Subchapter D. ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SPECIALLY EQUIPPED SCHOOL BUSES AND SCHOOL VEHICLES
Sec.
171.91. General requirement.
171.92. Aisles.
171.93. Securement devices and safety restraints.
171.94. Grab handles.
171.95. Heaters.
171.96. Power lift.
171.97. Ramps.
171.98. Regular service entrance.
171.99. Restraining devices.
171.101. Seating arrangements.
171.102. Special light.
171.103. Special service entrance.
171.104. Special service entrance doors.
171.105. Identification.
171.106. Powerlift uprights, barriers and chain on elevator-type lifts through the floor.
171.107. Web cutter.
Cross References This subchapter cited in 22 Pa. Code § 59.41 (relating to school buses/vehicles); and 67 Pa. Code § 171.2 (relating to definitions).
§ 171.91. General requirement.
School buses used for transporting students with disabilities shall comply with Subchapters B, C, G and this subchapter. School vehicles used for the transportation of students with disabilities shall comply with Subchapter E (relating to school vehicle standards) and this subchapter.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.91 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.91 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 (219648) to (219649).
§ 171.92. Aisles.
(a) School buses equipped with a power lift or a ramp shall have aisles a minimum of 30 inches wide leading from the wheelchair or other type of mobility device area to the emergency door, power lift or ramp special service entrance. Under § 171.42 (relating to aisle), school buses that are not equipped with a power lift or ramp shall have aisles with a minimum clearance of at least 30 centimeters—11 3/4 inches—wide leading to the emergency door and the service entrance door.
(b) School vehicles may not be equipped with more than two wheelchair positions. (Each wheelchair seating position is counted as four designated seating positions, under 49 CFR 571.3(b) (relating to definitions).
Authority The provisions of this § 171.92 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.92 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 page (219649).
§ 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.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.93 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.93 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. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (129344).
§ 171.94. Grab handles.
Grab handles shall be provided on the interior of school buses on each side of the right front service door.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.94 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.94 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 May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (219649) to (219650).
§ 171.95. Heaters.
Additional heaters may be installed in the rear portion of a school bus.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.95 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.95 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 May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (219650).
§ 171.96. Power lift.
(a) General. A school bus or school vehicle that is used specifically for the transportation of school children who utilize wheelchairs or other types of mobility devices, or who require life support equipment which cannot use the regular service entrance shall be equipped with a power lift. A power lift system shall comply and be installed in accordance with any applicable FMVSS. If a power lift system is inadequate to load or unload school children having special or unique needs, a ramp device may be installed.
(b) Specific requirements. The requirements for power lifts are as follows:
(1) The power lift shall be located either in the rear or on the right side of the vehicle body, but confined within the perimeter of the vehicle body when not extended. The power lift may not be attached to the exterior sides of the vehicle.
(2) The lifting mechanism shall be able to lift a minimum pay load of 800 pounds. A clear opening and platform to accommodate a 30-inch wide wheelchair shall be provided.
(3) When the platform is in the fully up position, it shall be locked in position mechanically by means other than a support or lug in the door.
(4) Controls shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift mechanism from either inside or outside of the school bus. There shall be a means of preventing the lift platform from falling while in operation due to a power failure.
(5) Power lifts shall be equipped so they may be manually operated in the event of a power failure.
(6) The lift travel shall allow the lift platform to rest securely on the ground.
(7) Edges of the platform shall be designed to prevent the wheelchair or other type of mobility device from slipping or rolling off the platform and to prevent the operator’s feet from being entangled during the raising and lowering process.
(8) A self-adjusting, skid resistant plate shall be installed on the outer edge of the platform to minimize the incline from the lift platform to the ground level.
(9) A circuit breaker, fuse or an electronic device which provides protection against short circuits, thermal overloads and reversed polarity shall be installed between the power source and the lift motor, if electrical power is used.
(10) The lift mechanism shall be designed to prevent excessive pressure from building in the hydraulic system when the platform reaches the full up or full down position.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.96 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.96 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 (219650) to (219651).
§ 171.97. Ramps.
(a) General. If a power lift system is inadequate to load and unload students having special or unique needs, a ramp device may be installed.
(b) Requirements. The requirements for ramps are as follows:
(1) Ramps shall be rigid and of sufficient strength to support the wheel chair or other type of mobility device, occupant and attendants without stress damage.
(2) Ramps shall be equipped with a protective flange on each longitudinal side to keep wheel chairs or other types of mobility devices on the ramp.
(3) Ramp floors shall be of a nonskid material.
(4) Ramps shall be equipped with a handle and constructed so as to permit one person to put the ramp in place and return it to its storage place.
(5) Ramps, during use, shall be connected to the school bus or school vehicle at floor level to permit easy access of wheel chairs or other types of mobility devices, and to be free of danger of detachment.
(6) A dustproof and waterproof enclosed container shall be provided if the ramp is stored under the floor.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.97 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.97 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 page (219651).
§ 171.98. Regular service entrance.
An additional foldout step may be provided to make the step level no more than 6 inches above the ground.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.98 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.98 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. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122812).
§ 171.99. Restraining devices.
(a) 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.
(b) Drivers of school vehicles are required to comply with the requirements of 75 Pa.C.S. § 4581 (relating to child passenger restraints) and the Department’s regulations implementing those requirements.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.99 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.99 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 page (219652).
§ 171.101. Seating arrangements.
Seating shall be forward-facing.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.101 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.101 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. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122813).
§ 171.102. Special light.
Lights shall be placed inside the school bus or school vehicle to sufficiently illuminate the lift area and shall be activated from the door area.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.102 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.102 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 May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (219652) and (301841).
§ 171.103. Special service entrance.
(a) General. A special service entrance may be constructed to accommodate a wheelchair lift for the loading and unloading of passengers.
(b) Requirements for school buses. The following apply to the special service entrance on school buses:
(1) The special service entrance shall be located at a convenient point on the right—curb side—of the school bus and far enough to the rear to prevent the door, when open, from obstructing the right front service door—excluding a regular front service door lift.
(2) 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.
(3) With doors open, the minimum clear opening shall be 30 inches in width.
(4) A drip moulding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from the entrance.
(5) The entrance shall be of sufficient width and depth to accommodate various mechanical lifts and related accessories as well as the lifting platform.
(6) Door posts and headers from the entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to the areas of the side of the school bus not used for service doors.
(c) Requirements for school vehicles. The following apply to the special service entrance on school vehicles:
(1) The special service entrance shall be located at a convenient point to the right—curb side or to the rear of the school vehicle.
(2) With doors open, the minimum clear opening shall be 30 inches in width.
(3) A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from the entrance.
(4) The entrance shall be of sufficient width and depth to accommodate the mechanical lift and related accessories as well as the lifting platform.
(5) Door posts and headers from the entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to original manufacture.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.103 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.103 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 May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (301841).
§ 171.104. Special service entrance doors.
The requirements for special service entrance doors are as follows:
(1) Either a single door or double doors may be used for the special service entrance.
(2) Doors shall open outwardly.
(3) Doors shall have positive fastening devices to hold the doors in the open position.
(4) Doors shall be weather sealed. Double doors shall be so constructed that a flange on the outside of the forward door overlaps the edge of the rear door when closed.
(5) If optional power doors are installed, the design shall permit release of the doors for opening and closing from inside the school bus or school vehicle.
(6) If manually operated dual doors are provided, the rear door shall have at least a one point fastening device to the header.
(i) The forward mounted door shall have at least three fastening devices-one to the header, one to the floor line of the body and the other into the rear door.
(ii) These locking devices shall afford maximum safety when the doors are in the closed position.
(iii) The door and hinge mechanism shall be of sufficient strength to provide for the same type of use as a standard entrance door.
(7) Door materials, panels and structural strength shall be equivalent to the conventional service and emergency doors. Color, rub rail extensions, lettering and other exterior features shall match adjacent sections of the body.
(8) Each door shall have windows set in rubber compatible within 1 inch of the lower line of the adjacent sash.
(9) Doors shall be equipped with a device that will actuate an audible or visible signal located in the driver’s compartment when the doors are not securely closed and the ignition is in the ‘‘on’’ position.
(10) The lifting mechanism switch shall be wired so as to prevent the lifting mechanism from operating when the lift platform door is closed.
(11) Supplemental security locks installed on special service entrance doors shall be equipped with an ignition interlock system or an audiovisual alarm located in the driver’s compartment.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.104 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.104 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 November 26, 2003, effective November 29, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 5817; amended May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (301841) to (301842).
§ 171.105. Identification.
A specially equipped school bus or school vehicle 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.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.105 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.105 adopted 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 (301842) to (301843).
§ 171.106. Power lift uprights, barriers and chain on elevator-type lifts through the floor.
(a) Heavy-duty padded panels shall extend above floor level on the nonentrance and nonexit sides of the special service opening to prevent school children from falling into the lift opening when the lift is lowered. The width of the panels shall be equal to the depth of the floor opening.
(b) A covered chain shall be fastened to the rear panel with a hook and eye fastener for attachment to the forward panel.
(c) 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.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.106 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.106 adopted September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411.
§ 171.107. Web cutter.
Every specially equipped school bus and school vehicle shall have at least one web cutter securely mounted in a visible location within the driver’s compartment.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.107 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.107 adopted May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039.
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