No. 34956 (Repeal and Reenact): Rule R909-3. Standards for Utah School Buses  

  • (Repeal and Reenact)

    DAR File No.: 34956
    Filed: 06/20/2011 05:19:24 PM

    RULE ANALYSIS

    Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

    The purpose of this rule change is to update existing rule language governing the design and operation of school buses and eliminate duplicative regulations by incorporating the 2010 Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations with the 2010 Standards Appendix, and to enact regulations governing the placement of advertisements on school buses.

    Summary of the rule or change:

    This change incorporates portions of the 2010 edition of the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations and Appendix, repeals duplicative regulations, and adds provisions required by Section 41-6a-1309 regulating the placement and size of advertisements on school buses. There are no substantive differences between the repealed rule and the incorporated portion of the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations and Appendix which are incorporated into the reenacted rule.

    State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

    This rule or change incorporates by reference the following material:

    • Updates Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations and Appendix, published by Utah State Office of Education, 11/15/2010
    • Adds Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 2010 Edition, Appendix, Utah Specific - Glossary, published by Utah State Office of Education, 11/15/2010

    Anticipated cost or savings to:

    the state budget:

    There are no anticipated costs or savings to the state budget because the rule incorporates existing standards, eliminates duplicative regulations, and adds regulations for advertising on school buses.

    local governments:

    There are no anticipated costs or savings to local government because the rule incorporates existing standards, eliminates duplicative regulations, and adds regulations for advertising on school buses.

    small businesses:

    There are no anticipated costs or savings to small business because the rule incorporates existing standards, eliminates duplicative regulations, and adds regulations for advertising on school buses.

    persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

    There are no anticipated costs or savings to persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government because the rule incorporates existing standards, eliminates duplicative regulations, and adds regulations for advertising on school buses.

    Compliance costs for affected persons:

    There are no anticipated compliance costs for affected persons because the rule incorporates existing standards, eliminates duplicative regulations, and adds regulations for advertising on school buses.

    Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

    There are no anticipated fiscal impacts to businesses because the rule incorporates existing standards, eliminates duplicative regulations, and adds regulations for advertising on school buses.

    John Njord, Executive Director

    The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

    Transportation
    Motor Carrier
    4501 S 2700 W
    SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84119-5998

    Direct questions regarding this rule to:

    Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

    08/15/2011

    This rule may become effective on:

    08/22/2011

    Authorized by:

    John Njord, Executive Director

    RULE TEXT

    R909. Transportation, Motor Carrier.

    R909-3. Standards for Utah School Buses.

    [ R909-3-1. Scope and Objectives.

    (1) This document sets forth requirements for the design, construction, and operation of all school buses utilized, whether owned or leased by any school district, or privately owned and operated under contract with any school district. Local school districts and private schools have the responsibility for developing the specifications for and the procurement of school buses used in their pupil transportation programs and shall insure that their vehicles meet or exceed the standards contained herein. School districts are encouraged to specify requirements in excess of the standards whenever such action will enhance their transportation programs. Any additions of school bus equipment or alterations in the bus construction and operations not provided for in the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition are prohibited without prior approval as outlined in Part H entitled "Exemption from or Modification of Requirements".

    (2) Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition replaces the 1987 Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations. These standards will be effective August 31, 1994. All school buses ordered after the effective date and all school bus operators shall meet these standards. This document is intended to provide standards that meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards now in effect. Federal standards and Utah Motor Vehicle laws shall govern instances not specifically covered in these standards.

    (3) Pupil transportation vehicles ordered before January 1, 1994 shall meet or exceed the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations applicable at the time of order placement.

     

    R909-3-2. Authority.

    (1) These standards are issued under authority of Title 41 of the Utah Code Annotated which deals with the Utah State Department of Transportation. This statute, at 41-6a-1304, states "...The Department of Transportation by and with the advice of the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Safety shall adopt and enforce regulations not inconsistent with this chapter to govern the design and operation of all school buses 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 said regulations."

    (2) Regulations contained herein are applicable to public schools and all operations under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education. For standards or regulations applicable to private schools, refer to the Utah Code or regulations adopted by the Department of Transportation through Utah's Rule Making Act and published as a separate document.

     

    R909-3-3. Responsibilities of Suppliers.

    (1) School bus chassis and/or body dealers, distributors, and manufacturers must comply with the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition. The bidder agrees to certify that the vehicle meets or exceeds all federal and state standards upon delivery of the vehicle.

    (2) Certification: All manufacturers of school bus chassis, bodies, or complete buses desiring to supply such equipment for use in the State of Utah, shall provide the Pupil Transportation Specialist, Utah State Office of Education, and the Division of Safety, Utah Department of Transportation, with a certification that their products, identified by specific model numbers, meet or exceed all requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition. This certification must be accomplished before any equipment is supplied in the state and not later than February 1 of each succeeding calendar year. Manufacturers shall also provide such test data or other information necessary to substantiate their claim of compliance. Required supporting data are listed below:

    (a) Supporting data for certification of school bus chassis shall include at least the following information, but may be supplemented with additional information if offered by the supplier or if requested by the purchaser:

    (i) Manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating.

    (ii) Chassis weight, overall dimensions, and location of the center of gravity.

    (iii) Engine performance curves (horse power torque vs. speed in revolutions per minute).

    (iv) Power and gradient curves (with representative bus bodies).

    (v) Exhaust system noise level.

    (vi) Engine emission levels.

    (vii) Axle capacities.

    (viii) Spring capacities.

    (ix) Brake system parameters or stopping distance vs. speed (with representative bus bodies).

    (x) Horn noise level.

    (xi) Temperature and quantity of hot water available for use in heating system.

    (xii) Alternator output at the normal operating speed of the engine and at the engine manufacturer's recommended idle speed.

    (xiii) Supporting data for certification of school bus bodies shall include, but not be limited to:

    (A) Body dimensions, weights, and location of the center of gravity.

    (B) Data from crash-worthiness tests conducted in accordance with Appendix 1. (Manufacturers will attach certification plate signifying vehicle compliance with Colorado Rack Test.)

    (C) Data to verify compliance with the passenger seat cushion retention requirements as contained in FMVSS.

    (D) Data to verify compliance with the passenger seat attachment strength requirements as contained in FMVSS.

    (b) All certifications and supporting data shall be sent to the Pupil Transportation Specialist, Utah State Office of Education, 250 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, and Safety Regulations Administrator, U.D.O.T., Office of Motor Carriers, 4501 South 2700 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

    (c) A list of the certified bus manufacturers will be provided to the districts by March 1st each year.

    (3) Delivery Requirements: The school bus manufacturer shall provide the following materials for the purchaser of a new school bus at the time the purchaser takes possession of the bus:

    (a) Line set tickets for each individual unit of the bus, and a separate set of tickets for buses manufactured in two parts.

    (b) A copy of the pre-delivery service performed and verified by a checkout form for each individual unit.

    (c) Warranty book and statement of warranty for each individual unit. All warranties shall commence on the day that the purchaser takes possession of the completed bus.

    (d) Service manual for each individual unit or group of identical units.

    (e) Parts manual for each individual unit or group of identical units.

    (4) Inspection and acceptance testing of new school buses: Not more than 30 days following delivery of any new school bus to a Utah school district, it shall be inspected by the Safety Inspection Office of the Utah Highway Patrol. Prior to any new school bus being placed into service, it shall be inspected and tested by a certified mechanic to verify conformance with these standards.

    (a) Tests that will be conducted during the acceptance inspection of a school bus shall include, at a minimum:

    (i) Inventory of required safety features including district specifications.

    (ii) Functions tests of all lamps and signals, emergency braking system, horn, and other operating systems.

    (b) Failure to satisfy all requirements of the standards shall result in either the bus being given a provisional approval until the manufacturer brings the vehicle up to standards, an exemption from the subject requirement requested (See Part H), or the vehicle will be deadlined pending compliance. A provisional approval shall not be for more than 90 consecutive days. Failure to bring the bus up to standards or apply for an exemption during the provisional period shall result in the bus being deadlined.

    (5) Body-On-Chassis Type School Bus: In case a school district elects to contract with one of two or more manufacturers who then subcontracts with the other manufacturers, it shall be the responsibility of the end supplier, as prime contractor, to assure that the completed bus satisfies both the chassis and body requirements.

    (6) Notice of Noncompliance: Dealers, distributors, or manufacturers who supply school transportation vehicles in the State of Utah that do not comply with the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition shall be notified of noncompliance and a general notice will be sent to all school districts and school transportation supervisors within the state advising that equipment supplied by the specified dealer, distributor, or manufacturer is not in compliance with Utah standards.

    (7) If a dealer, distributor, or manufacturer has been notified of noncompliance in accordance with paragraph 3.06 and replaces or modifies the equipment to make it comply with the Utah Standards, a notice of compliance will be issued within 30 days after proof of compliance.

    (8) School bus manufacturers shall be given at least 90 days notification of any changes in the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition.

     

    R909-3-4. Definitions.

    (1) School bus designations used in this document are taken from the Ninth National Minimum Standards Conference on School Transportation (1980). It should be noted vehicles with a capacity for less than ten passengers cannot be certified as school buses under federal regulations.

    (2) School Bus means every motor vehicle designed to carry more than ten persons and is used to transport school children to or from school or in connection with related activities. This definition does not include vehicles that only carry school children along with other passengers as part of the operation of a common carrier under the jurisdiction of the Utah Department of Transportation or Public Service Commission or those vehicles in informal or intermittent arrangements such as sharing of actual gasoline expense or participation in a car pool for the transportation of children to or from school or other school activity. Nor does this definition include "tour" type buses, whether owned, leased, or chartered by a school district solely for the purpose of transporting school children to and from non-academic events.

    (3) TYPE A - A Type "A" school bus is a conversion or body constructed upon a van-type compact truck or a front-section vehicle, with a gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, designed for carrying more than ten persons.

    (4) TYPE B - A Type "B" school bus is a conversion or body constructed and installed upon a van or front-section vehicle chassis, or stripped chassis, with a vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, designed for carrying more than ten persons. Part of the engine is beneath and/or behind the windshield and beside the driver's seat. The entrance door is behind the front wheels.

    (5) TYPE C - A Type "C" school bus is a body installed upon a flat back cowl chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, designed for carrying more than ten persons. All of the engine is in front of the windshield and the entrance door is behind the front wheels.

    (6) TYPE D - A Type "D" school bus is a body installed upon a chassis, with the engine mounted in the front, midships, or rear, with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, designed for carrying more than ten persons. The engine may be behind the windshield and beside the driver's seat; it may be at the rear of the bus, behind the rear wheels, or midships between the front and rear axles. The entrance door is ahead of the front wheels.

    (7) Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MP) means every motor vehicle with ten or less passenger positions (including the driver) and cannot be certified as a bus. (In determining passenger capacity, wheelchair positions are counted as passenger positions.) Although a school entity may use such a vehicle as station wagon, full-sized sedan, small van of non-school bus capacity, etc., to transport pupils to and from school or related events, the vehicle shall not be identified as a school bus (including color) and shall not stop or control traffic on the traveled portion of the roadway to load or unload passengers.

     

    R909-3-5. Chassis Requirements.

    (1) Air Cleaner

    (a) The engine intake air system shall be furnished and properly installed by the chassis manufacturer to meet engine manufacturers' specifications.

    (b) The intake air system for diesel engines may have an air cleaner restriction indicator properly installed by the chassis manufacturer to meet engine specifications.

    (2) Axles

    (a) Weight distribution of fully loaded bus on level surface shall not exceed the manufacturer's front gross axle weight rating and rear gross axle weight rating.

    (b) The front and rear ends, including suspension assemblies, shall have a gross axle weight rating at ground, at least equal to that portion of the load as would be imposed by the chassis manufacturer's maximum gross vehicle weight rating.

    (c) Two-speed rear axles are permissible, but if used, provisions shall be made to assure that the parking and emergency brake systems operate directly upon the rear axles or wheels and not upon the driveshaft.

    (3) Block Heater

    (a) Buses furnished with diesel engines must have an engine block heater, 110 volt minimum 700 watt with 400 CID or less engine and minimum 1000 watt for engines over 400 CID. They shall also be furnished with an ether/propane quick starting aid that is thermostatically controlled and pre-shot measurement type. (Exception: Diesel engines that are equipped with glow plug or air intake starting systems.)

    (4) Brake Systems

    (a) All buses larger than 49 passenger capacity (including driver) or furnished with a two-speed axle must be equipped with air brakes. Automatic slack adjusters shall be required on all air-brake equipped buses following adoption of this edition of the Standards.

    (b) If the bus is equipped with a two-speed rear axle, the parking brake system shall operate directly upon the rear axle or wheels such that the parking brake system will not be disconnected from the wheels when the rear axle is in the neutral position. (Drive shaft brakes do not meet this requirement.)

    (c) Vacuum Assist Systems:

    (i) A gauge giving the value of the vacuum in the reservoir, in inches of mercury, shall be located in clear view of the driver.

    (ii) An audible and visual signal shall be provided to warn the driver in case the vacuum in the reservoir is eight inches of mercury or less.

    (d) Air Brake Systems:

    (i) The compressor used in an air brake system shall be a minimum of 12 cubic feet and be driven by the engine.

    (ii) Reservoir(s) shall be a minimum combined capacity of 3,750 cubic inches, except Type D buses for which the capacity shall be 4,500 cubic inches.

    (A). There shall be a manually operated or an automatic condensation drain valve in each reservoir. If an automatic valve(s) is used it must be heated to prevent freezing.

    (B). There shall be a safety valve installed in the first reservoir, which shall be set to release pressure should the reservoir pressure exceed 150 psi.

    (iii) All tubing and hoses used in the air brake systems shall conform to applicable SAE standards and shall be installed so as to be protected against excessive heat and to accommodate the normal vibrations and motions of the vehicle without damage.

    (iv) The low pressure warning signal shall be both audible and visual.

    (v) Buses using air or vacuum in the operation of the brake system shall be equipped with warning signals, readily audible and visible to the driver, that will give a continuous warning when the air pressure available in the system for braking is 60 pounds per square inch (psi) or less or the vacuum in the system available for braking is eight (8) inches of mercury or less. An illuminated gauge shall be provided that will indicate to the driver the air pressure in pounds per square inch or the vacuum available for the operation of the brakes as shown in inches of mercury. Type A buses: Manufacturers' standards.

    (A). Vacuum-assist brake systems shall have a reservoir used exclusively for brakes that shall be adequate to ensure against loss in vacuum at full stroke application if not more than 30 percent with the engine not running. Brake system on gas-powered buses shall include suitable and convenient connections for the installation of a separate vacuum reservoir.

    (B). Any brake system dry reservoir shall be so safeguarded by a check valve or equivalent device, that in the event of failure or leakage in its connection to the source of compressed air or vacuum, the stored dry air or vacuum shall not be depleted by the leakage or failure.

    (vi) Buses using a hydraulic-assist brake system shall be equipped with warning signals, readily audible and visible to the driver, that will provide continuous warning in the event of a loss of fluid flow from primary source or loss of electric source powering the back-up system. Type A buses: Manufacturers' standards.

    (vii) The brake lines and booster-assist lines shall be protected from excessive heat and vibration and shall be installed in a manner that prevents chafing.

    (viii) Air Dryer (optional): If required, shall be compatible with the air compressor. The expello valve of the air dryer shall be heated to prevent freezing.

    (iv) Anti-lock braking systems, meeting manufacturers' standards, are approved optional equipment.

    (e) Parking Brake System: The school bus shall at all times be equipped with a parking brake system adequate to hold the vehicle or combination on any grade on which it is operated under any condition of loading on a surface free from ice and snow.

    (f) All brake systems should be designed to permit visual inspection of brake lining wear without removal of any chassis components.

    (5) Cooling System

    (a) The engine cooling system radiator shall be of sufficient capacity to cool the engine at all speeds in all gears. It shall be of heavy duty type with increased capacity for high altitude operation. A coolant recovery or surge tank system is required on all type A, B, C, and D buses.

    (b) The cooling system fan shall be of heavy duty design and shall include a fan clutch.

    (c) The cooling system shall be equipped with a heavy duty truck type water pump.

    (d) Permanent ethylene-glycol base antifreeze shall be provided by the chassis manufacturer to protect the cooling system to at least 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.

    (e) When a chassis is equipped with an automatic transmission, a heavy duty cooling system with increased capacity in the radiator, fan, transmission cooler, and other necessary components to provide for the additional cooling required by the automatic transmission shall be furnished.

    (f) Shutters (optional): Radiator shutters, when required, shall be air, hydraulic, or vacuum operated and shall be of the shutter-stat temperature control type. A petcock shall be furnished at the air or vacuum supply to shut off supply from air or vacuum source.

    (6) Bumper, Front

    (a) Energy-absorbing bumpers are not permitted.

    (b) Front bumper shall be furnished by chassis manufacturer as part of the chassis on type A, B, and C buses. When type D chassis are supplied to a body company by a chassis manufacturer, the body company shall supply the front bumper as part of the body installation.

    (c) The front bumper shall be heavy-duty channel steel of one-piece construction at least 3/16-inch thick and not less than an 8-inch face after forming. (Exception: Type A vehicle at least 1/8-inch thick.)

    (d) The front bumper shall be of wrap-around design extended to offer maximum protection of fender lines without permitting snagging or hooking.

    (e) The front bumper shall be attached to the frame and extend forward of grille, head lamps, fender, or hood.

    (f) The front bumper shall permit the bus to be lifted by a vertical force applied to the bottom of the bumper without damaging either the bumper or its mountings.

    (7) Clutch

    (a) School bus chassis using manual transmission shall be equipped with a heavy-duty single-disc truck clutch with a diameter not less than the minimum dimensions given below, or a dual disc unit of similar capacity:

     

    TABLE


    10 to 30 passenger bus        11-inch diameter
    31 to 42 passenger bus        12-inch diameter
    43 passenger or larger bus    13-inch diameter

     

    (b) Clutch torque capacity shall be equal to or greater than the engine torque output.

    (8) Color

    (a) Chassis and front bumper shall be black. Hood, cowl, and fenders shall be in National School Bus Yellow. Wheels shall be the color used by manufacturers.

    (9) Drive Shaft

    (a) Drive shaft shall be protected by a metal guard or guards around circumference of the drive shaft to reduce the possibility of it whipping through the floor or dropping to the ground if broken.

    (10) Electrical System

    (a) All buses shall be equipped with at least a 12-volt electrical system.

    (b) Battery: A storage battery shall be provided which is of sufficient capacity to take care of starting the engine, lighting, signal devices, heating, and other electrical equipment and shall be compatible with the size alternator supplied with the chassis. Minimum capacities are specified below:

     

    TABLE I


    Bus Type                               Cold Cranking
                                           Amperes at 0 degrees F.

    Types A and B - gas                    515 Amperes.
    Types C and D - gas                    800 Amperes.
    Types A, B, C, D - diesel            1,000 Amperes.

     

    (c) Storage battery shall have minimum cold cranking capacity rating equal to the cranking current required for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8c) 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.

    (d) Since all batteries in Type B, C, and D buses are to be located in a sliding tray, the battery shall be temporarily mounted on the chassis frame by the chassis manufacturer.

    (e) Generator or Alternator.

    (i) Generating Unit: All school buses shall be equipped with an engine driven alternator with rectifier capable of producing the minimum current specified, and capable of producing 30 percent of its maximum rated output at the normal engine idle speed.

    (ii) The generating or alternating unit shall be driven by a dual or serpentine belt system directly from the crankshaft or a positive-driven accessory shaft of the engine. (Exception: Type A and B buses rated 14,500 lb. GVW or less.)

    (iii) Type A bus shall have a minimum 65 ampere hour alternator; type B bus rated over 15,000 lb. GVW shall be equipped with a heavy duty truck or bus type alternator meeting SAE J 180, having minimum output rating of 100 amperes; type B buses rated at 14,500 GVW or less shall have an alternator rated at 80 amperes; type C bus alternators shall have a rating of 120 amperes; type D bus alternators shall have a rating of 160 amperes.

    (iv) Type B, C, and D buses rated at 15,000 lb GVW or more, shall have a generator or alternator with a minimum charging rate of 30 amperes at manufacturer's recommended engine idle speed (12 volt system), and shall be ventilated and voltage controlled and, if necessary, current controlled.

    (v) Type A, B, C, and D buses equipped with an electrical power lift shall have a minimum 100 ampere hour alternator.

    (vi) A direct-drive generator or alternator is permissible in lieu of belt drive. Belt drive shall be capable of handling the rated capacity of the generator or alternator with no detrimental effect on other driven components.

    (f) Regulator. The regulator(s) shall be of a fully solid-state design.

    (g) Wiring.

    (i) The engine and frame shall be electrically interconnected by a bonding strap of adequate size to assure proper functioning of the electrical system.

    (ii) All wiring shall conform to current applicable recommended practices of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

    (iii) All wiring shall use a standard color and number coding. Each chassis shall be delivered with a wiring diagram that coincides with the wiring of the chassis.

    (iv) Chassis manufacturer shall install a readily accessible terminal strip or plug on the body side of the cowl, or at an accessible location in the engine compartment of vehicles designed without a cowl, that 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.

    (G) Instrument panel lights (rheostat controlled by headlamp switch).

    (v) Circuits.

    (A) An appropriate identifying diagram (color and number coded) for electrical circuits shall be provided to the body manufacturer for distribution to the end user.

    (vi) Engine Fire Extinguishers.

    (A) Manufacturer may provide an automatic fire extinguisher system in the engine compartment on gasoline-powered lift buses.

    (11) Exhaust System

    (a) Exhaust pipe, muffler, and tailpipe shall be outside bus body compartment and attached to chassis.

    (b) Tailpipe shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant tubing material at least equal in strength and durability to 16-gauge steel.

    (c) Tailpipe may (a) extend beyond rear axle and extend beyond outer shell but not beyond the bumper, and be mounted outside of chassis frame rail at end point, or (b) extend to the left side of the bus, behind the driver's compartment outboard of chassis center line and extend to but not beyond the perimeter of the body. Type A bus is manufacturer's standard. On Type C and D buses, no exhaust pipe shall exit beneath an emergency door or fuel fill.

    (d) Exhaust system on gasoline-powered chassis shall be properly insulated from fuel tank connections by a securely attached metal shield at any point where it is twelve inches or less from tank or tank connections.

    (e) Muffler shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant material.

    (12) Fenders, Front, Type C Vehicles

    (a) Total spread of outer edges of front fenders, measured at fender line, shall exceed total spread of front tires when front wheels are in straight ahead position.

    (b) Front fenders shall be properly braced and free from any body attachments. Front fenders and hood must be tilt-away type to allow maximum access to engine compartment.

    (13) Frame and Passenger Load

    (a) Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the sum of the average chassis weight, the average body weight, the driver's weight, and total seated pupil weight. For purposes of calculation, the driver's weight is 150 pounds, and the pupil weight is 120 pounds per pupil.

    (b) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) shall not exceed the chassis manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for the chassis.

    (c) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) shall not exceed 185 pounds per published net horse-power of the engine at the manufacturer's recommended maximum revolutions per minute.

    (d) Manufacturers' gross vehicle weight ratings shall be furnished in duplicate (unless more are requested) by manufacturers to the state agency having pupil transportation jurisdiction. The State agency shall, in turn, transmit such ratings to other state agencies responsible for development or enforcement of state standards for school buses.

    (e) Chassis GVW Rating: The GVW used in design of the chassis and its frame shall be the minimum GVW calculated in Subsection 16.01 above or the next larger standard GVW rating supplied by the manufacturer.

    (f) Any secondary manufacturer that modifies the original chassis frame shall guarantee workmanship and materials used in such modification.

    (g) Any frame modification shall not be for the purpose of extending the wheelbase.

    (h) Holes in top or bottom flanges or side units of frame, and welding to frame shall not be permitted except as provided or accepted by chassis manufacturer.

    (i) Frame Construction:

    (i) Frame shall be designed to correspond with or exceed standard performance criteria for heavy-duty trucks of same general load specifications used for severe service.

    (ii) When frame side members are used, they shall be of one-piece construction; provided that if there is a necessity to extend frame side members, such extension shall be designed and furnished by chassis or body manufacturer with a guarantee and installation shall be made by either body or chassis manufacturer and guaranteed by company making the installation. Extensions of frame lengths are permissible only when such alterations are behind rear hanger of rear springs and shall not be for purpose of extending wheelbase. All such extensions shall be of sufficient material, quality, and strength to provide the same support and durability of manufacturer's standard frame side members.

    (iii) Chassis frame will extend to rear body cross member.

    (iv) Welding to frame side rails which is necessary by design to strengthen, modify, or alter basic vehicle configuration shall be performed and guaranteed by the body or chassis manufacturer making the modification.

    (14) Fuel Tank

    (a) Fuel tank or tanks of minimum 30-gallon capacity with a 25-gallon actual draw shall be provided by the chassis manufacturer for Types A, B, and C buses. Type C buses with a passenger capacity of 36 or greater shall be supplied with a 60-gallon fuel tank. All Type D buses shall be provided with a minimum 60-gallon fuel tank. The tank(s) shall be filled and vented to the outside of the body, the location of which shall be so that accidental fuel spillage will not drip or drain on any part of the exhaust system.

    (b) No portion of the fuel system that is located to the rear of the engine compartment, except the filler tube, shall extend above the top of the chassis frame rail. Fuel lines shall be mounted to obtain maximum possible protection by the chassis frame.

    (c) Fuel filter with replaceable element shall be installed between fuel tank and engine.

    (d) If a tank size other than 30-gallon is supplied, location of front of tank and filler spout must remain as specified by SBMI Design Objectives, and the draw capacity shall be 83% of the tank capacity. January 1985 edition.

    (e) The fuel tank on vehicles constructed with a power lift unit may be mounted on left chassis rail or behind rear wheels.

    (f) Auxiliary tank may be added. Installation of alternative fuel tanks shall comply with all applicable fire codes.

    (g) Fuel tank(s) may be mounted on left or right sides of frame, either to the rear of the rear axle, front of the rear axle between the wheelbase, or between the frame rails. All installations must meet FMVSS 301.

    (15) Governor

    (a) An engine governor is permissible. When it is desired to limit road speed, a road speed governor should be installed.

    (b) When engine is remotely located from driver, a governor shall be installed to limit engine speed to maximum revolutions per minute recommended by engine manufacturer, or a tachometer shall be installed so engine speed may be known to driver.

    (16) Heating System

    (a) The chassis engine shall have plugged openings for the purpose of supplying hot water for the bus heating system. The opening shall be suitable for attaching 3/4-inch pipe thread/hose connector.

    (b) The engine shall be capable of supplying water having a temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of 50 pounds per minute at the return end of 30 feet of one inch inside diameter automotive hot water heater hose.

    (17) Horn

    (a) Bus shall be equipped with dual horns of standard make with each horn capable of producing complex sound in bands of audio frequencies between 250 and 2,000 cycles per second and tested per Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J-377.

    (b) Air Horn (Optional): Air horn, if required, shall be dual-horn type under the control of the driver. The control may be pull-cable type, hand-operated dash-mounted switch, or foot operated. Air horn shall be mounted to the roof of the bus body or the chassis frame where it is protected from mud and other corrosives.

    (18) Lamps and Signals

    (a) The chassis manufacturer shall equip the front of a conventional, body-on-chassis bus with headlamps, turn signals, and side marker lamps (Types A and C).

    (b) The bus shall be equipped with at least two dual beam headlamps of the sealed beam type, with at least one headlamp on each side of the bus. The headlamps shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches or less than 24 inches when measured vertically from the center of the lamp to the level ground on which the unloaded bus stands.

    (c) The bus shall be equipped with a manually-operated dimmer switch for use by the driver in selecting either the high or low beam of the headlights.

    (d) Fog lights or driving lights are optional. If required, they shall have an operating switch that is independent of the headlight switch.

    (19) Instruments and Instrument Panel

    (a) Chassis shall be equipped with the following instruments and gauges. Lights in lieu of gauges are not acceptable except as noted. Optional instruments and gauges are identified as such.

    (i) Speedometer.

    (ii) Odometer which will give accrued mileage to seven digits including tenths of miles.

    (iii) Voltmeter

    (A) Voltmeter with graduated scale compatible with the electrical system (Type A, B, C, and D buses).

    (B) Ammeter with graduated charge and discharge with ammeter and its wiring compatible with generating capacities is permitted in lieu of voltmeter.

    (iv) Oil-pressure gauge.

    (v) Water temperature gauge.

    (vi) Fuel gauge.

    (vii) High beam headlight indicator.

    (viii) Brake indicator gauge (vacuum or air) 2-inch diameter.

    (ix) Light indicator in lieu of gauge permitted on vehicle equipped with hydraulic-over-hydraulic brake system.

    (x) Glow-plug indicator light where appropriate.

    (xi) Tachometer (optional).

    (xii) A self-cancelling directional signal switch shall be provided by the chassis manufacturer. It shall have a hazard warning switch in combination with the directional signal switch.

    (xiii) Turn-signal indicator lights.

    (xiv) Service-hour meter is optional on diesel engine-equipped buses.

    (xv) Engine warning system for low oil pressure and/or high engine temperature is optional.

    (xvi) Tachograph or on-board computer are optional.

    (b) All instruments shall be easily accessible for maintenance and repair.

    (c) Above instruments and gauges shall be full-faced and shall be mounted on the instrument panel in such a manner that each is clearly visible to the driver while in normal seated position. Instruments and gauges may be mounted individually or in "cluster" fashion. In addition, they may be independently removable or may be constructed as a solid state combined panel in which case the entire panel is removable.

    (d) Instrument panel shall have lamps of sufficient candlepower to illuminate all instruments, gauges, and shift selector indicator for automatic transmission.

    (20) Oil Filter

    (a) Oil filter of replaceable element type shall be provided and shall be connected by flexible oil lines if it is not of built-in or engine-mounted design. Oil filter shall have capacity of at least one quart.

    (21) Openings

    (a) All openings in floorboard or firewall between chassis and passenger compartment, such as for gearshift and parking brake lever, shall be sealed unless they are to be altered by the bus body manufacturer. All openings between chassis and passenger compartment made due to alterations by the bus body manufacturer will be sealed by the bus body manufacturer.

    (22) Retarder, Driveline, or Exhaust Brakes

    (a) Driveline retarders or exhaust brakes, if used, shall maintain the speed of the fully loaded school bus at 19.0 mph or 30 km/hr on a 5 per cent grade for 3.5 miles or 6 kilometers.

    (23) Shock Absorbers

    (a) Bus shall be equipped with front and rear double-action heavy-duty shock absorbers compatible with manufacturers' rated axle capacities at each wheel location.

    (24) Springs

    (a) Capacity of springs or suspension assemblies shall be commensurate with chassis manufacturers' gross vehicle weight ratings.

    (b) If rear leaf springs are used, they shall be either air or progressive type. Front or rear springs may be parabolic.

    (c) Springs or suspension assemblies shall be of ample resiliency under all load conditions and of adequate strength to sustain the loaded bus without evidence of overload.

    (d) Springs or suspension assemblies shall be designed to carry their share of the GVW.

    (e) If leaf-type springs are used, the front of the main leaf eye shall be protected by a second leaf wrapper eye (front and/or rear springs).

    (25) Steering Gear

    (a) Steering gear shall be approved by chassis manufacturer and designed to assure safe and accurate performance when vehicle is operated with maximum load and at maximum speed. All buses shall be equipped with heavy-duty, truck-type integral gear hydraulic power steering that shall assure safe and accurate performance when the fully loaded vehicle is operated at maximum speed. Hydraulic power steering is required and shall be of the integral type with integral valves.

    (b) If external adjustments are required, steering mechanism must be accessible to accomplish same.

    (c) No changes shall be made in steering apparatus that are not approved by chassis manufacturer.

    (d) There shall be clearance of at least two inches between steering wheel and cowl, instrument panel, windshield, or any other surface.

    (e) The steering mechanism shall provide for easy adjustment for lost motion.

    (f) The steering system shall be designed to provide means for lubrication of all wear-points, if wear-points are not permanently lubricated.

    (26) Tires and Wheels

    (a) Tires and wheels of proper size and tires with load rating commensurate with chassis manufacturers' gross vehicle weight ratings shall be provided.

    (b) Dual rear wheels and tires shall be provided on all school buses.

    (c) All tires on any given vehicle shall be of same size and load rating. The load range of all tires shall meet or exceed the gross axle weight rating as required by FMVSS 120.

    (d) If vehicle is equipped with a spare tire, the wheel and tire shall be of the same size and load rating as those mounted on the vehicle.

    (e) If a tire carrier is required, it shall be suitably mounted in accessible location outside the passenger compartment.

    (f) All wheels on any given vehicle shall be of same size and load rating capacity. Wheels shall be steel disc type; cast or spoke wheels are not permitted.

    (27) Tow Hooks

    (a) Two front and two rear heavy duty frame mounted tow hooks shall be furnished on all buses Types B, C, and D. Tow hooks must be attached so as not to project beyond the front or rear bumpers. The front tow hooks shall be furnished by the chassis manufacturer, and the rear tow hooks furnished by the body manufacturer on Type C buses. Front and rear tow hooks shall be furnished by the body manufacturer on Types B and D buses. The installation shall be according to manufacturers' specifications.

    (28) Transmission

    (a) The input torque capacity of the transmission shall be at least ten percent greater than the maximum net torque developed by the engine.

    (b) The transmission shall be equipped with an automatic back-up light switch for the operation of the back-up light mounted on the rear of the school bus body. The switch will be wired to the back-up light by the body manufacturer. This switch is to be activated by moving the gear shift lever into the "reverse" position.

    (c) Manual Transmission:

    (i) Manual transmission shall be of heavy-duty type. For buses with a capacity of 30 or more passengers, transmission shall have four speeds forward and one in reverse. For buses with a capacity of over 30 passengers, transmissions shall have five speeds forward and one in reverse.

    (ii) Manual transmissions shall be synchromesh or constant-mesh in all gears except first and reverse.

    (d) Automatic transmission shall provide for not less than three forward speeds and one reverse speed. The shift selector, if applicable, shall provide a detent between each gear position when the gear selector quadrant and shift selector are not steering column mounted. (Exception: Type A and B buses.)

    (29) Turning Radius

    (a) Chassis with a wheel base of 264 inches or less shall have a right and left turning radius of not more than 42.5 feet.

    (b) Chassis with a wheelbase of 265 inches or more shall have a right and left turning radius of not more than 44.5 feet.

    (30) Undercoating

    (a) Chassis manufacturer or its agent shall coat undersides of steel or metallic front fenders with rust-proofing compound for which compound manufacturers have certified to chassis builder that compound meets or exceeds all performance and qualitative requirements of paragraph 3.4 of Federal Specification TT-C-520B using modified test.

    (31) Weight Distribution

    (a) Weight distribution of fully-loaded bus on level surface shall not exceed the manufacturer's front gross axle rating and rear gross axle rating.

     

    R909-3-6. Body Requirements.

    (1) Aisle

    (a) Minimum clearance of all aisles including aisle to emergency door(s) shall be 12 inches.

    (b) Seat backs shall be slanted sufficiently to give aisle clearance of 15 inches at tops of seat backs.

    (2) Backup Warning Alarm (Optional)

    (a) An automatic audible alarm may be installed behind the rear axle and shall comply with the Society of Automotive Engineers published Backup Alarm Standards (SAE 994b) specifying 97+-4dsB(A) for rubber tired vehicles.

    (3) Battery

    (a) Battery is to be furnished by chassis manufacturer.

    (b) The body manufacturer shall supply a compartment to securely attach battery on slide-out or swing-out tray in a closed, vented compartment in the body skirt, whereby battery may be exposed for convenient servicing. Battery compartment door or cover shall be hinged at front or top and secured by adequate and conveniently operated latch or other type fastener. (Exception: Type A.)

    (4) Bumper (Front)

    (a) See Chassis Standard, R909-3-5(6).

    (5) Bumper (Rear)

    (a) Bumper shall be of pressed steel channel or equivalent material at least 3/16-inch thick and nine inches wide (high), and of sufficient strength to permit pushing by another vehicle of the same GVW rating without permanent distortion. (Exception: Type A bus, minimum 3/16 inch x 8 inch.)

    (b) Bumper shall be wrapped around back corners of bus. It shall extend forward at least 12 inches, measured from rear-most point of body at floor line.

    (c) Bumper shall be attached to chassis frame in such a manner that it may be easily removed, shall be so braced as to develop full strength of bumper section from rear or side impact, and shall be designed to discourage hitching of rides.

    (d) Bumper shall extend at least one inch beyond rear-most part of body surface measured at floor line.

    (e) The bumper provided by the chassis manufacturer may be used on Type A buses.

    (6) Ceiling

    (a) See "Insulation" and "Interior," Body Standards, R909-3-6(18) and (19).

    (7) Chains

    (a) See "Wheelhousing," Body Standards, R909-3-6(79).

    (8) Color

    (a) The school bus body shall be painted a uniform National School Bus Yellow. The roof may be painted white.

    (b) The color known as National School Bus Yellow was designated as such by the 1939 National Conference on School Bus Standards. The National Bureau of Standards of the U.S. Department of Commerce assisted in developing this color and its colorimetric specifications, as follows:

     

    TABLE II


    Colorimetric Specifications
    National School Bus Yellow
           C.I.E.                     Daylight
        Chromaticity                Reflectance
        Coordinates                     Y(%)
         x       y                max   std   min
       .5211   .4549                    41.   40.

          Dominant                    Excitation
         Wavelength                     Purity
        in millicrons                    P(%)
      max    std    min           max   std   min
     584.5  583.5  582.5                93.7   89

     

    (c) At the 1980 Conference, the colors in use were reviewed. A color standard was selected, slightly different from the above, and specific tolerances were chosen. These tolerances will insure a continuity of appearance from bus to bus, and within the same bus when different elements are finished or refinished at different times. Specification for the Standard Color, with light and dark tolerances (Upper and Lower Reflectance), are shown below in tabular form.

     

    TABLE III

      
    Specifications for Standard Color
    For Source C
    CIE Chromaticity                        Reflectance
    Coordinates          Reflectance        Tolerances
    x        y           Y(%)               Upper       Lower
    .5089   .4408        40.14%             41.77%     38.45%

     

    (d) The body exterior paint trim, bumper, lamp hoods, emergency door arrow, and lettering shall be black.

    (9) Construction

    (a) Construction shall be of prime commercial quality steel or other metal or material with strength at least equivalent to all-steel and corrosion resistance at least equivalent to all-steel as certified by bus body manufacturer (See Section 54, Metal Treatment). Types B, C, and D buses shall meet joint strength standards. Type A buses shall meet joint strength standards for the passenger compartment only as specified in FMVSS-221.

    (b) Construction shall provide a reasonably dustproof and watertight product.

    (c) A certification plate shall be affixed to the inside of each body in the same area as the body serial number. This certification plate shall contain the following or similar wording: "(manufacturer's name) does hereby certify that (body serial number) has been constructed with standard and/or optional equipment that meets the Colorado Racking Load Test in accordance with Utah State School Bus Standards in effect at time of manufacture."

    (10) 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. The defroster unit shall have a separate blower motor in addition to the heater motors. Defrosting and defogging equipment for Type A vehicles shall direct a sufficient flow of heated air onto the windshield to eliminate frost, fog, and snow.

    (b) The defrosting system shall conform to Society of Automotive Engineers Standards J-381 and J-382.

    (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 step-well may be of the recirculating air type.

    (d) Auxiliary fans are not to be considered as a defrosting and defogging system.

    (e) Portable heaters may not be used.

    (11) Doors

    (a) Service Door:

    (i) The service door shall be either manual or power-operated under the control of driver and shall be designed to afford easy release and prevent accidental opening. When hand lever is used, no part shall come together so as to shear or crush fingers, and shall have a heavy duty chrome control handle with lubricated bushings or bearings.

    (ii) The service door shall be located on right side of bus opposite driver and within direct view of driver.

    (iii) The service door shall have minimum horizontal opening of 24 inches and minimum vertical opening of 68 inches.

    (iv) The service door shall be of split type, sedan type, or jack-knife type. (Split-type door includes any sectioned door which divides and opens inward or outward.) If one section of split-type door opens inward and the other opens outward, front section shall open outward.

    (v) Lower as well as upper panels shall be of approved safety glass. Bottom of lower glass panel shall not be more than 10 inches from the top surface of the bottom step when bus is unloaded. Top of upper glass panel shall not be more than six inches from top of door.

    (vi) Vertical closing edges on the entrance door(s) shall be equipped with flexible material to protect childrens' fingers from injury.

    (vii) All doors shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of each door opening. Pad shall be at least three inches wide and one inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening.

    (viii) Optional skid plates to protect door step wells may be installed.

    (b) Emergency Doors.

    (i) Emergency door shall be hinged on the right side if the door is in the rear center of the bus and on the front side if the door is on the left side of the bus. It shall open outward and shall be labeled inside and outside to indicate how it is to be opened.

    (ii) Upper portion of emergency door shall be equipped with approved safety glass, exposed area of which shall be not less than 400 square inches. The lower portion of the rear center emergency door shall be equipped with a minimum of 350 square inches of approved safety glass.

    (iii) There shall be no steps leading to emergency door.

    (iv) The words "EMERGENCY DOOR", both inside and outside in letters at least two inches high, shall be placed at top of or directly above the emergency door or on the door in the metal panel above the top glass.

    (v) The emergency door shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of each door opening. Pad shall be at least three inches wide and one inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening.

    (vi) The side emergency door, if installed, must meet the requirements set forth in FMVSS 217, S 5.4.2.1, (b), regardless of its use with any other combination of emergency exits.

    (vii) All emergency doors, exit windows, and push-out type windows shall be furnished with an audible buzzer to indicate to the driver that the exit is open. Side exit door must be furnished with a three-point bar lock.

    (viii) Emergency Exit(s).

    (A) Each school bus shall be equipped with either (1) an emergency door located in the center of the rear end or (2) if the engine or a storage compartment is located in the rear, a left side emergency door in the rear half of the bus and an emergency window in the rear end. Double side emergency exits are permitted.

    (I) The passage to the emergency door shall be kept clear of obstructions and there shall be no steps leading to the emergency door.

    (II) A left side emergency door shall be equipped with safety glass in the upper portion. The lower portion shall be at least the same gauge metal as used in the body.

    (III) A positive, mechanical device shall be used that holds the door open and prevents it from closing during emergencies and evacuation drills.

    (IV) A rear emergency window (used in conjunction with a left-hand emergency door) shall be at least 16 inches high and 54 inches wide on buses 80 inches or more in total width and at least 16 inches high and 48 inches wide on buses less than 80 inches in total width.

    (V) A rear emergency window shall be hinged from the top, and designed to prevent accidental reclosing in an emergency. A header pad that lines the upper length of the window opening shall be furnished.

    (VI) Paneling of sufficient strength to support the weight of an occupant shall cover the space between the top of the rear davenport seat and the inside lower ledge of the rear emergency window.

    (VII) Emergency doors shall be designed to be opened from either the inside or outside of the bus and shall be equipped with a fastening device which may be quickly released but is designed to offer protection against accidental release. Control from the driver's seat is not permitted. Provisions for opening from the outside shall consist of a nondetachable device designed to prevent hitching-to, but to permit opening when necessary. There shall be no exterior body projections that could injure pupils exiting through the emergency window or door other than the proper opening controls.

    (VIII) If the latch handle on the outside of the emergency door is not located on the outer edge of the door, a door pull shall be affixed in the extreme left-hand location at the bottom to prevent hitching-on. The emergency pull shall be constructed of heavy metal and shall be free from any sharp edges likely to cause injury.

    (IX) Emergency doors shall be equipped with a slide-bar, cam-operated lock. Slide bar shall have minimum stroke of one inch. The door lock shall be equipped with an interior handle that extends approximately to the center of the emergency door. The handle shall lift up to release the lock. The latch handle shall be protected by a metal guard of adequate width to prevent the handle from being actuated by a child falling against the door, but shall have sufficient clearance above the latch handle to permit easy grasp of the handle. The handle shall be of sufficient length to permit a small child to open the door.

    (X) Emergency door lock shall be equipped with suitable electric plunger-switch connected with a buzzer located in the driver's compartment. Switch shall be enclosed in a metal case, and wires leading from switch shall be concealed in the bus body. Switch shall be so installed that the plunger contacts the outer edge of slide bar in such a manner that any movement of slide bar will immediately close circuit on the switch and activate the buzzer.

    (XI) Rear emergency windows shall be equipped with a latch or latches on the inside designed for quick release, but offering protection against accidental release. Windows shall also be equipped with a latching mechanism that can be actuated from the outside. The outside release shall be nondetachable and be designed to prevent hitching-to.

    (XII) The window latch shall be equipped to activate the electric buzzer when the latch is released.

    (XIII) Emergency doors, hatches, or windows shall be installed, constructed, and identified as prescribed in FMVSS 217. Roof hatches are optional and must be equivalent in quality to the Transpec Triple Value model. Push-out windows are optional.

    (XIV) There shall be a head bumper pad installed on the inside of the top of the emergency doors. This pad shall be approximately three inches in width and one inch thick and shall extend across the entire top of the door opening.

    (12) Fire Extinguishers

    (a) The bus shall be equipped with at least one pressurized, dry chemical type fire extinguisher complete with hose, approved by Underwriters Laboratories. Extinguisher must be mounted in a bracket located in the driver's compartment and must be readily accessible to the driver and passengers. A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the extinguisher so as to be easily read without moving the extinguisher from its mounted position.

    (b) The fire extinguisher shall be rated at 3A40BC or greater. The operating mechanism shall be sealed with a type of seal that will not interfere with the use of the fire extinguisher.

    (13) First Aid and Body Fluid Clean-up Kits

    (a) The bus shall have a first-aid kit in a removable, moisture and dustproof metal container mounted in an accessible place within driver's compartment. This place shall be marked to indicate its location.

    (i) Minimum contents are as follows:

    (A) 2 - 1" x 2-1/2 yards adhesive tape rolls

    (B) 24 - sterile gauze pads 3" x 3"

    (C) 100 - 3/4" x 3" adhesive bandages

    (D) 8 - 2" bandage compress

    (E) 10 - 3" bandage compress

    (F) 2 - 3" x 6 yards sterile gauze roller bandages

    (G) 2 - nonsterile triangular bandages approximately 40" x 36" x 54" with 2 safety pins

    (H) 3 - sterile gauze pads 36" x 36"

    (I) 3 - sterile eye pads

    (J) 1 - blunt-end scissors

    (K) 1 - pair latex gloves

    (L) 1 - mouth-to-mouth airway

    (b) In addition to the first aid kit, all buses shall have a body fluid clean-up kit in a metal container properly labeled and mounted.

    (i) Minimum contents are:

    (A) Full sized polyethylene apron

    (B) Surgical face mask

    (C) Protective goggles

    (D) 1 pair latex gloves

    (E) Absorption matter (4 ounces.)

    (F) 2 biohazard disposal bags (at least one red in color)

    (G) Antibacterial disenfectant in crystal, liquid or powder form (2 ounces), or in towlette form.

    (H) 2 large paper towels

    (I) Clean-up spatula, plastic or cardboard

    (c) Plastic clean-up kit containers purchased prior to the adoption of this edition of the Standards are acceptable. Containers purchased following adoption of this edition must be metal.

    (14) Floor

    (a) Floor in underseat area, including tops of wheelhousings, driver's compartment, and toeboard, shall be covered with smooth rubber floor covering or equivalent having minimum overall thickness of .125 inch.

    (b) Floor covering in aisle shall be of aisle-type rubber or equivalent, wear-resistant, and ribbed. Minimum overall thickness shall be .187 inch measured from tops of ribs. Floor covering in driver's compartment may be ribbed.

    (c) 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 and covered with a metal strip.

    (d) Metal cove moldings shall be furnished along all floor to sidewall areas, and rear floor to sidewall areas including corners.

    (15) Heaters

    (a) Heaters shall be of hot-water type.

    (b) If only one heater is used, it shall be of fresh air or combination fresh air and recirculating type.

    (c) If more than one heater is used, additional heaters may be of recirculating air type.

    (d) The heating system shall be capable of maintaining throughout the bus a temperature of not less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit at the average minimum January temperature as established by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau, for the area in which the vehicle is to be operated.

    (e) All heaters installed by body manufacturers shall bear a name plate that shall indicate the heater rating in accordance with SBMI Code 001. Said plate, to be affixed by the heater manufacturer, shall constitute certification that the heater performance is as specified in the SBMI Code cited above.

    (f) 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. Heater hose shall conform to SAE J20c. Heater lines on the interior of bus shall be shielded to prevent scalding of the driver or passengers.

    (g) Each hot water system installed by a body manufacturer shall include a shutoff valve installed in the pressure and return lines at or near the engine in an accessible location.

    (h) There shall be a water flow regulating valve installed in the pressure line for convenient operation by the driver.

    (i) 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.

    (j) Heater motors, cores, and fans must be readily accessible for service. Access panels shall be provided as needed.

    (k) The body company shall furnish permanent type ethylene-glycol base antifreeze that will provide for protection to the cooling and heating system to at least 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.

    (l) An auxiliary heater booster water pump shall be furnished by the body company on all Type C and D buses. It shall be driven by a 12-volt electric motor and have a minimum flow capacity of 12 gallons per minute with three feet at head measurement.

    (m) Auxiliary fuel-fired heaters are optional. If used, they must conform to FMVSS 301, Standards for Fuel System Integrity.

    (16) Identification

    (a) The body shall bear the words "SCHOOL BUS" in black letters at least eight inches high, one inch line width, both front and rear of body. The lettering shall be located between the warning signal lamps as high as possible without impairment of its visibility. Lettering shall conform to "Series B" of Standard Alphabets for highway signs. There shall be no other lettering on the front or rear of the bus except for the emergency door identification.

    (b) The name of the school district, independent school, or transportation company shall be placed on each side of the bus body. The name shall be in black letters, approximately six inches in height and proportionately spaced to achieve a balanced appearance.

    (c) On bodies of school buses leased to a school board by private owners, the name of the owner followed by the word "OWNER" shall be in black letters, approximately six inches in height and proportionately spaced to achieve a balanced appearance.

    (d) The manufacturer's rated pupil seating capacity shall be shown in two-inch letters, either painted on or in decal form, on the inside upper portion of the entrance door or inside the body above the right hand windshield.

    (e) The numbering of individual buses for identification purposes is permissible. Numerals shall be black and six inches in height. The location of the numbers shall be:

    (i) Right side--at district identification belt line aft service door.

    (ii) Rear of the vehicle--curb side below tail light.

    (iii) Driver panel--belt line on the left side.

    (iv) One additional position that is optional with district.

    (f) Lettering and numbering as described above are the only permissible permanent markings. Bumper stickers, decals, or commercial markings are not permitted.

    (17) Inside Height

    (a) Inside body height shall be 72 inches or more, measured metal to metal, at any point on longitudinal center line from front vertical bow to rear vertical bow.

    (18) Insulation

    (a) Ceiling and walls shall be insulated with proper material to deaden sound and to reduce vibration to a minimum.

    (b) Thermal insulation is required and shall be of fire-resistant material approved by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. The material shall be fiberglass batt type or equal with a minimum thickness of 1.5 inches. It shall be installed in the entire roof area, entire body sides, front and rear bulkheads, and rear area walls.

    (c) Floor insulation is optional. If required, it must be five-ply at least one-half inch thick and/or it shall equal or exceed properties of exterior-type softwood plywood, CD grade as specified in standard issued by U.S. Department of Commerce.

    (19) Interior

    (a) Interior of bus shall be free of all unnecessary projections likely to cause injury. This standard requires inner lining on ceilings and walls. If ceiling is constructed so as to contain lapped joints, forward panel shall be lapped by rear panel and exposed edges shall be beaded, hemmed, flanged, or otherwise treated to eliminate sharp edges.

    (b) The driver's area forward of the foremost padded barriers will permit the mounting of required safety equipment and vehicle operating equipment.

    (c) 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 dB(A).

    (d) Interior side panels from the passenger side window line to the seat mounting ledge shall be mar-resist, aluminized steel, textured panels, stainless steel, or equal non-painted surface to minimize vandalism.

    (e) Perforated acoustic interior ceiling panels are optional.

    (20) Lamps and Signals

    (a) Interior lamps shall be provided that adequately illuminate aisle and stepwell. Stepwell light shall be connected to the automatic door control switch for its operation.

    (b) Body instrument panel lights shall be controlled by an independent rheostat switch or may be in combination with headlight rheostat switch.

    (c) School Bus Alternately Flashing Signal Lamps.

    (i) Definition: School bus red signal lamps are alternately flashing lamps mounted horizontally both front and rear, intended to identify a vehicle as a school bus and to inform others that such vehicle is stopped to take on or discharge school children.

    (ii) School bus amber signal lamps are alternately flashing lamps mounted horizontally both front and rear, intended to identify a vehicle as a school bus and to inform others that such vehicle is about to stop to take on or discharge school children.

    (A) Bus shall be equipped with two red lamps at rear of vehicle and two red lamps at front of vehicle.

    (B) In addition to four red lamps described in A above, four amber lamps shall be installed as follows: One amber lamp shall be located near each red signal lamp, at same level, but closer to vertical centerline of bus. Red and amber signal lamps shall be wired so that amber lamps are activated manually, and red lamps are automatically activated (with amber lamps being automatically cancelled) when bus service door is opened.

    (C) A master switch is required for the warning light system.

    (D) The amber warning signal lamps shall be activated manually by a switch mounted on the driver control panel. The red warning signal lamps shall be automatically activated and the operation of the amber lamps cancelled when the bus door is opened. The red warning lamps shall be automatically activated any time the door is opened, irrespective of whether the amber warning lamps were activated immediately preceding the door opening.

    (E) The alternately flashing warning signal lamp system shall include an amber and red pilot indicator lamps located within the easy view of the driver that will indicate when the amber or red flashing lamps are operating.

    (F) The area around the lens of each alternately flashing signal lamp and extending outward approximately three inches shall be painted black. Where there is no flat vertical area of body immediately surrounding the entire lens of lamps, a circular or square band of black approximately three inches wide, immediately below and to both sides of lens, shall be painted on body or roof area to fit the shape of hoods/visors and roofcap. Individual hood/visor is required for each light and shall be painted totally black.

    (G) A single visor/hood for each set of dual lamps or an individual visor/hood for each lamp shall be provided. The visor/hoods shall fit the shape of the lights and roofcaps, be a minimum depth of 5 inches, and be painted black.

    (H) All flashers for alternately flashing red and amber signal lamps shall be enclosed in the body in a readily accessible location.

    (I) A monitor light for the front and rear lamps of the school bus is optional. If used, 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 protecting against any short circuit or intermittent current.

    (d) Turn Signals.

    (i) Bus body shall be equipped with two rear amber arrow-type turn signal lamps, each with a face of at least 38 square inches, and meet specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

    (ii) The bus body shall be equipped with two amber arrow turn signal lamps, each with a face of at least 38 square inches on the front of the bus body. These are required on Type B and D buses. They are also required on Type C buses in addition to fender mounted chassis directional lamps. Type A buses shall be manufacturers' standards.

    (iii) Two side directional signal lights of 32 candlepower shall be located in the beltline near the front of the bus body. (Exception: Type A)

    (iv) Two one-half inch directional pilot lights shall be provided that indicate to the driver that either the left or right directional flashers or the hazard warning flashers are activated. These pilots shall be green in color and bright enough that they can be seen in operation in bright sunlight. They shall be located on the dash or bulkhead above the driver.

    (v) All directional signal lamps must be connected to the chassis hazard warning switch to cause simultaneous flashing of turn signal lamps when needed as vehicular traffic hazard warning.

    (vi) Turn signal lamps are to be placed as wide apart as practical and in plain sight of traffic approaching from front or rear.

    (e) Stop and Tail Lights.

    (i) The bus shall be equipped with four combination stop and tail lamps mounted on the rear of the body. Two shall be a minimum diameter of seven inches and the other two shall be a minimum of four inches in diameter. The lens color shall be red. The light emitted from the lamps shall be plainly visible for the distance of 500 feet to the rear. The tail lights will be operated by the headlamp switch and the brake lights by the brake light switch. No lettering is permitted on these lamps except for manufacturers' markings.

    (ii) The bottoms of the four-inch diameter stop/tail lights shall emit white light downward to illuminate the rear license plate and bus identification number from a distance of not less than 60 feet in periods of darkness.

    (iii) Stop lights and tail lights shall be placed as wide apart as practical and in plain sight of traffic approaching from the rear.

    (f) Back Up Lights.

    (i) Two four-inch diameter back up lights shall be provided and shall be of sufficient intensity to inform vehicle operators and pedestrians that the school bus is in reverse. The back up lights shall be automatically illuminated when the ignition switch is "on" and the reverse gear is engaged. The chassis manufacturer shall provide the switch for operation of back up lights.

    (g) Clearance Marker Lights.

    (i) The bus body shall be equipped with clearance lights on each corner of the bus body, mounted as high as possible on the permanent structure of the bus in such a manner as to indicate the extreme width of the body, and a cluster of three identification lights on the top roof edge of both front and rear ends of the body located at the body's highest point. Side marker lights shall be installed midway between the front and rear clearance lights.

    (ii) The lights on the front and sides shall be amber and the rear lights shall be red.

    (h) Reflex Reflectors.

    (i) The bus body shall be equipped with four side-mounted and two rear-mounted reflex reflectors. Light lenses do not suffice as reflectors.

    (ii) Reflectors shall be mounted at a height of not less than 15 inches nor more than 60 inches above the ground.

    (iii) The front side reflectors shall be amber. The right front side reflector shall be located immediately aft of the door, and the other front side reflector shall be located at a similar position on the left side.

    (iv) The rear reflectors (side and rear) shall be red. The two on the sides (one on each side) shall be located as far to the rear as possible, and the two on the rear as far apart as practical.

    (v) All buses shall be equipped with two additional amber reflectors which shall be located at or near the midpoint between the front and rear side reflectors.

    (vi) Lights and reflectors at or below the bottom window line shall have rounded protective shields or shall be finished in such a manner that sharp edges do not protrude or snag clothing.

    (i) Warning Device.

    (i) Each school bus shall contain at least three reflectorized triangle road warning devices that comply with FMVSS 125, mounted in an accessible place in the driver's compartment in a container. The mounting location in Type A vehicles is optional.

    (21) Metal Treatment

    (a) All metal 12 gauge and thinner used in construction of bus body shall be zinc or aluminum coated or treated by equivalent process before bus is constructed. Included are such items as structural members, inside and outside panels, door panels, and floor sills. Excluded are such items as door handles, grab handles, interior decorative parts, and other interior plated parts.

    (b) 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.

    (c) In providing for these requirements, particular attention shall be given lapped surfaces, welded connections of 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.

    (d) As evidence that above requirements have been met, samples of materials and sections used in construction of bus body, when subjected to 1000-hour salt spray test as provided for in latest revision of ASTM designation; 8-117 "Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing," shall not lose more than ten percent of material by weight.

    (22) Mirrors

    (a) Interior Mirror: Interior mirror shall be either clear view laminated glass or clear view glass bonded to a backing that retains the glass in the event of breakage. Mirror shall have rounded corners and protected edges. Type A and Type B cutaway buses shall have a minimum of a 6 inch x 16 inch mirror and Type B, C, and D buses shall have a minimum of a 6 inch x 30 inch mirror.

    (b) Exterior Mirrors: Each bus shall have a minimum of one exterior left side and one exterior right side rearview mirror that comply with FMVSS 111. Type A vehicles may be manufacturer's standard. All exterior rearview mirrors must be adjustable to allow any driver to have visibility aft of the rear wheels at ground level.

    (c) Indirect Visibility: Each bus shall have a mirror system that will provide an unobstructed field of view of the area around the bus and that conforms with FMVSS 111 as amended December 2, 1993.

    (23) Bus Body Mounting

    (a) Chassis frame shall support 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.

    (b) Insulating material shall be placed at all contact points between body and chassis frame on Type B, C, and D buses, and shall be so attached to chassis frame or body that it will not move under severe operating conditions.

    (24) Mud flaps

    (a) All buses shall be provided with mud flaps or mud shields at all front and rear wheel positions to prevent mud, slush, and gravel from being thrown onto the lower sections of the bus and service entrance area. Mud flaps must be heavy duty construction.

    (25) Rubber fenders

    (a) Cove-style rubber fenders shall be furnished on Type D buses on both the front and rear wheelhousing rims to prevent mud, slush, and water from being thrown onto the sides of the bus. Cove-style rubber fenders shall be furnished on the rear wheelhousing rims on Type C buses. Rubber fenders are not required on Type A and B buses.

    (26) Overall Length and Width

    (a) Overall length of bus shall not exceed forty feet. Overall width of bus shall not exceed 102 inches excluding accessories.

    (27) Rub Rails

    (a) Both sides of the vehicle shall have four rubrails. They shall be located at the window line, seat line, floor line, and bottom of the body skirt.

    (b) The window-line rubrail shall extend from the rear of the service door opening along the right side of the body, extending around the right rear corner to the emergency door, and on the left side from the point of beginning of the passenger compartment along the left side extending around the left rear corner to the emergency door.

    (c) The seat-line rubrail shall cover the same longitudinal area as the window line rubrail.

    (d) The floor-line rubrail shall cover the same longitudinal area as the window-line rubrail except at wheelhousings, extending around the radii of the right and left rear corners as far as possible.

    (e) The skirt-line rubrail shall cover the same longitudinal area as the window-line rubrail, except that it shall terminate at the rear corners of the vehicle.

    (f) The window-line, seat-line, and floor-line rubrails shall be attached to the outside of the body at each body post and to all other vertical structural members.

    (g) The skirt-line rubrail shall be attached to the outside of the body panels and other structural members behind the body panels.

    (h) All rubrails shall be four inches or more in width in their finished form and shall be of 16 gauge steel or suitable material of equivalent strength. They shall be constructed in corrugated or ribbed fashion.

    (i) Pressed-in or snap-on rub rails are not acceptable.

    (j) Exception: Rub rails will not extend around rear corners of buses using rear center luggage compartment or Type D buses with rear engine, and must accommodate side emergency doors.

    (28) Seat Belt for Driver

    (a) A Type 2 lap belt/shoulder harness restraint system shall be provided for the driver. The assembly shall be equipped with an emergency locking retractor (ELR) for the continuous-belt system. The lap portion of the belt shall be guided or anchored where practical to prevent the driver from sliding sideways under it.

    (29) Driver's Seat

    (a) The driver's seat must be a high-back, six (6) way adjustable without the use of tools. It shall adjust forward and backward, be mounted to adjust upward and downward, with a tiltback that allows the back to tilt forward and rearward. (Exception: Type A and Type B Cutaway chassis manufacturers' standards.)

    (b) Air-ride and lumbar-support are approved optional features.

    (30) Seats and Crash Barriers

    (a) All seats shall have minimum depth of 15 inches.

    (b) In determining seating capacity of bus, allowable average rump width shall be:

    (i) 13 inches where 3-3 seating plan is used.

    (ii) 15 inches where 3-2 seating plan is used.

    (c) Seat, seat back cushion, and crash barrier shall be covered with a material having 42-ounce finished weight, 54 inches width and finished vinyl coating of 1.06 broken twill, or other material with equal tensile strength, tear strength, seam strength, adhesion strength, resistance to abrasion, resistance to cold and flex separation.

    (d) Each seat leg shall be secured to the floor by a minimum of two bolts, washers and nuts or flange-headed bolts.

    (e) All seat frames shall be fastened to the seat rail with two bolts, washers and nuts or flange-headed bolts.

    (f) Type A buses shall have crash barriers.

    (31) Steering Wheel

    (a) 18" or 20" steering wheel as specified in the 1994 purchase specification guidelines on file with the Utah State Board of Education.

    (32) Steps

    (a) The first step at service door shall be not less than 12 inches and not more than 16 inches from ground, based on standard chassis specifications.

    (b) Service door entrance may be equipped with two-step or three-step stepwell. Risers in each case shall be approximately equal. When plywood floor is used on steel, differential may be increased by thickness of plywood used. Risers shall not exceed 10 inches.

    (i) When three-step stepwell is specified, the first step at service door shall be approximately ten to fourteen inches from the ground when bus is empty, based on standard chassis specifications.

    (ii) Type D vehicles shall have a three-step stepwell with the first step at service door twelve to sixteen inches from the ground.

    (c) Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.

    (d) Steps shall not protrude beyond side body line.

    (e) Heated rubber steps are optional.

    (33) Grab Handle

    (a) A grab handle approximately 20 inches in length shall be provided in an unobstructed location inside doorway on both left and right sides. Base of grab handle attaching it to the bus body shall be designed in such a manner that clothing, draw strings, straps, or buttons cannot catch or hang up at the joint.

    (34) Step Treads

    (a) All steps, including floor line platform area, shall be covered with 3/16-inch rubber floor covering or other materials equal in wear resistance and abrasion resistance to top grade rubber.

    (b) Metal back of tread, minimum 24-gauge cold rolled steel, shall be permanently bonded to ribbed rubber; grooved design shall be such that said grooves run at a 90-degree angle to long dimension of step tread.

    (c) 3/16-inch ribbed step tread shall have a 1.5 inch white nosing as integral piece without any joint.

    (d) Rubber portion of step treads shall have the following characteristics:

    (i) Special compounding for good abrasion resistance and high coefficient of friction.

    (ii) Flexibility so that it can be bent around a .5 inch mandrel at 130 degrees F. and at 20 degrees F. without breaking, cracking, or crazing.

    (iii) Show a durometer hardness of 85 to 95.

    (35) Stirrup Steps

    (a) The shall be at least one folding stirrup step 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 except when windshield and lamps are easily accessible from the ground. 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. (Exception: Type A and Type B cutaway.)

    (36) Stop Signal Arm

    (a) Stop signal arm shall meet the applicable requirements of FMVSS 131. The arm shall be of an octagonal shape with white letters and border on a red background, and shall be of a reflective material meeting U.S. Department of Transportation FHWA FP-85 Type 2A or Type 3A. Flashing strobe lights on stop arm shall be connected to the red alternately flashing signal lamp circuits. The stop signal shall be vacuum, electric, or air operated. Arm shall be automatically operated when red warning lights are activated.

    (b) The stop signal arm shall be mounted outside the bus body near the driver on the left side immediately below the driver's window. One stop signal arm per bus is permitted.

    (37) Storage Compartment (Optional)

    (a) If tools, tire chains and/or tow chains are carried on the bus, a container of adequate strength and capacity may be provided. Such storage container may be located either inside or outside the passenger compartment. If located inside, it shall have a cover (seat cushion may not serve this purpose) capable of being securely latched and be fastened to the floor convenient to either the service or emergency door. Storage racks may not be installed inside the passenger compartment of the bus.

    (38) Sun Shield

    (a) An interior adjustable transparent sun shield not less than 6 inches x 30 inches for Type B, C, and D vehicles, and not less than 6 inches x 16 inches for Type A vehicles with a finished, padded edge shall be installed in a position convenient for use by driver. It shall be fully adjustable. Type A and Type B cutaway shall be manufacturers' standards.

    (39) Tailpipe

    (a) Exhaust pipe, muffler and tailpipe shall be outside bus body compartment and attached to chassis.

    (b) Tailpipe shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant tubing material at least equal in strength and durability to 16-gauge steel.

    (c) Tailpipe may (1) extend beyond rear axle and extend at least five inches beyond chassis frame and be mounted outside of chassis frame rail at end point, or (2) extend to, but not beyond the body limits on the left side of the bus, behind the driver's compartment, outboard of chassis center line and shall terminate from chassis centerline as follows:

     

    TABLE VI

    Type A buses               Manufacturers' standards
    Type B buses               42.5 inches
    Type C and D buses         48.5 inches.

     

    (i) Exception: The exhaust system on vehicles designed for the transportation of disabled pupils shall be routed to the left of the right frame rail to allow for the installation of a lift on the right side of the vehicle.

    (d) Exhaust system on gasoline-powered buses shall be properly insulated from fuel tank connections by a securely attached metal shield at any point where it is 12 inches or less from fuel tank or tank connections.

    (e) Muffler shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant material.

    (40) Traction Assisting Devices (Optional)

    (a) When used, sanders shall:

    (i) Be of hopper cartridge-valve type.

    (ii) Have metal hopper with all interior surfaces treated to prevent condensation.

    (iii) Be of at least 100-pound (grit) capacity.

    (iv) Have cover on filler opening of hopper that screws into place, sealing unit airtight. Filling to be accomplished from outside the bus body.

    (v) Have discharge tubes extending under fender to front of each rear wheel.

    (vi) Have no-clogging discharge tubes with slush-proof, non-freezing rubber nozzles.

    (vii) Be operated by electric switch with pilot light mounted on instrument panel.

    (viii) Be exclusively driver-controlled.

    (ix) Have gauge to indicate hoppers need refilling when they are down to one-quarter full.

    (b) Automatic traction chains may be installed.

    (41) Tow Hooks

    (a) Two front and two rear heavy-duty frame mounted tow hooks shall be furnished on all buses Type B, C, and D. Tow hooks must project beyond the front or rear bumpers. The front tow hooks shall be furnished by the chassis manufacturer, and the rear tow hooks furnished by the body manufacturer on Type C buses. Front and rear tow hooks shall be furnished by the body manufacturer on Type B and D buses.

    (42) Undercoating

    (a) Entire underside of bus body, including floor sections, cross member, and below floor line side panels, shall be coated with rust-proofing compound for which compound manufacturer has issued notarized certification of compliance to bus body builder that compound meets or exceeds all performance and qualitative requirements of Department of the Army Coating Compounds TT-C-520b, Paragraph 3.4 (1973), using modified test procedures* (*Test panels are to be prepared in accordance with paragraph 4 6.12 of TT-C-520b with modified procedure requiring that tests be made on a 48-hour air cured film at thickness recommended by compound manufacturer) for the following requirements:

    (i) Salt spray resistance--pass test modified to five percent salt and 1,000 hours.

    (ii) Abrasion resistance--pass.

    (iii) Fire resistance--pass.

    (b) Undercoating compound shall be applied with suitable airless or conventional spray equipment to recommended film thickness and shall show no evidence of voids in cured film.

    (42) Ventilation

    (a) Auxiliary Fans (Optional)

    (i) Auxiliary fans shall be placed in locations where they can be adjusted to their maximum effectiveness.

    (ii) These fans shall be approximately six inches in diameter and two-speed.

    (iii) The blades of the fans shall be covered with a protective cage. Each of these fans shall be controlled by a separate switch.

    (b) Body shall be equipped with suitable, controlled ventilating system of sufficient capacity to maintain proper quantity of air under operating conditions without opening of windows except in extremely warm weather.

    (c) Static-type, non-closable exhaust ventilation shall be installed in low-pressure area of roof.

    (d) Power Roof Vent Fans (Optional)

    (i) If power roof vent fans are required they shall be two-speed electric type with a switch for each fan that is supplied. The roof fan ventilation opening shall be provided with an iris-type closing mechanism to provide for shutting off the air flow in inclement weather.

    (43) Wheelhousing

    (a) The wheelhousing opening shall allow for easy tire removal and service.

    (b) The inside height of the wheelhousing above the floor line shall not exceed 12 inches. All wheelhousings shall be rubber covered.

    (c) The wheelhousing shall provide clearance for installation and use of tire chains on dual power-driving wheels.

    (d) No part of a raised wheelhousing shall extend into the emergency door opening.

    (44) Windows

    (a) Glass Quality and Dimensions

    (i) The windshield shall be large enough to permit the driver to see the road clearly and shall be slanted or "swept back" to reduce glare. It shall be mounted between front corner posts that provide a minimal obstruction to the driver's view.

    (ii) The glass used in the windshield shall be AS-1 standard. Side windows and all doors shall be at least AS-2 standard, and rear windows shall be at least AS-3 standard. All windows shall be mounted so the monogram is visible.

    (iii) windshield glass shall be tinted or shaded with a horizontal gradient band gradually decreasing in light transmission to 35 percent or less at the top of the windshield.

    (iv) The edges of all glass mounted in a fixed position shall be held in place by a rubber gasket of such type that broken glass can be easily removed and replaced.

    (v) For ventilation purposes, the driver's window shall be adjustable and shall be equipped with a positive latch that is lockable from the inside. The driver's window shall be of a sliding type.

    (A) Exception: Type A and Type B cutaway--manufacturers' standards.

    (vi) The side window latches shall be easy to operate and capable of holding the sash securely in place in all positions.

    (vii) The side windows shall be equipped with sash locks of such construction that spring tension shall push the latch into place and hold it securely in place.

    (b) Each full side window shall provide unobstructed emergency opening not less than nine inches nor more than 12 inches high and 22 inches wide, obtained by lowering window. Side windows, except driver's window, may be tinted.

    (c) Push-out type, split-sash windows may be used.

    (46) Windshield Washers

    (a) A windshield washer system shall be provided.

    (47) Windshield Wipers

    (a) A windshield wiping system, two-speed or more, shall be provided.

    (b) The wipers shall be operated by one or more air or electric motors of sufficient power to operate wipers. If one motor is used the wiper shall work in tandem to give full sweep of windshield. If more than one motor is used, each motor shall have a separate switch.

    (48) Wiring

    (a) All wiring shall conform to current standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

    (b) Circuits

    (i) Wiring shall be arranged in circuits as required with each circuit protected by a fuse or circuit breaker. A system of color and number coding shall be used.

    (ii) Wiring shall be arranged in at least six regular circuits, as follows:

    (A) Head, tail, stop (brake), and instrument panel lamps.

    (B) Clearance and step-well lamps (step-well lamp shall be actuated when service door is opened).

    (C) Dome lamp.

    (D) Ignition and emergency door signal.

    (E) Turn signal lamps.

    (F) Alternately flashing signal lamps.

    (iii) Any of the above combination circuits may be subdivided into additional independent circuits.

    (iv) Whenever heaters and defrosters are used, at least one additional circuit shall be installed.

    (v) The bus body electrical system shall be equipped with a continuous duty solenoid switch operated by the ignition switch that cuts off the electrical power to most body circuits such as heaters, dome lights, etc. when the ignition switch is turned to the "off" position.

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

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

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

    (d) All wiring shall have an amperage capacity equal to or exceeding the designed load. All wiring splices are to be done at accessible locations and noted as splices on wiring diagram.

    (e) A body wiring diagram of easily readable size shall be furnished with each bus body or affixed in an area convenient to the electrical accessory control panel.

    (f) Body power wire shall be attached to a special terminal on the chassis.

    (g) All wires passing through metal openings shall be protected by a grommet or loom.

    (h) 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 equally effective connectors.

    (i) A main battery power disconnect switch is optional.

     

    R909-3-7. Vehicles for Transporting Disabled Students.

    (1) General Requirements

    (a) The specifications in this section are intended to be supplementary to specifications in the chassis and body sections. In general, buses used for transporting disabled students should meet the requirements of all preceding sections plus those listed in this section. Since it is recognized by the entire industry that the field of transportation for students with disabilities is characterized by special needs for individual cases and by a rapidly changing technology for meeting these needs, a flexible, common-sense approach to the adoption and enforcement of specifications for these vehicles is prudent.

    (b) School buses are defined as vehicles designed to carry more than ten persons. Vehicles with ten passenger positions (including the driver) cannot be certified as buses. For this reason, the classification "Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle" (MPV) must be used by manufacturers for these vehicles in lieu of the classification "school bus." In determining passenger capacity, wheelchair positions are counted as passenger positions.

    (c) The following standards address modifications as they pertain to school buses that, with standard seating arrangements prior to modification, would accommodate more than ten persons. If by addition of a power lift, wheelchair positions, or other modifications, the capacity is reduced such that vehicles become MPVs, the intent of these standards is that these vehicles are required to meet the same standards required prior to such modifications and such MPVs are included in all references to school buses and school bus requirements.

    (d) School buses designed for transporting children with special transportation needs shall comply with state Standards applicable to school buses and to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) category.

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

    (2) Aisles

    (a) All school buses equipped with a power lift shall have aisles leading to the emergency door(s) from wheelchair area of sufficient width (minimum 30 inches) to permit passage of maximum size wheelchair.

    (3) Communications

    (a) All school buses should be equipped with an electronic two-way voice communication system.

    (4) Fastening Devices

    (a) Occupant securement systems must comply with the requirements of FMVSS 222.

    (b) The following information shall be provided with each vehicle equipped with a securement system:

    (i) Detailed installation instructions and parts list.

    (ii) Detailed instructions and a diagram showing the proper placement and positioning of the system, including correct belt angles.

    (5) Glass

    (a) Tinted glass up to 30 percent light transmission may be installed wherever AS-3 glass is permitted.

    (6) Heaters

    (a) Additional heater(s) may be installed in the rear portion of the bus on or behind wheel wells.

    (7) Power lift

    (a) Lifting mechanism shall be able to lift minimum pay load of 800 pounds. A clear opening and platform to accommodate a 30-inch wide wheelchair shall be provided.

    (b) When the platform is in the fully up position, it shall be locked in position mechanically to prevent the lift platform from falling while in operation due to a power failure.

    (c) Controls shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift mechanism from either inside or outside of the bus. There shall be a means of preventing the lift platform from falling while in operation due to a power failure.

    (d) Power lifts shall be so equipped that they may be manually raised in the event of power failure of the power lift mechanism.

    (e) Lift travel shall allow the lift platform to rest securely on the ground.

    (f) All edges of the platform shall be designed to restrain wheelchair and operator's feet from being entangled during the raising and lowering process.

    (g) Platform shall be fitted on both sides and rear with full width shields that extend above the floor line of the lift platform.

    (h) A restraining device shall be affixed to the outer edge (curb end) of the platform that will prohibit the wheelchair from rolling off the platform when the lift is in any position other than fully lowered to ground level.

    (i) 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. This plate, if so designed, may also suffice as the restraining device described in Subsection 91.08 above. The lift platform must be skid resistant.

    (j) A circuit breaker or fuse shall be installed between power source and lift motor if electrical power is used.

    (k) The lift mechanism shall be equipped with adjustable limit switches or by-pass valves to prevent excessive pressure from building in the hydraulic system when the platform reaches the full up position or full down position.

    (8) Ramps

    (a) When a power system is not adequate to load and unload students having special and unique needs, a ramp device may be installed.

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

    (c) Floor of ramp shall be of non-skid construction.

    (d) Ramp shall be of such weight that an average-sized female driver or attendant can lift it, and designed in such a way (including lifting handles or slots) that the driver or attendant can put it in place and return it to its storage place without undue stress.

    (9) Regular Service Entrance

    (a) In Type C and D buses, there shall be three step risers of equal height in the entrance well. The first step at the service door shall be not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches from the ground, based on standard chassis specifications. Service door of Type D buses shall be 12 to 16 inches from the ground.

    (b) Step risers shall not exceed a height of 10 inches. When plywood is used on a steel floor or step, the riser height may be increased by the thickness of the plywood.

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

    (d) Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice or snow.

    (e) Steps shall not protrude beyond side body line.

    (f) As an option, an additional fold-out step may be provided to reduce the distance from the first step to the ground.

    (10) Restraining Devices

    (a) Seat frames may be equipped with attachments or devices to which belts, restraining harnesses, or other devices may be attached. Optional seats with built-in anchors may be used.

    (11) Seating Arrangements

    (a) Flexibility in seat spacing to accommodate special devices shall be permitted due to constantly changing passenger requirements and shall be consistent with the student Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

    (12) Special Lights

    (a) Lights shall be placed inside the bus to sufficiently illuminate lift area and shall be activated from the lift door area. In addition an exterior light shall be provided in the skirt area to illuminate the outside area around the lift.

    (13) Special Service Entrance

    (a) Bus bodies may have a special service entrance constructed in the body to accommodate a wheelchair lift for the loading and unloading of passengers. If such an entrance is constructed in the bus body, it must conform to the placement restrictions set forth in FMVSS 217.

    (b) The opening, to accommodate the special service entrance, shall be at any convenient point on the right (curb side) of the bus and far enough to the rear to prevent the door(s), when open, from obstructing the right front regular service door (excluding a regular front service door lift).

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

    (d) The opening, with doors open, shall be of sufficient width to allow the passage of wheelchairs. The minimum clear opening through the door and the lift mechanism shall be 30 inches in width.

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

    (f) The entrance shall be of sufficient width and depth to accommodate various mechanical lifts and related accessories as well as the lifting platform.

    (g) Door posts and headers at the entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to the areas of the side of the bus not used for service doors.

    (14) Special Service Entrance Doors

    (a) A single door may be used if the width of the door opening does not exceed 42 inches. Three point bar lock is required.

    (b) Two doors shall be used if a single door opening would have to exceed 42 inches.

    (c) All doors shall open outwardly.

    (d) All doors shall have positive fastening devices to hold doors in the open position.

    (e) All doors shall be weather sealed. Double-door configurations shall be so constructed that a flange on the forward door overlaps the edge of the rear door when the doors are closed.

    (f) If optional power doors are installed, the design shall permit release of the doors for opening and closing by the attendant from the platform inside the bus.

    (g) When manually operated dual doors are installed, the rear door shall have at least one point fastening device connecting it to the header. The forward mounted door shall have at least three point fastening devices. One shall be to the header, one to the floor line of the body, and the other shall be into the rear door. These locking devices shall afford maximum safety when the doors are in the closed position. The door and hinge mechanism shall be of a strength that will provide for the same type of use as that of a standard entrance door.

    (h) Lift door materials, panels, and structural strength shall be equivalent to the conventional service and emergency doors. Color, rub rails, paneling, lettering, and other exterior features shall match adjacent sections of the body.

    (i) Each door shall have windows set in rubber compatible within one-inch of the lower line of adjacent sash.

    (j) Door(s) shall be equipped with a device that will activate a flashing one-inch light located in the driver's compartment when door(s) is not securely closed and ignition is in "on" position.

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

    (l) A switch shall be installed to prevent the lifting mechanism from operating when the lift platform door is closed.

    (m) Optional portable student support equipment or special accessories shall be secured at the mounting location to withstand a pulling force of five times the weight of the item or shall be retained in an enclosed, latched compartment. Such special items include:

    (i) Belt cutter for use in emergencies. Belt cutter should be designed to eliminate the possibility of the operator or others getting cut during its use. It should be stored in a safe place such as in the first aid kit.

    (ii) Crutches, walkers, canes and similar devices.

    (iii) Medical support equipment such as oxygen tanks and ventilators.

     

    R909-3-8. School Buses Equipped to Operate on Compressed Natural Gas.

    (1) General Requirements.

    (a) All compressed natural gas (CNG) installations shall meet all applicable federal and state laws, standards, and requirements, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) codes and industry safety requirements. In addition, CNG installations shall meet the requirements set forth in R714-400, "Compressed and Liquefied Gas Fuel Systems."

    (b) All CNG installations shall be made in compliance with the standards contained in NFPA Pamphlet No. 52.

    (c) All devices used in the CNG system that may be subjected to container pressure shall be designed for the working pressure within a design safety factor of at least 4 and shall be plainly marked as such.

    (d) A certified mechanic shall inspect all fittings and attachments at least quarterly for leaks, wear, tightness, or undue stress.

    (e) CNG Tanks.

    (i) All tanks shall be fabricated of steel, aluminum, or composite materials and be certified in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Canadian Transport Commission (CTC), or ASME regulations to a service pressure of not less than 3,000 psi and a test burst pressure minimum of 5,000 psi and plainly marked with the words "CNG ONLY," and equipped with a DOT, CTC or ASME certified springload pressure relief valve plainly marked for discharge psi setting and discharge cfm capacity.

    (ii) All tanks shall be directly secured to the main frame in such a manner as to prevent jarring loose, slipping or rotating, withstanding a static force of eight times the weight of a fully pressurized tank with a maximum displacement of .5 inch.

    (f) CNG Fuel Lines and Installation

    (i) Fuel lines shall be permanently secured at intervals of not more than two feet and shall be placed in such a manner as to minimize the possibility of damage due to vibration, strains, or wear.

    (ii) Fuel lines passing through structural members shall be protected by rubber grommets or bulkhead fittings and follow the main frame channel wherever possible.

    (iii) All fuel lines shall be approved stainless steel with a maximum working pressure of 3,000 psi, a minimum burst pressure of four times the working pressure, and shall be labeled as to the working pressure and CNG service.

    (iv) An approved lock-off or solenoid valve, with filter, shall be provided in the fuel line at a point ahead of the inlet of the natural gas converter, designed to prevent the flow of fuel to the converter when the engine is not running. This may be accomplished by (a) an approved mechanical lock-off controlled by either the engine vacuum or oil pressure, or (b) an approved electric solenoid controlled by either a vacuum or oil pressure switch.

    (g) CNG Valves, Appurtenances, and Connections

    (i) All container valves, appurtenances and connections shall be protected to prevent damage due to accidental contact with stationary or loose objects, mud or ice and, to the extent possible, from damage due to vehicular accidents.

    (ii) Relief valve discharge shall be directed so that any gas released will not impinge on the vehicle and so that the possibility of impingement on adjacent vehicles or persons is minimized. The vent hose shall be attached in such a manner that ice hanging on it will not detach it from its mounting.

    (iii) Outlets shall be protected by caps, covers, or other means to keep water or dirt from collecting in the lines, thus restricting the flow of natural gas.

    (iv) Each line and its connectors shall withstand the pressure caused by the discharge of vapor from a safety device in fully open position.

    (h) Fuel Injection

    (i) Gas mixers, fuel injectors and pressure regulators for CNG shall meet minimum design standards set forth in NFPA Pamphlet No. 52.

    (i) Fueling CNG vehicles

    (i) Fueling shall be done by personnel who have been trained and certified by the fuel supplier.

    (ii) No passenger shall be on board during fueling.

    (iii) Engine must be shut off during fueling.

    (iv) No source of ignition shall be permitted within 10 feet of the vehicle being fueled.

    (v) Filling level shall not exceed 125 percent of working pressure.

    (vi) Instructions shall be conspicuously posted at the fueling site.

     

    R909-3-9. Requirements for Used School Buses.

    (1) General Requirements.

    (a) This part of the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition sets forth the requirements for used school buses to be used in Utah whether purchased or leased by the school district or private school. The modifications necessary to make a used bus comply with this section of the Standards can be made either by the seller or the buyer. The ultimate responsibility for assuring that a used bus complies with all federal and state standards before the bus is placed in service is the responsibility of the using district or school.

    (b) Used school buses shall:

    (i) comply with the version of the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations in effect at the time of purchase of the bus, and

    (ii) comply with the applicable sections of current state standards. This requirement shall be satisfied irrespective of whether the bus had previously been used in the State of Utah.

    (c) If required, glass used in used school buses shall be replaced to make it comply with current state standards.

     

    R909-3-10. New School Bus Requirements.

    (1) Procurement and Inspection.

    (a) New school bus procurement is outlined below:

    (i) Procurement policies and vehicle specifications need to be established by local school districts and private schools.

    (ii) Prepare procurement specifications. Mail one copy to State Office of Education, Pupil Transportation Specialist. Specification for bid shall include all applicable FMVSS and Utah standards.

    (iii) Request for bids and specifications sent to qualified suppliers of school buses.

    (iv) Bids received, evaluated, and selection made.

    (v) District issues purchase order.

    (vi) Successful bidder provides school bus or buses.

    (vii) Before any new school bus is placed into service in a school district, it shall first be inspected and tested to verify compliance with the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition.

    (viii) Inspection shall be conducted by the Safety Inspection Office of the Utah Highway Patrol. On or before delivery of a new bus, the school district or private school shall notify the Safety Inspection Office and request a new vehicle inspection. Such inspection shall be carried out within 30 days of delivery.

    (ix) Acceptance testing is conducted by local agency or with assistance from the Utah Department of Transportation and the Pupil Transportation Specialist, Utah State Office of Education, to insure that the school bus complies with all standards and specifications.

    (b) The acceptance test shall include but not be limited to:

    (i) An inventory of required safety features and equipment specified will be compared with the line ticket as issued by the manufacturer.

    (ii) Functional tests of all lamps and signals, emergency braking system, horn and other operating systems.

    (iii) Power tests.

    (iv) Braking test.

     

    R909-3-11. Exemption From or Modification of Requirements.

    (1) General Requirements

    (a) It is anticipated that to achieve the stated objectives of these standards, i.e., provide maximum safety consistent with the economic use of pupil transportation funds and available school bus technology, quality, reliability, conformity, and serviceability, it shall be necessary to allow exemption from the requirements and periodically modify the requirements. This part of the Standards sets forth the procedures for obtaining exemptions and modifying the provisions of the Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, 1994 Edition.

    (b) An exemption from the requirements of the Standards may be initiated by a manufacturer or supplier of pupil transportation equipment or a local school district. The request shall be written, should include sufficient supporting data to justify the request for an exemption, and should be submitted to the Pupil Transportation Specialist, Utah State Office of Education.

    (c) All requests for exemptions from the requirements of the Standards shall be reviewed by a committee consisting of at least one representative of the Utah State Department of Transportation, one representative of the Utah State Department of Public Safety, and such consultants as deemed appropriate. If necessary, the committee may require that the request be presented in person.

    (d) All requests for exemption from the requirements of the Standards, together with the recommendations of the review committee, shall be submitted to the State Office of Education for its action and transmittal to the Utah Department of Transportation. Final authority for determining the disposition of a request is vested with the Utah Department of Transportation.

    (e) Modification Procedures.

    (i) An intent to modify the Standards shall be distributed to certified suppliers and other interested parties at least thirty (30) days prior to consideration of the modification by the Utah State Office of Education and the Utah Department of Transportation.

    (ii) After approval of the proposed modification by the Utah State Office of Education and the Utah Department of Transportation, the modification shall become effective 90 days following distribution.

     

    R909-3-12. Appendix 1.

    (1) Colorado Racking Load Test

    (a) A Racking Load Test (University of Colorado, Boulder, 1972) shall be performed to assure adequate shear stiffness and strength of the bus body. The racking load shall be applied along a line connecting the most distant points on a transverse cross section of the bus interior.

    (b) The maximum jack load for the two-frame assembly is determined by the following formula:

     

    TABLE V


    j = 2P, where      j - maximum jack load for two-frame test
                       assembly
    p = DVW - N and    p - load/frame
    DVW = DF x GVW     DVW - dynamic vehicle weight
                       DF - dynamic factor, not less than 1.5
                       GVW - gross vehicle weight
                       N - total number of bus body frames

         Thus for a DF = 1.5, a GVW = 22,000 lbf and N-11, the
    dynamic vehicle weight is DVW = 33,000 lbf, the 10ad/frame is
    P = 3000 lbf and the maximum jack load is j = 6000lbf.

     

    (c) When a complete bus body is rack loaded, the total load DVW must be distributed uniformly along the bus body. This may be accomplished by mounting a series of hydraulic jacks along the length of the bus interior. Seats may be removed to facilitate jack mounting although removal is not recommended when upper seat frames are normally attached to the body structure. The rack load will be considered to be uniformly distributed when the variation in the hydraulic jack readings is less than 10%. At maximum load the sum of all jack readings shall equal DVW.

     

    R909-3-13. Appendix 2.

    (1) Power Test

    (a) Performance Requirements: The bus shall be so powered and geared that the completed bus shall be capable of surmounting a 3.7 percent grade at a speed of twenty miles per hour with a full passenger load on a continuous pull.

    (b) Recommended Procedure:

    (i) Measure the weight of the vehicle. Wt = ..... lbs.

    (ii) Determine the time in seconds it takes to accelerate the bus from 15 to 25 mph on a level roadway. (T = ..... seconds).

    (iii) Perform the following calculations (Where n = maximum number of passengers):

    (A) Wt 2 = Wt ......... + 300 =

    (B) Wt 2 = Wt ......... + 150 + 120n =

    (C) a = 0.455/T x Wt 1 /Wt 2

    (iv) If the "a" from step three is greater than or equal to 0.037, the bus is adequate. If it is less than .037, the bus is not adequate.

     

    R909-3-14. Appendix 3.

    (1) Braking Test

    (a) Performance Requirement: The service braking system shall be designed and constructed such that by the application of a single control unit, the bus will achieve a deceleration of 14 feet per second from a speed of 20 mph with a pedal effort of not more than 75 pounds.

    (b) Recommended Procedure:

    (i) Determine the time it takes to stop the bus from 20 mph (where T = ..... seconds

    (ii) If "T" is less than or equal to 2.5 seconds, the bus is adequate. If it is greater than 2.5 seconds, the bus is not adequate.

    (iii) Contact Pupil Transportation Specialist, State Office of Education, for use of a decelerometer instrument to measure braking efficiency.]

    R909-3-1. Authority and Purpose.

    This rule is enacted under authority of Section 41-6a-1304 and 41-6a-1309 for the purpose of governing the design and operation of school buses and governing the placement of advertisements on school buses.

     

    R909-3-2. Adoption of Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations Standards 2010 Edition.

    (1) In Cooperation with the Utah State Office of Education and the Department of Public Safety, The Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations and Appendix as contained in the 2010 Edition, is incorporated by reference, except for Part, "Finance, School District".

    (a) The Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations is published by the Utah State Office of Education and can be found at http://www.schools.utah.gov/finance/DOCS/Transportation/2010-BusStandards.aspx.

    (b) The 2010 Standards Appendix is published by the Utah State Office of Education and can be found at http://www.schools.utah.gov/finance/DOCS/Transportation/2010-StandardsAppendix.aspx.

    (2) These requirements apply to the design and operation of all school buses in this state when:

    (a) owned and operated by any school district;

    (b) privately owned and operated under contract with a school district; or

    (c) privately owned for use by a private school.

     

    R909-3-3. Advertisement on School Buses.

    (1) In addition to the restrictions listed in Section 41-6a-1309 advertisements placed on a bus may not:

    (a) cover, obscure or interfere with the operation of any required lighting, reflective tape, emergency exits or any other safety equipment;

    (b) be placed within six inches of any required markings, lighting or other required safety equipment;

    (c) resemble a traffic control device; or

    (d) be illuminated or be constructed of reflective material.

     

    KEY: school buses, safety

    Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [1994]2011

    Notice of Continuation: January 5, 2009

    Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 41-6a-1304

     


Document Information

Effective Date:
8/22/2011
Publication Date:
07/15/2011
Filed Date:
06/20/2011
Agencies:
Transportation,Motor Carrier
Rulemaking Authority:

Section 41-6a-1309

Section 41-6a-1304

Authorized By:
John Njord, Executive Director
DAR File No.:
34956
Related Chapter/Rule NO.: (1)
R909-3. Standards for Utah School Buses.