[26 Pa.B. 4411]
[Continued from previous Web Page]
Subchapter C. SCHOOL BUS BODY STANDARDS § 171.45. Certification.
School buses manufactured or converted after January 1, 1978, shall bear a certification label from the final stage manufacturer stating that the completed school bus conforms to applicable FMVSS in effect at the time of manufacture. Persons or entities may not alter a previously certified school bus in a way that does not conform to applicable FMVSS in effect at the time of manufacture.
§ 171.47. Color.
The requirements for the color of school bus bodies are as follows:
(1) The school bus body shall be painted a uniform National School Bus Yellow. See Appendix B.
(2) The body exterior trim may be painted black. The bumper and exterior mirrors shall be painted black.
(3) If a school bus is equipped with reflective material, other than that required under §§ 171.50 and 171.59 (relating to doors and emergency exits; and lamps and signals), the reflective material shall be of automotive engineering grade or better. If additional reflective materials and markings are used, they shall be applied as follows:
(i) The front or rear bumpers, or both, shall be marked diagonally 45° down to the centerline of pavement with strips of noncontrasting reflective material 2 inches wide. See Figure 1.
(ii) The rear of the school bus body shall be marked with a strip of reflective National School Bus Yellow material no greater than 2 inches in width applied to the back of the school bus, extending from the the lower-left corner of the ''SCHOOL BUS'' lettering, across to the left side of the school bus, then vertically down to the top of the bumper, across the school bus on a line immediately above the bumper to the right side, then vertically up to a point even with the strip placement on the left side, and concluding with a horizontal strip terminating at the lower-right corner of the ''SCHOOL BUS'' lettering. See Figure 2.
(iii) ''SCHOOL BUS'' signs shall be marked with reflective National School Bus Yellow material comprising background for lettering of the front or rear, or both, ''SCHOOL BUS'' signs. See Figures 1 and 2.
(iv) The sides of the school bus body shall be marked with reflective National School Bus Yellow material at least 1 3/4 inches, but not more than 4 inches, in width, extending the length of the school bus body and located--vertically--as close as practicable to the beltline. See Figure 3.
(v) Reflective material shall be of a color coinciding with Figures 1--3.
§ 171.51. Fire extinguisher.
(a) Required. Every school bus shall be equipped with at least one pressurized, multipurpose, dry chemical or halogenated agent fire extinguisher, mounted in a bracket in the driver's compartment and readily accessible to the driver. The fire extinguisher shall be mounted as directed by the manufacturer. The fire extinguisher shall have a hose and nozzle and be in good and usable condition. A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the extinguisher so as to be easily read without removing the extinguisher from its mounted position.
(b) Type. The fire extinguisher shall be of a type meeting the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Standard 299 or 1093--see Appendix A--with a total rating of not less than 2 A-10 BC. The operating mechanism shall be sealed with a type of seal which may not interfere with the use of the fire extinguisher.
§ 171.52. First aid.
(a) First aid kit. Every school bus shall have a removable moisture and dustproof first aid kit, mounted in an accessible place within the driver's compartment. The first aid kit shall be mounted as directed by the manufacturer. The first aid kit shall be labeled and visible to the driver or its location shall be marked.
(b) Content. The first aid kit shall contain, at a minimum, the following items:
(1) Two 1 inch x 2-1/2 yards adhesive tape rolls.
(2) Twenty-four sterile gauze pads, 3 inches x 3 inches.
(3) One hundred 3/4 inch x 3 inches adhesive bandages.
(4) Twelve 2 inch bandage compresses.
(5) Twelve 3 inch bandage compresses.
(6) Two 2 inches x 6 yards sterile gauze roller bandages.
(7) Two nonsterile triangular bandages approximately 40 inches x 36 inches x 54 inches with 2 safety pins.
(8) Three sterile gauze pads, 36 inches x 36 inches.
(9) Three sterile eye pads.
(10) One pair rounded end scissors.
(11) One pair latex gloves.
(12) One mouth barrier.
(c) Body fluid clean-up kit. Every school bus shall have a removable and moisture proof body fluid clean-up kit. It shall be securely placed or mounted in an easily accessible location and labeled as a body fluid clean-up kit.
§ 171.56. Inside height.
Inside body height of a school bus shall be 72 inches or more, measured metal to metal, at all points on the longitudinal centerline from the front vertical bow to the rear vertical bow or to the rear interior ceiling mounted air-conditioning unit. Inside body height of Type A school buses shall be 62 inches or more.
§ 171.58. Interior.
The requirements for the interior of school buses are as follows:
(1) The interior of every school bus shall be free of unnecessary projections likely to cause injury. This standard requires inner lining on ceilings and walls. If the ceiling is constructed so as to contain lapped joints, the forward panel shall be lapped by the rear panel, and exposed edges shall be beaded, hemmed, flanged or otherwise treated to minimize sharp edges.
(2) Every school bus shall meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 302, as to the flammability of interior materials. See Appendix A.
(3) Book racks or luggage racks are not permitted.
(4) Interior radio/stereo speakers shall be of the flush mounted type. Exposed parts shall be treated to minimize sharp edges.
(5) The driver's area forward of the foremost padded barriers shall permit the mounting of required safety equipment and vehicle operating equipment.
(6) The requirements for air-conditioning units are as follows:
(i) Persons installing air-conditioning units in school buses after the vehicles' original manufacture date shall affix to the vehicle a label in accordance with 49 CFR 567.7 and 568.8 (relating to requirements for persons who alter certified vehicles). See Appendix A. The label shall contain the statement that the school bus conforms to applicable FMVSS affected by the addition of the air-conditioning unit. This labeling requirement applies to air-conditioning units subject to this subparagraph, regardless of location.
(ii) Interior ceiling-mounted air-conditioning units, mounted above the seats within the head protection zone or at the rear of the bus, shall be padded with materials meeting FMVSS No. 302 to an extent to insure compliance with the head impact test requirements of FMVSS No. 222. See Appendix A.
(iii) This paragraph does not prohibit the installation of air-conditioning units in locations other than those described in subparagraph (ii). Air-conditioning units may be installed in other locations if labeled as described in subparagraph (i).
§ 171.68. Seat belts.
(a) Seat belt for the driver. A Type 2 seat belt meeting the requirements of FMVSS Nos. 208 and 209--See Appendix A--shall be provided for the driver. The belt shall be equipped with a retractor on each side of sufficient quality and strength to keep the belt retracted and off the floor when not in use. The belt shall be anchored in accordance to FMVSS No. 210--See Appendix A.
(b) Seat belts for the driver and all other designated seating positions. Every school bus with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less shall be equipped with an integral Type 2 seat belt assembly at the driver's designated seating position and at the right front passenger's designated seating position, if any. All other designated seating positions shall have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly. Seat belt assemblies shall comply with FMVSS Nos. 208, 209 and 210--See Appendix A.
§ 171.69. Seats and crash barriers.
The requirements for seats and crash barriers are as follows:
(1) Seats shall have a minimum seating depth of 15 inches.
(2) A seating space at least 13 inches wide shall be provided for each passenger.
(3) Each seat, seat back cushion and crash barrier shall be covered with a material having at least a 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. Seat materials shall comply with FMVSS No. 302. See Appendix A.
(4) Seats not designed to meet FMVSS No. 222--See Appendix A--are not permitted. Specially equipped school buses, flip seats which comply with FMVSS No. 217--See Appendix A--and school bus seats designed with an integrated child restraint seat which complies with FMVSS No. 213--See Appendix A--are exempt from this paragraph. Child safety seats which comply with FMVSS No. 213 are also exempt from this paragraph if they are used and secured at all times as designated by the manufacturer.
(5) The backs of all seats of similar size shall be of the same width at the top, of the same height above the floor, and shall slant at the same angle with the floor.
(6) Each school bus passenger seat shall have a minimum seat back height of 24 inches measured from the top of the seat cushion.
(7) The horizontal distance between passenger seats may not be more than 28 inches measured from the front of the seat back cushion forward to the back of the restraining barrier.
(8) Seats shall be forward-facing.
(9) Seats shall be installed in a manner to prevent the seats from disengaging from the seat frame under extraordinary operating conditions. Seats may not have springs protruding and may not have tears greater than 1 inch.
(10) Seats and anchorages shall comply with FMVSS No. 222. See Appendix A.
(11) Each seat leg shall be secured to the floor with at least two bolts, lock washers and nuts.
(12) Seat frames shall be fastened to the seat rail with two bolts, lock washers and nuts.
(13) A padded barrier shall be placed in front of all forward-facing passenger seats that do not have another seat in front of them, as required by FMVSS No. 222. See Appendix A.
Subchapter D. SPECIALLY EQUIPPED
SCHOOL BUS STANDARDS§ 171.91. General requirement.
School buses used for transporting students with disabilities shall comply with Subchapters B, C, G and this subchapter.
§ 171.93. Securement devices and safety restraints.
The requirements for securement devices and safety restraints are as follows:
(1) Each wheelchair or other type of mobility device location shall have devices that secure wheelchairs or other types of mobility devices in a forward-facing position at a minimum of four anchorage points. The securement devices shall be installed and used as designated by the manufacturer.
(2) Three-point safety restraints for lap and upper torso shall be provided for wheelchair and other types of mobility device occupants.
(3) Securement devices and safety restraints shall be designed and installed in compliance with FMVSS No. 222. See Appendix A.
§ 171.96. Power lift.
(a) General. A school bus that is used specifically for the transportation of school children who utilize wheelchairs or other types of mobility devices, or who require life support equipment which cannot use the regular service entrance shall be equipped with a power lift. If a power lift system is inadequate to load or unload school children having special or unique needs, a ramp device may be installed.
(b) Specific requirements. The requirements for power lifts are as follows:
(1) The power lift shall be located either in the rear or on the right side of the school bus body, but confined within the perimeter of the school bus body when not extended. The power lift may not be attached to the exterior sides of the school bus.
(2) The lifting mechanism shall be able to lift a minimum pay load of 800 pounds. A clear opening and platform to accommodate a 30-inch wide wheelchair shall be provided.
(3) When the platform is in the fully up position, it shall be locked in position mechanically by means other than a support or lug in the door.
(4) Controls shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift mechanism from either inside or outside of the school bus. There shall be a means of preventing the lift platform from falling while in operation due to a power failure.
(5) Power lifts shall be equipped so they may be manually operated in the event of a power failure.
(6) The lift travel shall allow the lift platform to rest securely on the ground.
(7) Edges of the platform shall be designed to prevent the wheelchair or other type of mobility device from slipping or rolling off the platform and to prevent the operator's feet from being entangled during the raising and lowering process.
(8) A self-adjusting, skid resistant plate shall be installed on the outer edge of the platform to minimize the incline from the lift platform to the ground level.
(9) A circuit breaker or fuse shall be installed between the power source and the lift motor, if electrical power is used.
(10) The lift mechanism shall be designed to prevent excessive pressure from building in the hydraulic system when the platform reaches the full up or full down position.
§ 171.99. Restraining devices.
Seat frames and seats may be equipped with belt restraint systems designed and installed in accordance with FMVSS Nos. 209 and 213 and used as designated by the manufacturer. Attachment framework and anchorage devices shall conform with FMVSS No. 210--See Appendix A.
§ 171.101. Seating arrangements.
Seating shall be forward-facing.
§ 171.105. Identification.
A specially equipped school bus may display the universal handicapped symbol on the rear of the vehicle below the window line. The emblem shall be white on blue, may not exceed 12 inches in height and width, and shall be of reflective material.
Subchapter E. SCHOOL VEHICLE STANDARDS § 171.122. Fire extinguisher.
(a) Required. Every school vehicle and every motor vehicle described in § 171.121 (relating to applicability) shall be equipped with at least one pressurized, multi-purpose, dry chemical or halogenated agent fire extinguisher, mounted in a bracket readily accessible to the driver. The fire extinguisher shall be mounted as directed by the manufacturer. The fire extinguisher shall have a hose and nozzle and be in good and usable condition. A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the extinguisher so as to be easily read without removing the extinguisher from its mounted position.
(b) Type. The fire extinguisher shall be of a type meeting the Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. Standard 299 or 1093--See Appendix A--with a total rating of not less than 2 A-10 BC. The operating mechanism shall be sealed with a type of seal which will not interfere with the use of the fire extinguisher.
§ 171.123. First aid.
(a) Required. Every vehicle shall have a removable moisture and dustproof first aid kit mounted in an accessible place within the driver's compartment. The first aid kit shall be mounted as directed by the manufacturer. The first aid kit shall be labeled and securely placed or mounted in an easily accessible location.
(b) Content. The first aid kit shall contain, at a minimum, the following items:
(1) Two 1 inch x 2 1/2 yards adhesive tape rolls.
(2) Twenty-four sterile gauze pads, 3 inches x 3 inches.
(3) One hundred 3/4 inch x 3 inches adhesive bandages.
(4) Twelve 2 inch bandage compresses.
(5) Twelve 3 inch bandage compresses.
(6) Two 2 inches x 6 yards sterile gauze roller bandages.
(7) Two nonsterile triangular bandages approximately 40 inches x 36 inches x 54 inches with 2 safety pins.
(8) Three sterile gauze pads, 36 inches x 36 inches.
(9) Three sterile eye pads.
(10) One pair rounded end scissors.
(11) One pair latex gloves.
(12) One mouth barrier.
(c) Body fluid clean-up kit. Every vehicle shall have a removable and moisture proof body fluid clean-up kit. It shall be securely placed or mounted in an easily accessible location and labeled as a body fluid clean-up kit.
§ 171.125. Seating.
(a) Vehicle seats. Vehicle seats and seat belts shall be of a type and installed as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
(b) Dividers. Dividers may not be used to separate the seats.
(c) Seating space. A designated seating position of safe design and construction shall be provided for each passenger and a passenger may not be carried for which a safe designated seating position is not available.
Subchapter F. MASS TRANSIT PUPIL TRANSPORTATION BUS STANDARDS § 171.132. Fire extinguisher.
(a) Required. Every mass transit pupil transportation bus shall be equipped with at least one pressurized, multipurpose, dry chemical or halogenated agent fire extinguisher, mounted in a bracket in the driver's compartment and readily accessible to the driver. The fire extinguisher shall be mounted as directed by the manufacturer. The fire extinguisher shall have a hose and nozzle and be in good and usable condition. A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the extinguisher so as to be easily read without removing the extinguisher from its mounted position.
(b) Type. The fire extinguisher shall be of a type meeting the Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. Standard 299 or 1093--See Appendix A--with a total rating of not less than 2 A-10 BC. The operating mechanism shall be sealed with a type of seal which will not interfere with the use of the fire extinguisher.
§ 171.133. First aid.
(a) First aid kit. Every mass transit pupil transportation bus shall have a removable moisture and dustproof first aid kit mounted in an accessible place within the driver's compartment. The first aid kit shall be mounted as directed by the manufacturer. The first aid kit shall be labeled and visible to the driver or its location shall be marked.
(b) Content. The first aid kit shall contain, at a minimum, the following items:
(1) Two 1 inch x 2 1/2 yards adhesive tape rolls.
(2) Twenty-four sterile gauze pads, 3 inches x 3 inches.
(3) One hundred 3/4 inch x 3 inches adhesive bandages.
(4) Twelve 2 inch bandage compresses.
(5) Twelve 3 inch bandage compresses.
(6) Two 2 inches x 6 yards sterile gauze roller bandages.
(7) Two nonsterile triangular bandages approximately 40 inches x 36 inches x 54 inches with 2 safety pins.
(8) Three sterile gauze pads, 36 inches x 36 inches.
(9) Three sterile eye pads.
(10) One pair rounded end scissors.
(11) One pair latex gloves.
(12) One mouth barrier.
(c) Body fluid clean-up kit. Every mass transit pupil transportation bus shall have a removable and moisture proof body fluid clean-up kit. It shall be securely placed or mounted in an easily accessible location and labeled as a body fluid clean-up kit.
§ 171.139. Seating.
When used as a school bus, a mass transit pupil transportation bus shall provide designated seating positions of safe design and construction for all school children. A school child may not be carried for which a safe designated seating position is not available.
Subchapter G. OPERATION STANDARDS FOR VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CHAPTER § 171.147. Fire extinguishers.
Owners of vehicles subject to this chapter shall have the fire extinguishers in their vehicles inspected at least once a year to insure that the fire extinguishers are fully charged, properly filled and operable. Upon approval, the fire extinguisher shall be tagged, signed and dated.
§ 171.150. Use of portable emergency warning devices.
In accordance with 75 Pa.C.S. § 4530(b) (relating to portable emergency warning devices), when a bus is disabled or stopped for more than 10 minutes upon a highway, the driver shall display at least three portable warning devices. These portable warning devices shall be displayed as required by § 167.8 (relating to display).
APPENDIX A 1. For a summary or other explanation of any Federal standard, write the Director, Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. 20408. The Code of Federal Regulations publication sales are handled exclusively by the Superintendent of Documents.
United States Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents
Washington, D.C. 20402
49 CFR 393 Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation 49 CFR 396 Inspection, Repair and Maintenance 49 CFR 567.7 Requirements for Persons Who Alter Certified Vehicles 49 CFR 568.8 Requirements For Persons Who Alter Certified Vehicles 49 CFR 569 Regrooved Tires 49 CFR 571 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) Standard 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment Standard 111 Rearview Mirrors Standard 117 Retreaded Pneumatic Tires Standard 119 New Pneumatic Tires For Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars Standard 120 Tire Selection And Rims For Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars Standard 125 Warning Devices Standard 131 School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices Standard 205 Glazing Materials Standard 208 Occupant Crash Protection Standard 209 Seat Belt Assemblies Standard 210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages Standard 213 Child Restraint Systems Standard 217 Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release Standard 222 School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection Standard 302 Flammability of Interior Materials 49 CFR 581 Bumper Standard 2. To order SAE handbooks or manuals or for additional SAE information, write:
Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. (SAE)
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
(412) 776-4970
Standard J20e Coolant System Hoses Standard J56 Electrical Generating System (Alternator Type) Performance Curve and Test Procedure Standard J180b Electrical Charging Systems for Construction and Industrial Machinery Standard J186a Supplemental High Mounted Stop and Rear Turn Signal Lamps Standard J377 Performance of Vehicle Traffic Horns Standard J381 Windshield Defrosting Systems Test Procedure--Trucks, Buses and Multipurpose Vehicles Standard J382 Windshield Defrosting Systems Performance Requirements--Trucks, Buses and Multipurpose Vehicles Standard J578 Color Specifications Standard J887a School Bus Red Signal Lamps Standard J994b Alarm Backup Electric Performance Test and Application Standard J1100 Motor Vehicle Dimensions Standard J1133 School Bus Stop Arm Standard J1292 Automobile, Truck, Truck-Tractor, Trailer and Motor Coach Wiring 3. For additional SBMI information, write:
School Bus Manufacturers Institute (SBMI)
Division of Truck Body and Equipment Association
7508 Ben Avon Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(301) 299-8441Design Objectives Booklet, current edition
Standard 001 Standard Code for Testing and Rating Automotive Bus Hot Water Heating and Ventilating Equipment 4. For additional Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. information:
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
333 Pfingsten Rd.
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
(312) 272-8800
Standard 299 Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers Standard 723 Tests for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials Standard 1093 Halogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers 5. For additional U.S. Department of Commerce information, write:
United States Department of Commerce
14th and E Streets
Washington, DC 20230
Standard PS1-83 Construction and Industrial Plywood 6. For additional ASTM information, write:
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
1916 Race Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
(215) 299-5400
Standard B117 Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing 7. For additional General Services Administration Specification and Consumer Information, write:
General Services Administration
Specification & Consumer Information
Distribution Center
Washington Navy Yard
Building 197
Washington, DC 20407Federal Coating Compound, Bituminous, Solvent Type, Specification Underbody (for Motor Vehicles) TT-C-520b
8. For additional National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) information, write:
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Publications and Programs Inquiries
Building 101, Room E106
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
(301) 975-3052
Federal Standard
No. 595aColor 37038
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-1532. Filed for public inspection September 13, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
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