exterior of the
bus shall be limited to:
005.28C1 Bus
identification number on the top of the bus (minimum 12-inch high characters),
in addition to required numbering on the sides, rear and front.
005.28C2 The location of the battery(ies)
identified by the word "BATTERY" or "BATTERIES" on the battery compartment door
in two-inch lettering;
005.28C3
Symbols or letters not to exceed 64 square inches of total display within 36
inches of the service door, displaying information for identification by the
pupils of the bus or route served.
005.28C4 Manufacturer, dealer or school
identification or mascots/logos;
005.28C5 Symbols identifying the bus as
equipped for or transporting pupils with special needs;
005.28C6 Lettering on the rear of the bus
relating to school bus flashing signal lamps and railroad stop
procedures
005.28C7 Identification
of fuel type in one-inch lettering adjacent to the fuel filler
opening.
005.29
Instruments and Instrument
Panel.
005.29A Chassis shall be
equipped with the instruments and gauges listed below (lights in lieu of gauges
are not acceptable):
005.29A1
Speedometer.
005.29A2 Odometer
which will give accrued mileage, (to seven digits) including tenths of
miles.
005.29A3
Voltmeter: An ammeter with graduated charge and
discharge indications, is permitted in lieu of voltmeter; however, when used,
the ammeter wiring must be compatible with the current flow of the system.
(Exempt from Type A Bus.)
005.29A4
Oil-pressure gauge.
005.29A5
Water-temperature indicator.
005.29A6 Fuel gauge.
005.29A7 High-beam headlamp
indicator.
005.29A8 Brake Air
Pressure Gauge (air brakes): Brake indicator lamp (vacuum/hydraulic brakes) or
brake indicator lamp (hydraulic/hydraulic).
005.29A9 Turn signal Indicator.
005.29A10 Tachometer. For Types B, C and D
buses, a tachometer shall be installed to be visible to the driver while seated
in a normal driving position. (Exempt from Type A Buses.)
005.29A11 Glow-plug indicator light where
appropriate.
005.29B All
instruments shall be easily accessible for maintenance and repair.
005.29C The instruments and gauges shall be
mounted on instrument panel in such manner that each is clearly visible to
driver in normal driving position.
005.29D Instruments and controls must be
illuminated as required by FMVSS No. 101, Controls and
Displays.
005.29E
Multi-Function Gauge (MFG).
005.29E1 The driver must be able to manually
select any displayable function of the gauge on a MFG whenever desired.
005.29E2 Whenever an out-of-limits
condition that would be displayed on one or more functions of a MFG occurs, the
MFG controller shall automatically display this condition on the instrument
cluster. This shall be in the form of an illuminated telltale warning lamp as
well as having the MFG automatically display the out-of-limits indications. If
two or more functions displayed on the MFG go out of limits simultaneously,
then the MFG shall sequence automatically between those functions continuously
until the condition(s) are corrected.
005.29E3 The use of a MFG does not relieve
the need for audible warning devices, where required.
005.30
Insulation.
005.30A
The school bus body shall be fully insulated in the roof and all body panels to
deaden sound, reduce vibrations, and reduce the transfer of heat.
005.30B The school bus body side walls and
ceilings shall be insulated with a fire resistant material of a type approved
by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and which has a thermal insulation R value
of 5.5 at least equivalent to 1½ inch thickness of fiber glass in
addition to the usual sprayed-on material. All insulation shall be firmly
installed so that it will retain its original position.
005.30C For floor insulation, see subsection
005.12B of this Chapter.
005.31
Interior.
005.31A Interior of school bus body shall
have steel or equivalent strength material, inner linings on ceilings and walls
and be free of all unnecessary projections, which includes luggage racks and
attendant hand rails, to minimize the potential for injury. This standard
requires inner lining on ceilings and walls. If ceiling is constructed to
contain lapped joints, forward panel shall be lapped by rear panel and exposed
edges shall be beaded, hemmed, flanged, or otherwise treated to minimize sharp
edges.
005.31B The driver's area
forward of the foremost padded barriers will permit the mounting of required
emergency equipment and vehicle operation equipment.
005.31C Every school bus shall be constructed
so that the noise level taken at the ear of the occupant nearest to the primary
vehicle noise source shall not exceed 85 dBA when tested according to the
procedure found in Appendix E of this Chapter.
005.31D Interior overhead storage
compartments may be provided if they meet the following criteria:
005.31D1 Head protection requirements of
FMVSS No. 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash
Protection, where applicable.
005.31D2 Be completely enclosed and equipped
with latching door (both door and latch sufficient to withstand a pushing force
of 50 pounds applied at the inside center of the door.
005.31D3 All corners and edges are rounded
with a minimum radius of one inch or be padded equivalent to door header
padding.
005.31D4 Compartments are
attached to the bus sufficiently to withstand a force equal to 20 times the
maximum rated capacity of the compartment and do not have protrusions greater
than ¼ inch.
005.32
Lamps and
Signals.
005.32A Interior lamps
shall be provided which adequately illuminate aisle and stepwell. Stepwell
light shall be illuminated by a service door operated switch, to illuminate
only when headlights and clearance lights are on and service door is
open.
005.32B Body instrument panel
lights shall be controlled by an independent rheostat switch or may be
controlled by the rheostat that operates the gauge lighting.
005.32C School Bus Alternately Flashing
Signal Lamps. (Activity buses are exempt.)
005.32C1 Bus shall be equipped with two (2)
red lamps at the rear of vehicle and two (2) red lamps at the front of the
vehicle.
005.32C2 In addition to
the four red lamps described above, four (4) amber lamps shall be installed so
that one (1) amber lamp is located near each red signal lamp, at same level,
but closer to vertical centerline of bus. The system of red and amber signal
lamps shall be wired so that automatically energized (with amber lamps being
automatically de-energized) when stop signal arm is extended or when bus
service door is opened. An amber pilot light and a red pilot light shall be
installed adjacent to the driver controls for the flashing signal lamp to
indicate to the driver which lamp system is activated.
005.32C3 Red lamps shall flash at any time
the stop signal arm is extended.
005.32C4 All flashers for alternately
flashing red and amber signal lamps shall be enclosed in the body in a readily
accessible location.
005.32D
Turn Signal and Stop/Tail
Lamps.
005.32D1 Bus body shall
be equipped with amber rear turn signal lamps that are at least seven (7)
inches in diameter or if a shape other than round, a minimum 38 square inches
of illuminated area and meet FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices,
and Associated Equipment. These signals must be connected to the
chassis hazard warning switch to cause simultaneous flashing of turn signal
lamps when needed as vehicular traffic hazard warning. Turn signal lamps are to
be placed so that their centerline shall be a maximum of twelve (12) inches
below the rear window.
005.32D2
Buses shall be equipped with amber side-mounted turn signal lights. The turn
signal light on the left side shall be mounted rearward of the stop signal arm
and the turn signal on the right side shall be mounted rearward of the service
door.
005.32D3 Buses shall be
equipped with four (4) combination red stop/tail lamps:
005.32D3a Two (2) combination lamps with a
minimum diameter of seven (7) inches, or if a shape other than round, a minimum
38 square inches of illuminated area shall be mounted on the rear of the bus
just inside the turn signals.
005.32D3b Two (2) combination lamps with a
minimum diameter of four (4) inches, or if a shape other than round, a minimum
12 square inches of illuminated area shall be placed on the rear of the body
between the beltline and the floor line. Rear license plate lamp may be
combined with one lower tail lamp. Stop lamps shall be activated by the service
brakes and shall emit a steady light when illuminated.
005.32D3c On buses equipped with a monitor
for the front and rear lamps of the school bus, the monitor shall be mounted in
full view of the driver. If the full circuit current passes through the
monitor, each circuit shall be protected by a fuse or circuit breaker, or an
electronic protection device, against any short circuit or intermittent
shorts.
005.32D3d The bus body
shall be equipped with two (2) white rear backup lamps that are at least four
(4) inches in diameter or, if a shape other than round, a minimum of 12 square
inches of illuminated area and shall meet FMVSS No. 108, Lamps,
Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment. If backup lamps are
placed on the same horizontal line as the brake lamps and turn signal lamps,
they shall be to the inside.
005.32E
Clearance-Marker and
Identification Lamps.
005.32E1
The body shall be equipped with two (2) red clearance lights at the rear and
two (2) amber clearance lights at the front mounted as high as possible on
permanent structure of bus in such a manner as to indicate extreme width of
body.
005.32E2 All buses over 30
feet long shall be equipped with one (1) amber intermediate side marker light
on each side located midway between the front and rear clearance lights.
005.32E3 The bus shall be equipped
with three (3) amber identification lights on the front and three (3) red
identification lights on the rear. Each individual light within such group or
cluster shall be evenly spaced not less than six (6) inches nor more than 12
inches apart along a horizontal line near the top roof edge of the
vehicle.
005.32F A white
flashing strobe light shall be installed on the roof of a school or activity
bus, not to exceed 1/3 the body length forward from the rear of the roof edge.
The light shall have a single clear lens emitting light 360 degrees around its
vertical axis. A manual switch and a pilot light shall be included to indicate
when light is in operation.
005.32G
Backup Lamps. Bus body shall be equipped with two (2)
white rear backup lamp signals that are at least four (4) inches diameter or,
if a shape other than round, a minimum of 13 square inches of illuminated area,
meeting FMVSS 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated
Equipment. If backup lamps are placed on the same line as the brake
lights and turn signals, they shall be to the inside.
005.32H
Reflex
Reflectors.
005.32H1 The bus
shall be equipped with two (2) amber reflectors: One on each side of body
located approximately at floor level and back of the door on the right side and
at a similar forward position on the left side.
005.32H2 The bus shall be equipped with four
(4) red reflectors: One (1) on each side as far to the rear as possible and two
(2) on the rear as far apart as practicable.
005.32H3 All buses over 30 feet long shall be
equipped with additional intermediate amber reflectors which shall be located
at or near the midpoint between the front and rear side reflector.
005.32H4 The reflectors are to be mounted at
a height of not less than 15 inches nor more than 60 inches above the ground on
which the vehicle stands.
005.32I
License Plate
Lamp. Bus shall be equipped with rear license plate illuminator.
This lamp may be combined with one (1) of tail lamps.
005.32J
Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL). A Daytime Running Lamps system shall be provided.
005.33
Metal
Treatment.
005.33A All metal
used in construction of bus body shall be zinc or aluminum coated or treated by
equivalent process before bus is constructed. This includes, but is not limited
to such items as structural members, inside and outside panels, floor panels,
and floor sills. Excluded are such items as door handles, grab handles,
stanchions, interior decorative parts, and other interior plated
parts.
005.33B All metal parts that
will be painted shall be (in addition to above requirements) chemically
cleaned, etched, zinc-phosphate coated, and zinc-chromate or epoxy-primed or
conditioned by equivalent process.
005.33C In providing for these requirements,
particular attention shall be given to lapped surfaces, welded connections or
structural members, cut edges, punched or drilled hole areas in sheet metal,
closed or box sections, unvented or undrained areas, and surfaces subjected to
abrasion during vehicle operation.
005.34
Mirrors.
005.34A Interior mirror shall be either clear
view laminated glass or clear view glass bonded to a backing which retains the
glass in the event of breakage. Mirror shall have rounded corners and protected
edges. All Type A buses shall have a minimum of a 6" x 16" mirror and Type B,
C, and D buses shall have a minimum of a 6" x 30" mirror.
005.34B Each bus shall be equipped with a
system of exterior mirrors meeting the requirements of FMVSS No.111,
Rearview Mirrors. The right side rear view mirror shall not be
obscured by the unwiped portion of the windshield.
005.34C This system of mirrors shall be
easily adjustable, but be rigidly braced so as to reduce vibration.
005.34D Heated external mirrors may be used.
Remote controlled external rear view mirrors may be used.
005.35
Mounting.
005.35A Chassis frame shall support the rear
body cross member. Bus body shall be attached to chassis frame at each main
floor sill, except where chassis components interfere, in such manner as to
prevent shifting or separation of body from chassis under severe operating
conditions.
005.35B Insulating
material shall be installed at all contact points between the body and chassis
frame on Type A-2, B, C and D buses, and shall be secured to chassis frame or
body to prevent shifting, separation, or displacement of the isolators under
severe operating conditions.
005.36
Oil Filter.
An oil filter with a replaceable element shall be provided and connected by
flexible oil lines if it is not a built-in or an engine-mounted design. Oil
filter shall have a capacity in accordance with the engine manufacturer's
recommendations.
005.37
Openings. All openings in floorboard or firewall
between chassis and passenger carrying compartment, such as for gearshift lever
and auxiliary brake lever, shall be sealed.
005.38
Passenger
Load.
005.38A Actual Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the sum of chassis weight, plus driver's weight, plus
total seated pupil weight .
005.38B Actual gross vehicle weight (GVW)
shall not exceed the chassis manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
for the chassis, nor shall the actual weight carried on any axle exceed the
chassis manufacturer's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
005.39
Retarder
System. Retarder system, if used, shall limit the speed of the
fully loaded school bus at 19.0 mph on a 7% grade for 3.6 miles.
005.40
Rub Rails.
005.40A There shall be one (1) rub rail
located on each side of the bus approximately at seat level or no more than
eight (8) inches above the seat cushion level. They shall extend from rear side
of the entrance door completely around bus body (except for emergency door or
any maintenance access door) to a point of curvature near outside cowl on the
left side.
005.40B There shall be
one (1) additional rub rail located on each side at, or no more than ten (10)
inches above the floor line. The rub rail shall cover the same longitudinal
area as upper rub rail, except at the wheel housings, and shall extend only to
the longitudinal tangent of right and left rear corners.
005.40C There shall be a rub rail or
equivalent bracing located horizontally at the bottom of the side
skirts.
005.40D Rub rails above the
floor line shall be attached at each body post and all other upright structural
members.
005.40E Rub rails shall be
four (4) inches or more in width, shall be of 16 gauge steel, or equivalent
strength material, and shall be constructed in corrugated or ribbed
fashion.
005.40F Both rub rails
shall be applied outside the body or outside the body posts. Pressed-in or
snap-on rub rails do not satisfy this requirement.
005.40F1 For Type A-1 buses using the body
provided by the chassis manufacturer or for Types A-2, B, C, and D buses using
the rear luggage or the rear engine compartment, rub rails need not extend
around the rear corners.
005.41
Seat Belts/Occupant
Protection Systems.
005.41A A
Type 2 lap belt/shoulder harness seat belt shall be provided for the driver and
must meet FMVSS in effect on date of manufacture.
005.41A1 In addition, the assembly shall be
equipped with an emergency locking retractor for the continuous belt system. On
all buses except Type A equipped with standard chassis manufacturer's driver's
seat, the lap portion of the belt shall be guided or anchored so as to prevent
the driver from sliding sideways under it.
005.41A2 Each bus shall be equipped with a
durable webbing cutter (belt cutter) having a full width handgrip and a
protected, replaceable or non-corrodible blade. The belt cutter shall be
mounted in a location accessible to the seated driver in an easily detachable
manner.
005.41B Type A
buses shall have seat belts/occupant protection systems for all passengers and
shall comply with FMVSS in effect on date of manufacture. In Type A buses,
children shall be required to use child passenger restraint systems or occupant
protection systems as required by Section
60-6,267
R.R.S.
005.42
Seats and Restraining Barriers.
005.42A All seats shall have a minimum depth
of 15 inches, a seat back height of 24 inches above the seating reference
point, and must comply with all requirements of FMVSS No. 222,
School
Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection. School bus design
capacities shall be in accordance with 49 CFR, Part 571.3 and FMVSS No. 222.
005.42A1 Each seat leg shall be secured to
the floor by bolts, washers and nuts in order to meet the performance
requirements of FMVSS No. 222. Flange-head nuts may be used in lieu of nuts and
washers, or seats may be track-mounted in conformance with FMVSS No. 222,
School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection. If track
seating is installed, the manufacturer shall supply minimum and maximum seat
spacing dimensions applicable to the bus, which comply with FMVSS No. 222. This
information shall be on a label permanently affixed to the bus.
005.42A2 All seat frames shall be fastened to
the seat rail with a minimum of two (2) bolts, washers and nuts or
flange-headed nuts in conformance with FMVSS No. 222.
005.42A3 No bus shall be equipped with jump
seats, portable seats, or other auxiliary seating.
005.42A4 All restraining barriers,
upholstered areas, driver and passenger seats, including seat bottom, shall be
covered with a material that meets the criteria contained in the School Bus
Seat Upholstery Fire Block Test. (See Appendix D of this Chapter.)
005.42A5 Seat belts/occupant protection
systems installed by retrofits must be installed on seats that meet FMVSS No.
222.
005.42A6 All school buses
(including Type A) shall be equipped with restraining barriers which conform to
FMVSS No. 222.
005.42B
The driver's seat supplied by the body company shall be a high back seat with a
head restraint to accommodate a 95th percentile
adult male, as defined in FMVSS No. 208
, Occupant Crash
Protection, and with a minimum seat back adjustable to 15 degrees. The
driver's seat shall be secured with nuts, bolts, and washers or flanged-head
nuts.
005.42B1 Type A buses may utilize the
standard driver's seat provided by the chassis manufacturer.
005.42B2 A Type 2 lap belt/shoulder harness
seat belt shall be provided for the driver. The assembly shall be equipped with
an emergency locking retractor for the continuous belt system. On all buses
except Type A equipped with a standard chassis manufacturer's driver's seat,
the lap portion of the belt system shall be guided or anchored to prevent the
driver from sliding sideways under it. The lap belt/shoulder harness seat belt
shall be designed to allow for adjustment in order to fit and to protect
drivers varying in size from 5th percentile adult
female to 95th percentile adult male.
005.42B3 Pre-School Age Seating on School
Buses. Passenger seats designed to accommodate a child or infant carrier seat
shall comply with FMVSS No. 225, Child Restraint Anchorage
Systems. These seats shall be in compliance with NHTSA's "Guideline
for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School
Buses."
005.43
Seat Barrier.
The right hand seat barrier shall include a modesty panel from barrier to floor
and comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in effect on date of
manufacture.
005.44
Shock Absorbers. A bus shall be equipped with
double-acting shock absorbers compatible with manufacturer's rated axle
capacity at each wheel location.
005.45
Springs and Suspension
Systems.
005.45A The capacity of
springs or suspension assemblies shall be commensurate with the chassis
manufacturer's GVWR.
005.45B Rear
leaf springs shall be of a progressive rate or multi-stage design. Front Leaf
springs shall have a stationary eye at one end and shall be protected by a
wrapped leaf, in addition to the main leaf.
005.46
Steering
Gear.
005.46A The steering gear
shall be approved by the chassis manufacturer and designed to ensure safe and
accurate performance when vehicle is operated with maximum load and at maximum
speed.
005.46B If external
adjustments are required, steering mechanism shall be accessible to make
adjustments.
005.46C No changes
shall be made in steering apparatus which are not approved by chassis
manufacturer.
005.46D There shall
be clearance of at least two (2) inches between steering wheel and cowl,
instrument panel, windshield, or any other surface.
005.46E Power steering is required and shall
be of the integral type with integral valves.
005.46F The steering system shall be designed
to provide a means for lubrication of all wear-points which are not permanently
lubricated.
005.47
Steps.
005.47A First
step at service door shall be not less than 10 inches and not more than 14
inches from ground, based on standard chassis specifications. Type D buses
shall have the first step at the service door 12 inches to 16 inches from the
ground. On chassis modifications which may result in increased ground clearance
(such as four-wheel drive) an auxiliary step may be provided to compensate for
the increase in ground-to-first-step clearance. The auxiliary step is not
required to be enclosed.
005.47B
Step risers shall not exceed a height of 10 inches, however, with plywood floor
on steel, the differential may be increased by thickness of plywood
used.
005.47C Steps shall be
enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.
005.47D Steps shall not protrude beyond side
body line.
005.47E At least one (1)
handrail shall be installed in accordance with subsection 005.25..
005.47F All steps, including floor line
platform area, shall be covered with 3/16 inch rubber floor covering or other
material equal in wear and abrasion resistance to top grade rubber.
005.47G The step covering shall be
permanently bonded to a durable backing material that is resistant to
corrosion.
005.47H Steps, including
the floor line platform area, shall have a 1 ½" nosing that contrasts in
color by at least 70 percent measured in accordance with the contrasting color
specifications in 36 CFR, Part 1192 Americans with Disabilities Act regulations
(ADA), Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles.
005.47I Step treads shall have the following
characteristics:
005.47I1 Abrasion resistance:
Step tread material weight loss shall not exceed .40 percent, as tested under
ASTM D-4060, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic
Coatings by the Taber Abraser
005.47I2 Weathering resistance: Step treads
shall not break, crack, or check after ozone exposure (7 days at 40 phm at 40
degrees C) and weatherometer exposure (ASTM D=750 Standard Test Method
for Rubber Deterioration in Carbon-Arc Weathering Apparatus, 7
days).
005.4713 Flame
resistance: Step tread shall have a calculated burn rate of .01 or less using
the test methods, procedures and formulas listed in FMVSS No. 302,
Flammability of Interior Materials.
005.48
Stirrup
Steps. There may be one or more folding stirrup steps or recessed
foothold and suitably located handles on each side of the front of the body for
easy accessibility for cleaning the windshield and lamps. Steps are permitted
in or on the front bumper, in lieu of the stirrup steps, if the windshield and
lamps are easily accessible for cleaning from that position.
005.49
Stop Signal
Arm. The stop signal arm(s) shall comply with the requirements of
FMVSS No. 131, School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices. (Activity
buses are exempt.)
005.50
Storage Compartment. A storage container for tools,
tire chains, and/or tow chains may be located either inside or outside the
passenger compartment. If inside, it shall have a cover capable of being
securely latched and fastened to the floor. (The seat cushion may not serve
this purpose.)
005.51
Sun Shield.
005.51A
On Type B, C and D buses, an interior transparent, adjustable, sun shield shall
be installed that is not less than 6 inches wide and 30 inches long with a
finished edge.
005.51B On Type A
buses, the sun shield shall be installed according to the manufacturer's
standard.
005.52
Throttle. The force required to operate the throttle shall not exceed 16 pounds
throughout the full range of accelerator pedal travel.
005.53
Tires and
Rims.
005.53A Tires and rims of
the proper size and tires with a load rating commensurate with chassis
manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating shall be provided. The use of
multipiece rims and/or tube-type tires shall not be permitted on any school bus
ordered after December 31, 1995.
005.53B Dual rear tires shall be provided on
Type A-2, Type B, Type C and Type D school buses.
005.53C All tires on a bus shall be of the
same size. The load range of the tires shall meet or exceed the GVWR, as
required by FMVSS No. 120, Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles
Other than Passenger Cars.
005.53D If the bus is equipped with a spare
tire and rim assembly, it shall be of the same size as those mounted on the
bus.
005.53E Chains or snow tires
shall be supplied if required by local regulation or warranted by
circumstances.
005.53F If a tire
carrier is utilized, it shall be mounted in an accessible location outside of
the passenger compartment.
005.54
Tow Hooks.
Tow eyes, hooks or other devices shall be furnished on the rear and attached so
they do not project beyond the rear bumper. Tow eyes or hooks for attachment to
the rear of the chassis frame shall be furnished by either the chassis or body
manufacturer. The installation shall be in accordance with the chassis
manufacturer's specifications. (Type A buses are exempt.)
005.55
Traction Assisting
Devices.
005.55A Where required
or used, sanders shall:
005.55A1 be of hopper
cartridge - valve type,
005.55A2
have metal hopper with all interior surfaces treated to prevent condensation of
moisture,
005.55A3 be of at least
100 pound (grit) capacity,
005.55A4
have cover on filler opening of hopper, which screws into place, sealing unit
airtight,
005.55A5 have discharge
tubes extending to front of each rear wheel under fender,
005.55A6 have non-clogging discharge tubes
with slush-proof, nonfreezing rubber nozzles,
005.55A7 be operated by electric switch with
telltale pilot light mounted on instrument panel so as to be exclusively
controlled by the driver,
005.55A8
be exclusively driver controlled,
005.55A9 have a gauge to indicate that the
hopper needs refilling when it is down to one-quarter full.
005.55B Automatic traction chains
may be installed.
005.56
Transmission.
005.56A Automatic transmissions shall have no
fewer then three (3) forward speeds and one (1) reverse speed. Mechanical shift
selectors shall provide a detent between each gear position when the gear
selector quadrant and shift selector are not steering-column mounted.
005.56B In manual transmissions, second gear
and higher shall be synchronized, except when incompatible with engine power. A
minimum of three (3) forward speeds and one (1) reverse speed shall be
provided.
005.56C A transmission
shifter interlock, controlled by application of the service brake, shall be
installed to prohibit accidental engagement of the automatic
transmission.
005.57
Trash Container. When used, the trash container shall
be secured by a holding device. It shall be installed in an accessible location
in the driver's compartment, not obstructing passenger use of the service
door.
005.58
Turning
Radius.
005.58A Chassis with a
wheel base of 264 inches or less shall have a right and left turn radius of not
more than 42½ feet, curb to curb measurement.
005.58B Chassis with a wheelbase of 265
inches or more shall have a right and left turning radius of not more than
44½ feet, curb to curb measurement.
005.59
Undercoating.
The chassis manufacturer or their agent shall coat the undersides of the bus
from the firewall to the back of the bus. Any undercoating compound must meet
or exceed all performance and qualitative requirements of SAE J1959, Sept. 2003
Edition of the Standard.
005.59A Undercoating
material shall be applied with suitable airless or conventional spray equipment
to recommended film thickness and shall show no evidence of voids in cured
film.
005.59B The undercoating
material shall not cover any exhaust components of the chassis.
005.60
Ventilation.
005.60A
Body shall be equipped with suitable, controlled ventilating system of
sufficient capacity to maintain proper quantity of air flow under operating
conditions without opening of windows except in extremely warm
weather.
005.60B Static-type
non-closable exhaust roof ventilator shall be installed in low-pressure area of
roof.
005.60C Roof hatches designed
to provide ventilation in all types of weather conditions may be
provided.
005.60D Auxiliary fans
shall meet the following requirements:
005.60D1 Fans for the left and right sides
shall be placed in a location where they can be adjusted to maximum
effectiveness.
005.60D2 Fans shall
be in a location where they do not obstruct vision to any mirror. Type A buses
may be equipped with one fan.
005.60D3 These fans shall be a nominal
six-inch diameter.
005.60D4 Fan
blades shall be covered with a protective cage. Each fan shall be controlled by
a separate switch.
005.61
Wheel
Housings.
005.61A Wheel house
openings shall allow for tire removal and service.
005.61B Wheel housings shall be attached to
floor sheets in such manner as to prevent any dust, fumes or water from
entering the body. Wheel housings shall be constructed of at least 16-guage
steel.
005.61C Inside height of
wheel housings above floor line shall not exceed 12 inches.
005.61D Wheel housings shall provide
clearance for installation and use of tire chains on single and dual (if so
equipped) power-driving wheels.
005.61E No part of a raised wheel housing
shall extend into the emergency door opening.
005.62
Windows. Each
full side window, other than emergency exits designated to comply with FMVSS
No. 217, Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release,
shall provide an unobstructed opening at least 9 inches high but not more than
13 inches high and at least 22 inches wide, obtained by lowering of the window.
One side window on each side of the bus may be less than 22 inches wide.
Windshields shall comply with federal, state, and local laws and
regulations.
005.63
Windshield Washers. A windshield washer system which
conforms to FMVSS Standard 104, Windshield Wiping and Washing
Systems, shall be provided.
005.64
Windshield
Wipers. A two-speed or variable speed windshield wiping system,
with an intermittent feature, which meet the requirements of FMVSS No.
104, Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems, shall be provided
and shall be operated by a single switch.