Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
(a)
General. A school bus or school vehicle that is used
specifically for the transportation of school children who utilize wheelchairs
or other types of mobility devices, or who require life support equipment which
cannot use the regular service entrance shall be equipped with a power lift. A
power lift system shall comply and be installed in accordance with any
applicable FMVSS. If a power lift system is inadequate to load or unload school
children having special or unique needs, a ramp device may be
installed.
(b)
Specific
requirements. The requirements for power lifts are as follows:
(1) The power lift shall be located either in
the rear or on the right side of the vehicle body, but confined within the
perimeter of the vehicle body when not extended. The power lift may not be
attached to the exterior sides of the vehicle.
(2) The lifting mechanism shall be able to
lift a minimum pay load of 800 pounds. A clear opening and platform to
accommodate a 30-inch wide wheelchair shall be provided.
(3) When the platform is in the fully up
position, it shall be locked in position mechanically by means other than a
support or lug in the door.
(4)
Controls shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift
mechanism from either inside or outside of the school bus. There shall be a
means of preventing the lift platform from falling while in operation due to a
power failure.
(5) Power lifts
shall be equipped so they may be manually operated in the event of a power
failure.
(6) The lift travel shall
allow the lift platform to rest securely on the ground.
(7) Edges of the platform shall be designed
to prevent the wheelchair or other type of mobility device from slipping or
rolling off the platform and to prevent the operator's feet from being
entangled during the raising and lowering process.
(8) A self-adjusting, skid resistant plate
shall be installed on the outer edge of the platform to minimize the incline
from the lift platform to the ground level.
(9) A circuit breaker, fuse or an electronic
device which provides protection against short circuits, thermal overloads and
reversed polarity shall be installed between the power source and the lift
motor, if electrical power is used.
(10) The lift mechanism shall be designed to
prevent excessive pressure from building in the hydraulic system when the
platform reaches the full up or full down position.
The provisions of this §171.96 amended under the Vehicle
Code,
75 Pa.C.S. §§
4103,
4551-4553 and
6103.
