§ 171.70. Steps.
The requirements for steps are as follows:
(1) The lower step at the service door may be not less than 12 inches and not more than 16 inches from the ground, based on standard chassis specifications.
(2) The service door entrance may be equipped with at least a two-step stepwell. Risers in each case shall be approximately equal. When a plywood floor is used on steel, the differential may be increased by the thickness of the plywood used. When a three-step stepwell is used, the first step at the service door shall be approximately 10 to 14 inches from the ground when the school bus is empty, based on standard chassis specifications. Type D school buses shall have at least a three-step stepwell with the first step at the service door 12 to 16 inches from the ground.
(3) Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.
(4) Steps may not protrude beyond the side body line.
(5) A grab handle at least 20 inches in length shall be provided in an unobstructed location inside the doorway. The grab handle shall be designed or installed to prevent items of school children’s clothing, personal items or an appendage from being snagged in the grab handle or door.
(6) Steps on Types A and B school buses may be the manufacturer’s standard.
(7) Steps, including those in the floor line platform area, shall be covered with 3/16-inch rubber floor covering or other nonskid material that is equal in wear and abrasion resistance to top grade rubber.
(8) The step tread material shall be permanently bonded to a durable backing material that is resistant to corrosion.
(9) The step tread shall have a 1 1/2 inch white nosing as an integral piece without any joint.
(10) The requirements for the rubber portion of step treads are as follows:
(i) Special compounding shall be used to allow for good abrasion resistance and a high coefficient of friction.
(ii) The rubber shall be flexible enough to allow it to be bent around a 1/2 inch mandrel both at 130°F and 20°F, without breaking or cracking.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.70 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.70 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411; amended May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (219642) and (301837).
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