3-2020MinimumStandardforSchoolBuses-Final IRM.pdf

Foreword ........................................................... i

Section 1 – General Provisions Effective Date Scope Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Used School Buses Changes in Specifications Study of New Equipment

Section 2 – School Bus Types Types A, B, C and D School Buses

Section 3 – Bus Body and Chassis Specifications

Air Cleaner 4 Aisle 4 Axles 4 Back-up Warning Alarm……………………. 4 Battery ..……………………………………... 4 Brakes: General 5 Brakes: Hydraulic 5 Brakes: Air 6 Bumper: Front 6 Bumper: Rear 7 Certification 7 Color 8 Construction 8 Crossing Control Arm 8 Defrosters 9 Doors 10 Drive Shaft 11 Electrical System 11 Emergency Equipment 15 Emergency Exits 16 Exhaust System 18 Fenders: Front 19 Fire Suppression Systems (Optional) 19 Floors 19 Frame 20 Fuel System 20 Governor 21 Handrails 21 Heating System, Provision For Heating and Air Conditioning Systems 21 Hinges 25 Horn 25 Identification 25 Inside Height 27 Instruments and Instrument Panel 27 Insulation (Optional) 28 Interior 28 Lamps and Signals 29 Metal Treatment 31 Mirrors 32 Mounting 32 Oil Filter 33 Openings 33 Overall Length 33 Overall Width 33 Passenger Load

Post-Trip Safety Alarm (Optional) Public Address System 34 Retarder System (Optional Equipment) 34 Retroreflective Material 34 Road Speed Control 35 Rub Rails 35 Seats and Restraining Barriers 35 Shock Absorbers 37 Side Skirts 37 Steering Gear 38 Steps 38 Step Treads 38 Stirrup Steps 39 Stop Signal Arm 39 Storage Compartment (Optional) 40 Sun Shield 40 Suspension Systems 40 Throttle 40 Tires and Rims 40 Towing Attachment Points 41 Traction Assisting Devices (Optional) 41 Transmission 42 Trash Container and Holding Device (Optional) 42 Turning Radius 42 Undercoating 42 Ventilation 43 Wheelhousing 43 Windows 44 Windshield Washers 44 Windshield Wipers 44

Section 4 – Specially Equipped School Bus Specifications

Introduction 45 Definition 45 General Requirements 45 Aisles 45 Glazing 45 Identification 45 Passenger Capacity Rating 46 Power Lifts 46 Regular Service Entrance 48 Restraining Devices 48 Seating Arrangements 49 Securement and Restraint System for Wheelchairs and Wheelchair-seated Occupants 49 Special Light 50 Special Service Entrance 50 Special Service Entrance Doors 51 Support Equipment and Accessories 52 Technology and Equipment, New 53

Appendices School Bus Body and Chassis 54

National School Bus Yellow 54 Bus Body Heating System Test 55 Noise Test Procedure 66 Retroreflective Sheeting/Daytime Color 67 Seat Upholstery Fire Block Test 67

2017 Missouri Minimum Standards for School Buses Committee 72 i

FOREWORD

The revised minimum standards for school bus chassis and school bus bodies have been prepared in conformity with the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) for school bus transportation. The standards recommended by the 2015 National Conference on School Transportation and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) promulgated by the U. S. Department of Transportation were used as guides in developing these Missouri standards.

The minimum standards appearing herein have been officially adopted by the State Board of Education in compliance with Section 304.060, RSMo, which reads in part:

“…The state board of education shall adopt and enforce regulations not inconsistent with law to cover the design and operation of all school buses used for the transportation of school children when owned and operated by any school district or privately owned and operated under contract with any school district in this state, and such regulations shall by reference be made a part of any such contract with a school district…Every school district, its officers and employees, and every person employed under contract by a school district shall be subject to such regulations…”

The standards herein adopted shall be considered minimum. The writing of specifications and the purchase of equipment may exceed the adopted minimum standards in safety and quality. The standards are adopted to provide statewide minimum standards consistent with safety and economy and to eliminate the manufacture of unsafe school buses. It is believed that these standards are sufficiently flexible to permit opportunity for the use of new inventions and improvements that will ensure greater efficiency and safety.

This manual is divided into five sections: Section 1 – General Provisions, Section 2 – School Bus Types, Section 3 – Bus Body and Chassis Specifications, and Section 4 – Specifications for Specially Equipped School Buses.

SECTION 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

EFFECTIVE DATE

These specifications apply to school buses with a body tag ”build date” later than January 31, 2020.

SCOPE

The specifications contained herein shall apply to all school buses manufactured after the effective date and used to transport Missouri public school students to or from school or any place for educational purposes.

FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

All motor vehicles with a passenger capacity of more than 10, including the driver, used to transport school students are required to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) school bus specifications.

All school buses shall be equipped as required by the minimum specifications contained herein and as required by applicable FMVSS. In the event of a conflict between the requirements of an applicable FMVSS as referred to in this section and the minimum specifications contained in this regulation, the requirements of the FMVSS shall control.

USED SCHOOL BUSES

A used school bus purchased for use in Missouri by or for a public school district shall meet all of the legal requirements of the Missouri Revised Statutes for motor vehicles, and it shall meet the Missouri Minimum Standards for School Buses that were in effect on the date the vehicle was manufactured plus any changes made on a retroactive basis.

CHANGES IN SPECIFICATIONS

Any part of these specifications may be changed at any time by addenda adopted by the State Board of Education.

STUDY OF NEW EQUIPMENT

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education retains authority for the Manager of School Transportation to authorize testing of new equipment on school buses. A written request to test new equipment must be submitted to the Manager of School Transportation for approval prior to the installation or use of the new equipment.

The request shall specify a period of time for the test not to exceed one school year. After receiving a written request, the Manager of School Transportation will analyze the need for the new equipment and the related safety issues involved and will issue a written decision within 15 working days to the individual making the request. Upon completion of the test, a written report by the authorized tester shall be submitted to the Manager of School Transportation for analysis. If the equipment test provides additional safety for students, an addendum to these standards may be issued by the Department.

SECTION 2 – SCHOOL BUS TYPES

BUS BODY AND CHASSIS SPECIFICATIONS

AIR CLEANER

A. A dry element air cleaner shall be provided.

B. 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.

AISLE

All emergency exit doors shall be accessible by a 12-inch minimum aisle. The 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. The track of a track seating system is exempt from this requirement. A flip seat in the unoccupied (up) position shall not obstruct the 12-inch minimum aisle to any side emergency exit door.

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.

BACK-UP WARNING ALARM

An automatic audible alarm shall be installed behind the rear axle and shall comply with the published Backup Alarm Standards (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.

BATTERY

A. The battery is to be furnished by the chassis manufacturer.

B. When the battery is mounted as described in Section 3, the body manufacturer shall securely attach the battery on a slide-out or swing-out tray in a closed, vented compartment in the body skirt so that the battery is accessible for convenient servicing from the outside. The battery-compartment door or cover shall be hinged at the front or top and shall be secured by an adequate and conveniently operated latch or other type fastener. Battery cables installed by the body manufacturer shall meet chassis manufacturer and SAE requirements. Battery cables shall be of sufficient length to allow the battery tray to fully extend. The battery compartment is required on all diesel buses.

C. Buses may be equipped with battery shut-off switches. The switch is to be placed in a location not readily accessible to the driver or passengers.

BRAKES: GENERAL

A. The chassis brake system shall conform to the provisions of FMVSS Nos. 105, Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems, 106, Brake Hoses, and 121, Air Brake Systems, as applicable.

B. 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 rear axle. The system shall provide anti-lock braking performance for each wheel equipped with sensors (Four Channel System).

C. All brake systems shall be designed to permit visual inspection of brake lining wear without removal of any chassis component(s).

D. The brake lines, booster-assist lines, and control cables shall be protected from excessive heat, vibration and corrosion and installed in a manner that prevents chafing.

E. The parking brake system for either air or hydraulic service brake systems may be of a power-assisted design. The power parking brake actuator should be a device located on the instrument panel within reach of seated a 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.

F. The power-operated parking brake system may be interlocked to the engine key switch. Once the parking brake has been set and 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.

BRAKES: HYDRAULIC

Type C and D buses using a hydraulic-assist brake shall be equipped with audible and visible warning signals that provide a continuous warning to the driver indicating a loss of fluid flow from the primary source or a failure of the back-up pump system.

All buses using hydraulic-assist brakes shall meet requirements of FMVSS 105.

BRAKES: AIR

A. The air pressure supply system shall include a desiccant-type air dryer installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The air pressure storage tank system may incorporate an automatic drain valve.

B. 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 to prevent loss of air pressure in the service brake reservoir.

C. 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.

D. Air brake-equipped buses may be equipped with a service brake interlock. If equipped with a service brake interlock, the parking brake cannot be released until the brake pedal is depressed.

E. Air brake systems shall include a system for anti-compounding of the service brakes and parking brakes.

F. Air brakes shall have both visible and audible warning device whenever the air pressure falls below the level where warnings are required under FMVSS No.121, Air Brake Systems.

BUMPER: FRONT

A. School buses shall be equipped with a front bumper.

B. The front bumper on buses of Type A-2 (with GVWR greater than 14,500 pounds), Type B, Type C, and Type D shall be equivalent in strength and durability to pressed steel channel at least 3/16 inches thick and not less than 8 inches wide (high). It shall extend beyond the forward-most part of the body, grille, hood and fenders and shall extend to the outer edges of the fenders at the bumper’s top line. Type A buses having a GVWR of 14,500 pounds or less may be equipped with an OEM-supplied front 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 intended to be 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.

C. The front bumper, except breakaway bumper ends, shall be of sufficient strength to permit pushing a vehicle of equal gross vehicle weight, per Section B, without permanent distortion to the bumper, chassis or body.

D. 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 hooks/eyes. For the purpose of meeting this specification, the bus shall be empty and positioned on a level, hard surface and both tow hooks/eyes shall share the load equally.

BUMPER: REAR

A. The bumper on Type A-1 buses shall be a minimum of 8 inches wide (high).

Bumpers on Types A-2, B, C and D buses shall be a minimum of 9½ inches wide (high). The bumper shall be of sufficient strength to permit being pushed by another vehicle of similar size and being lifted by the bumper without permanent distortion.

B. The bumper shall wrap around the back corners of the bus. It shall extend forward at least 12 inches, measured from the rear-most point of the body at the floor line, and shall be mounted flush with the sides of the body or protected with an end panel.

C. The bumper shall be attached to the 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 or the side. It shall be designed to discourage hitching of rides by an individual.

D. The bumper shall extend at least one inch beyond the rear-most part of the body surface, measured at the floor line.

E. The bottom of the rear bumper shall not be more than 30 inches above ground level.

CERTIFICATION

The chassis manufacturer shall certify that its product meets the state’s minimum standards on items not covered by the FMVSS certification requirements of 49 CFR, Part 567, by mailing a certification statement to: Manager, School Transportation, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

COLOR

A. The school bus body shall be painted National School Bus Yellow (NSBY). (See

APPENDIX.)

B. The body exterior trim, as defined by individual states, shall be black.

C. Except for the vertical portion of the front and rear roof caps, the roof of the bus may be painted white. (See illustration in APPENDIX, Placement of Retroreflective Markings.)

D. The chassis and front bumper shall be black. Body, cowl, hood and fenders shall be in National School Bus Yellow (NSBY). The flat top surface of the hood may be non-reflective black or NSBY. (See APPENDIX.)

E. Wheels may be silver, gray, white, yellow or black.

CONSTRUCTION

A. 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±2 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. When the minimum load has been applied, the penetration of the loading cylinder into the passenger compartment shall not exceed 10 inches from its original point of contact. There can be no separation of lapped panels or construction joints. Punctures, tears or breaks in the external panels are acceptable but are not permitted on any adjacent interior panel. Body companies shall certify compliance with this intrusion requirement, and include test results, as requested.

B. Construction shall be reasonably dust-proof and watertight.

CROSSING CONTROL ARM

A. Every school bus that has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than ten thousand pounds, has the engine mounted entirely in front of the windshield, has the entrance door behind the front wheels and is used for the transportation of children, shall be equipped with a crossing control arm. The crossing control arm, when activated, shall extend a minimum of 5 feet, 6 inches from the face of the front bumper. The crossing control arm shall be attached to the right side of the front bumper and shall be activated by the same controls that activate the mechanical and electrical signaling devices. All crossing control arms installed as optional equipment on other types of school buses must comply with the specifications and requirements of this section.

B. The crossing control arm, when opened, shall extend in a line parallel with the body side and shall be positioned on a line with the right side wheels.

C. All components of the crossing control arm and all connections shall be weatherproofed.

D. The crossing control arm shall incorporate system connectors (electrical, vacuum or air) at the gate and shall be easily removable to allow for towing of the bus.

E. The crossing control arm shall be constructed of noncorrosive or nonferrous material or treated in accordance with the body sheet-metal specification. (See Metal Treatment.)

F. There shall be no sharp edges or projections that could cause hazard or injury to students.

G. The crossing control arm shall extend simultaneously with the stop arms by means of the stop arms controls.

H. An automatic recycling interrupt switch should be installed for temporary disabling of the crossing control arm.

I. The assembly shall include a device attached to the bumper near the end of the arm to automatically retain the arm while in the stowed position. That device shall not interfere with normal operations of the crossing control arm.

DEFROSTERS

A. Defrosting and defogging equipment shall direct a sufficient flow of heated air onto the windshield, the window to the left of the driver and the glass in the viewing area directly to the right of the driver to eliminate frost, fog and snow.

(Exception: The requirements of this standard do not apply to the exterior surfaces of double pane storm windows.)

B. The defrosting system shall conform to SAE J381, Windshield Defrosting

Systems Test Procedure and Performance Requirements—Trucks, Buses, and Multipurpose Vehicles.

C. The defroster and defogging system shall be capable of furnishing heated, outside ambient air, except that the part of the system furnishing additional air to the windshield, entrance door and stepwell may be the re-circulating air type.

D. Auxiliary fans are not considered defrosting or defogging systems.

E. Portable heaters shall not be used.

DOORS

A. The entrance door shall be under the driver’s control, designed to afford easy release and to provide a positive latching device on manual operating doors to prevent accidental opening. When a hand lever is used, no part shall come together that will shear or crush fingers. 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% grade, both uphill and downhill.

B. The primary entrance door shall be located on the right side of the bus, opposite and within direct view of the driver.

1. In addition, 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.

2. Buses equipped with a left side entrance shall have a mirror mounted in the upper right corner of the interior of the bus so as to provide a clear view of the left side entrance door and stepwell.

3. All buses equipped with left side service door shall have rear exiting exhaust.

C. The entrance door shall have a minimum horizontal opening of 24 inches and a minimum vertical opening of 68 inches.

D. The entrance door shall be a split-type door and shall open outward.

E. All entrance door glass shall be approved safety glass. The bottom of each lower glass panel shall be not more than 10 inches from the top surface of the bottom step. The top of each upper glass panel when viewed from the interior shall be not more than 3 inches below the interior door control cover or header pad.

F. Vertical closing edges on entrance doors shall be equipped with flexible material.

G. All door openings shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of the opening.

Padding shall be at least three inches wide and one inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening.

H. On power-operated entrance doors, the emergency release valve, switch or device to release the entrance door must be placed above or to the immediate left or immediate right of the entrance door and must be clearly labeled. The emergency release valve, switch or device shall work in the absence of power.

DRIVE SHAFT

The drive shaft shall be protected by a metal guard or guards around the circumference of the drive shaft to reduce the possibility of its whipping through the floor or dropping to the ground, if broken.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

A. Battery

1. 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. Higher capacities may be required, depending upon optional equipment and local environmental conditions.

2. The manufacturer shall securely attach the battery on a slide-out or swing-out 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 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.

3. All batteries are to be secured in a sliding tray except that on van conversion or cutaway front-section chassis, battery may be secured under front hood 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.

4. 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.

B. Alternator

1. All Type A and Type B buses with a GVWR of 15,000 pounds 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.

2. All buses over 15,000 pounds GVWR shall be equipped with a heavy-duty truck-or bus-type alternator having a minimum output rating of 200 amps or higher, and should produce a minimum current output of 50 percent of the rating at engine idle speed.

3. All other buses than those described in B1 equipped with an electrically powered wheelchair lift and/or air conditioning shall have a minimum alternator 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.

4. A belt-driven alternator shall be capable of handling the rated capacity of the alternator with no detrimental effect on any other driven components. (For estimating required alternator capacity, see School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council’s publication, “School Bus Technical Reference,” available at http://www.nasdpts.org.)

5. A direct/gear-drive alternator is permissible in lieu of a belt-driven alternator.

C. Electrical Components

Materials in all electrical components shall contain no mercury.

D. Wiring, Chassis

1. All wiring shall conform to current applicable recommended practices of the

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). All wiring shall use color and at least one other method for 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.

2. The chassis manufacturer of an incomplete vehicle shall install a readily accessible terminal strip or connector 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 connector shall contain the following terminals for the body connections:

a. Main 100-amp body circuit;

b. Tail lamps;

c. Right turn signal;

d. Left turn signal;

e. Stop lamps;

f. Back-up lamps; and

g. Instrument panel lamps (controlled by dimmer switch).

3. 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.

4. Wiring for the headlamp system must be separate from the electronic controlled body solenoid/module.

E. Wiring, Body

1. All wiring shall conform to current applicable SAE recommended practices.

2. All wiring shall have an amperage capacity exceeding the design load by at least 25%. All wiring splices are to be accessible and noted as splices on the wiring diagram.

3. A body wiring diagram, sized to be easily read, shall be furnished with each bus body or affixed to an area convenient to the electrical accessory control panel.

4. The body power wire shall be attached to a special terminal on the chassis.

5. Each wire passing through metal openings shall be protected by a grommet.

6. Wires not enclosed within the body shall be fastened securely at intervals of not more than 18 inches. All joints shall be soldered or joined by equally effective connectors, which shall be water-resistant and corrosion-resistant.

7. Wiring shall be arranged in circuits, as required, with each circuit protected by a fuse breaker 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 shall include any changes to wiring made by the body manufacturer.

Chassis wiring diagrams shall be supplied to the end user. 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 J1128, Low-Tension Primary Cable.

8. Wiring shall be arranged in at least six regular circuits, as follows:

a. Head, tail, stop (brake), clearance and instrument panel lamps;

b. Step well lamps shall be actuated when the entrance door is open;

c. Dome lamps;

d. Ignition and emergency door signal;

e. Turn signal lamps; and

f. Alternately flashing signal lamps.

9. Any of the above combination circuits may be subdivided into additional independent circuits.

10. Heaters and defrosters shall be wired on an independent circuit.

11. Whenever possible, all other electrical functions (such as sanders and electric- type windshield wipers) shall be provided with independent and properly protected circuits.

12. Each body circuit shall be coded by number or letter on a diagram of circuits and shall be attached to the body in a readily accessible location.

F. Buses may be equipped with a 12-volt power port in the driver’s area.

G. There shall be a manual noise suppression switch 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.

H. The entire electrical system of the body shall be designed for the same voltage as the chassis on which the body is mounted.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

A. Fire extinguisher

1. The bus shall be equipped with at least one UL-approved pressurized dry chemical fire extinguisher. The extinguisher shall be secured in a mounted bracket, located in the driver’s compartment and readily accessible to the driver and passengers. A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the extinguisher and shall be easily read without moving the extinguisher from its mounted position.

2. The fire extinguisher shall have a rating of 2-A:10-BC or greater. The operating mechanism shall be secured with a type of seal that will not interfere with the use of the fire extinguisher.

B. First-aid kit

1. The bus shall have a removable, moisture-proof and dustproof first-aid kit in an accessible place in the driver’s compartment. It shall be mounted and identified as a first-aid kit. The location for the first-aid kit shall be marked.

2. Suggested contents include:

2 ― 1 inch by 2 and 1/2 yards of adhesive tape rolls 24 ― sterile gauze pads, 3 inches by 3 inches 100 ― 3/4-inch by 3-inches adhesive bandages 8 ― 2-inch bandage compress 10 ― 3-inch bandage compress 2 ― 2-inch by 6-feet sterile gauze roller bandages 2 ― non-sterile triangular bandages, minimum 39-by-35-by-54 inches, with two safety pins 3 ― sterile gauze pads 36 inches by 36 inches 3 ― sterile eye pads 1 ― rounded-end scissors 1 ― pair of medical examination gloves 1 ― mouth-to-mouth airway

C. Body fluid cleanup kit

1. Each bus shall have a removable and moisture-proof body fluid cleanup kit accessible to the driver. It shall be mounted and identified as a body fluid cleanup kit.

2. Suggested contents include:

1 ― 2 ounces infectious liquids spill-control powder 1 ― odor mask 1 ― pair latex gloves 4 ― antiseptic wipes 2 ― paper crepe towels 1 ― plastic scraper 1 ― plastic disposal bag with scoop and tie 1 ― other OSHA-required bloodborne pathogen protection, such as a protection gown and cap, goggles, red biohazard bags with ties or a special decal (red with black print)

1 ― printed instructions for use of kit contents

D. Warning devices

Each school bus shall contain at least three retroreflective triangle road-warning devices that meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 125, Warning Devices. They shall be mounted in an accessible place.

E. Any piece of emergency equipment may be mounted in an enclosed compartment, provided the compartment is labeled with letters not less than 1 inch tall that identify each piece of equipment contained therein.

EMERGENCY EXITS

A. Any installed emergency exit 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.

B. Emergency window requirements

1. The rear emergency window shall have a lifting assistance device that will aid in lifting and holding the rear emergency window open.

2. 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 a stop arm.

C. Emergency door requirements

1. The upper portion of the emergency door shall be equipped with approved safety glazing, the exposed area of which shall be at least 400 square inches.

The lower portion of the rear emergency door on Types A-2, B, C and D vehicles shall be equipped with a minimum of 350 square inches of approved safety glazing. If equipped with a single piece of glazing there shall be a minimum of 750 square inches of approved safety glazing.

2. There shall be no steps leading to an emergency door.

3. Padding shall be affixed to the top edge of each emergency door opening.

Padding shall be at least three inches wide and one inch thick and shall extend the full width of the door opening.

4. 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.

5. In addition to the audible warning required on emergency doors by FMVSS

217, additional emergency exits shall also be equipped with audible warning devices.

D. Emergency exit requirements: The use of the following tables is to determine the required number and types of emergency exits to comply with this specification, based on the bus manufacturer’s equipped seating capacity.

1. Use Table 1 if the bus contains a rear emergency door, or

2. Use Table 2 if the bus contains a rear pushout emergency window and a left side emergency door, as required by FMVSS No. 217 for school buses without a rear emergency door.

3. When using either Table 1 or Table 2:

a. Enter the Table at the appropriate capacity and select the desired row from the options for that capacity.

b. 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.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

A. The exhaust pipe, after-treatment system, and tailpipe shall be outside the bus body compartment and shall be attached to the chassis so any other chassis component is not damaged.

B. The tailpipe and after-treatment system shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant tubing material at least equal in strength and durability to 16-gauge steel tubing of equal diameter.

C. The tailpipe may be flush with, or 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.

D. 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. All buses equipped with a left side service door shall have rear exiting exhaust.

E. The exhaust system shall be insulated in a manner to prevent any damage to any fuel system component.

F. 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.

G. For after treatment systems that require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet federally mandated emissions:

1. The composition of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) must comply with

International Standard ISO 22241-1. Refer to engine manufacturer for any additional DEF requirements.

2. The DEF supply tank shall be sized to meet a minimum ratio of 3 diesel fills to 1 DEF fill.

FENDERS: FRONT

A. When measured at the fender line, the total spread of the outer edges of front fenders shall exceed the total spread of front tires when front wheels are in a straight-ahead position.

B. Front fenders shall be properly braced and shall not require attachment to any part of the body.

FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS (OPTIONAL)

A. The chassis manufacturer may provide an automatic fire extinguisher system in the engine compartment.

B. Fire suppression system nozzles shall be located in the engine compartment, under the bus, in the electrical panel or under the dash, but they shall not be located in the passenger compartment. The system must include a lamp or buzzer to alert the driver that the system has been activated.

FLOORS

A. The floor in the under-seat area, including tops of wheel housings, driver’s compartment and toeboard, shall be covered with an elastomer floor covering, having a minimum overall thickness of .125 inch and a calculated burn rate of 0.1 mm per minute or less, using the test methods, procedures and formulas listed in FMVSS No. 302, Flammability of Interior Materials. The driver’s area and toeboard area in all Type-A buses may be manufacturer’s standard flooring and floor covering.

B. The floor covering in the aisles shall be ribbed or other raised pattern elastomer and have a calculated burn rate of 0.1 mm per minute or less using the test methods, procedures and formulas listed in FMVSS No. 302. Minimum overall thickness shall be .187 inch measured from tops of ribs.

C. The floor covering must be permanently bonded to the floor and must not crack when subjected to sudden changes in temperature. Bonding or adhesive material shall be waterproof and shall be a type recommended by the manufacturer of floor-covering material. All seams shall be sealed with waterproof sealer.

D. On Types B, C and D buses, a flush-mounted, screw-down plate that is secured and sealed shall be provided to access the diesel or gasoline fuel tank sending unit and/or fuel pump. This plate shall not be installed under flooring material.

FRAME

A. Frame lengths shall be established in accordance with the design criteria for the complete vehicle.

B. Making 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.

C. Frames shall not be modified for the purpose of extending the wheel base.

D. 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.

FUEL SYSTEM

A. Fuel tank(s) having a minimum 25-gallon capacity shall be provided by the chassis manufacturer. Each tank shall be filled from and vented to the outside of the passenger compartment, and each fuel filler should be placed in a location where accidental fuel spillage will not drip or drain on any part of the exhaust system.

B. The fuel system shall comply with FMVSS No. 301, Fuel System Integrity.

C. 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.

D. The actual draw capacity of each fuel tank shall be a minimum of 83 percent of the tank capacity.

E. 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.

F. Installation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks shall comply with National

Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.

G. Installation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) containers shall comply with FMVSS No. 304, Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Container Integrity.

H. The CNG Fuel System shall comply with FMVSS No. 303, Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles.

GOVERNOR

An electronic engine speed limiter shall be provided and set to limit engine speed, not to exceed the maximum revolutions per minute, as recommended by the engine manufacturer.

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.

HEATING SYSTEM, PROVISION FOR

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.)

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

A. Heating System

1. The heater type shall be hot water combustion, electric heating element, or heat pump.

2. If only one heater is used, it shall be fresh-air or combination fresh-air and recirculation type.

3. If more than one heater is used, additional heaters may be re-circulating air type.

4. The heating system shall be capable of maintaining bus interior temperatures, as specified in test procedure SAE J2233.

5. Auxiliary fuel-fired heating systems are permitted, provided they comply with the following:

a. The auxiliary heating system shall utilize the same type fuel as specified for the vehicle engine;

b. The heater(s) may be direct, hot air-type or may be connected to the engine coolant system;

c. An auxiliary heating system, when connected to the engine coolant system, may be used to preheat the engine coolant or preheat and add supplementary heat to the heating system;

d. Auxiliary heating systems must be installed pursuant to the manufacturer’s recommendations and shall not direct exhaust in such a manner that will endanger bus passengers;

e. All combustion heaters shall be in compliance with current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations;

f. The auxiliary heating system shall require low voltage.

g. Auxiliary heating systems shall comply with FMVSS No. 301, Fuel System Integrity, and all other applicable FMVSS’s, as well as with SAE test procedures.

6. All forced-air heaters installed by body manufacturers shall bear a name plate that indicates the heater rating in accordance with SBMTC-001, Standard Code for Testing and Rating Automotive Bus Hot Water Heating and Ventilating Equipment. The plate shall be affixed by the heater manufacturer and shall constitute certification that the heater performance is as shown on the plate.

7. 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 any sharp edges and shall not interfere with or restrict the operation of any engine function. Heater hoses shall conform to SAE J20c, Coolant System Hoses.

Heater lines, cores, and elements on the interior of the bus shall be shielded to prevent scalding or burning of the driver or passengers.

8. Each hot water system installed by a body manufacturer shall include one shutoff 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 Types A and B buses the valves may be installed in another accessible location.

9. All heaters of hot water type in the passenger compartment shall be equipped with a device, installed in the hot water pressure line, which regulates the water flow to all passenger heaters. The device shall be conveniently operated by the driver while seated. The driver and passenger heaters may operate independently of each other for maximum comfort.

10. Accessible bleeder valves for removing air from the heater shall be installed in an appropriate place in the return lines of body company-installed heater.

11. Access panels shall be provided to make heater motors, cores, elements, and fans readily accessible for service. An exterior access panel to the driver’s heater may be provided.

B. Passenger Compartment Air Conditioning (Optional)

The following specifications are applicable to all types of school buses that may be equipped with air conditioning. This section is divided into three parts. Part 1 covers performance specifications, Part 2 covers test conditions and Part 3 covers other requirements applicable to all buses.

1. Performance Specifications

a. Standard Performance

The installed air conditioning system should cool the interior of the bus from 100 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, measured at three points (minimum) located four feet above the floor on the longitudinal centerline of the bus. The three required points shall be: (1) three feet above the center point of the horizontal driver seat surface, (2) at the longitudinal midpoint of the body, and (3) three feet forward of the rear emergency door or, for Type D rear engine buses, three feet forward of the end of the aisle. Note: for the Type A vehicles placement of the rear thermocouple should be centered in the bus over the rear axle. The independent temperature reading of each temperature probe inside the bus shall be within a range of +/- 3 degrees Fahrenheit of the average temperature at the conclusion of the test.

b. High Performance

The installed air conditioning system should cool the interior of the bus from 100 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, measured at three points (minimum) located four feet above the floor on the longitudinal centerline of the bus. The three required points shall be: (1) three feet above the center point of the horizontal driver seat surface, (2) at the longitudinal midpoint of the body, and (3) three feet forward of the rear emergency door or, for Type D rear engine buses, three feet forward of the end of the aisle. Note for the Type A vehicles placement of the rear thermocouple should be centered in the bus over the rear axle. The independent temperature reading of each temperature probe inside the bus shall be within a range of +/- 3 degrees Fahrenheit of the average temperature at the conclusion of the test.

2. Test Conditions

The test conditions under which the above performance standards must be achieved shall consist of (1) placing the bus in a room (such as a paint booth) where ambient temperature can be maintained at 100 degrees Fahrenheit; (2) heat-soaking the bus at 100 degrees Fahrenheit at a point measured two feet horizontally from the top of the windows on both sides of the bus, with windows open for two hours; and (3) closing windows, turning on the air conditioner with the engine running at 1250 +/- 50 RPM, and cooling the interior of the bus to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, (standard performance) or 70 degrees Fahrenheit (high performance), within 30 minutes while maintaining 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside temperature.

The manufacturer shall provide test results that show compliance with standards systems. If the bid specifies, the manufacturer shall provide facilities for the user or user’s representative to confirm that a pilot model of each bus design meets the above performance requirements.

3. Other Requirements

a. 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;

b. 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;

c. 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;

d. 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;

e. 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;

f. Electrical generating capacity shall be provided to accommodate the additional electrical demands imposed by the air conditioning system;

g. Roofs may be painted white to aid in heat dissipation (See APPENDIX);

h. Air intake for any evaporator assembly(ies), except for front evaporator of Type A-1, shall be equipped with…