RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 67--TRANSPORTATION
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[67 PA. CODE CHS. 71 AND 171]
School Bus Drivers, School Buses and School Vehicles
[33 Pa.B. 5817] The Department of Transportation (Department), Bureau of Driver Licensing, under 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 1504, 1508, 1509, 4551--4553 and 6103, adopts amendments to Chapters 71 and 171 (relating to school bus drivers; and school buses and school vehicles) to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of Chapters 71 and 171
The purpose of Chapter 71 is to set forth the course instruction and physical examination requirements for school bus drivers under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1509 (relating to qualifications for school bus driver endorsement). The purpose of Chapter 171 is to set forth equipment and safety requirements for school buses as provided for in 75 Pa.C.S. § 4552 (relating to general requirements for school buses) and for other vehicles transporting school children as provided for in 75 Pa.C.S. § 4553 (relating to general requirements for other vehicles transporting school children). The Department published proposed rulemaking at 32 Pa.B. 1396 (March 16, 2002) and provided a 30-day public comment period. The Department also submitted the proposed rulemaking to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and the Transportation Committees of the House and Senate. The Department received no comments during the public comment period but received comments from IRRC and from a member of the House Transportation Committee. Additional review of the regulations by the Pupil Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC) members has also resulted in some refinements to the regulations in their final form. The comments and changes are discussed in the Summary.
Summary of Comments and Changes in the Final-Form Rulemaking
Representative Jess M. Stairs, a member of the House Transportation Committee, suggested that § 171.47(2) (relating to color) be amended to include a requirement that every school bus/vehicle bear the identification number of the vehicle in large black numbers painted on its roof. The comment was prompted by an incident earlier in 2002 during which a school bus driver effectively abducted the students on the bus and drove them out of State before being apprehended. Identification numbers painted on the roof of school buses/vehicles would permit easier identification of an errant bus/vehicle from the air.
The Department has determined that the comment of Representative Stairs has considerable merit but that requiring that identification could impose significant cost to school bus fleet owners and school districts. Consequently, § 171.55 (relating to identification) has been amended to permit the placement of the identifying title number of the vehicle on the roof of a school bus and establishes the criteria for the placement and size of the numbering. This will allow school bus fleet owners and school districts to phase in the numbering as budgetary considerations permit.
IRRC commented that § 71.3 (relating to physical examination) lacked clarity and suggested that a cross reference to the Department's requirements for a driving examination be added in subsection (b)(2) and (3)(ii)(C). The cross reference has been added to the subsection. IRRC also commented that it was not clear in this section how a prospective driver would apply for a waiver. A new subsection (e) was added to address this concern. Parenthetical definitions for the acronyms in subsection (b)(5)(i)(B) have also been added in response to IRRC comment.
IRRC reiterated the suggestion of Representative Stairs that a requirement be included in §§ 171.47 and 171.55 that identification numbers be painted on the roof of all school buses and school vehicles. For the cost and practicability reasons noted previously, the Department has declined to include this as a requirement, but has established parameters permitting identifying markings at the discretion of the school district.
IRRC questioned whether specific contents of a ''body fluid clean-up kit'' should be included in §§ 171.52, 171.123 and 171.133 (relating to first aid). Body fluid clean-up kits, like first aid kits, are a product developed for, and marketed to, a wide variety of users; the contents have been dictated by the professionals and technicians working in that industry. It is the Department's concern that specification of essential contents might lead to the substitution of just those elements instead of the professionally developed kit. Consequently, the Department has declined to include specific contents of the kit in the regulation.
With regard to § 171.74a (relating to the crossing control arm), IRRC noted that the regulation should reference the criteria in 75 Pa.C.S. § 4552(b.2) requiring the arm to be ''automatically activated whenever the bus is stopped with the red visual signals in use.'' This language has been added to § 171.74a.
Finally, IRRC noted that in § 171.123 the Department had eliminated the specific number of gauze pads, bandages and other items used for first aid and required ''one package'' of these items. The Department responds that the specificity was removed at the suggestion of the PTAC which noted that the vehicles subject to this subchapter are those which carry ten or fewer passengers, including the driver. Notwithstanding that the number of items in ''one package'' may vary among different product providers and among different packaging, it is believed that the requirement of ''one package'' of these items is therefore sufficient to guarantee adequate supply of necessary first aid materials for the small number of passengers, and there is, consequently, no need for the detail in the current regulations.
In addition to the comments from Representative Stairs and IRRC, other refinements to the regulations were suggested through continuing internal review. With regard to § 71.3(b)(4)(ii)(C), it was noted that drivers are not always hired by the school district directly but may be hired by a contracting bus service. Consequently ''by a school district'' was removed from this subsection.
With regard to Chapter 171, additional refinements have been made. It was noted that some school bus designs cannot accommodate a 72-inch crossing control arm. For these vehicles, a shorter control arm is available. Additional provisions have been added to § 171.74a, therefore, to permit the use of a shorter control arm provided that with the arm extended the children walking around it are clearly visible to the driver of the vehicle while seated.
It was also noted that § 171.21(c) and (d) (relating to exhaust system) contained provisions for delayed compliance until a 1998 date long past. That language has been deleted in the final-form rulemaking.
The insertion of new § 171.50(b)(1)(xii) (relating to doors and emergency exits) in the proposed rulemaking was intended to move the language from § 171.50(a)(9) to a more appropriate location in the regulations. The phrase ''an ignition interlock system or'' was inadvertently omitted in the move and has been inserted in § 171.50(b)(1)(xii) in this final-form rulemaking. This is also consistent with the provisions in § 171.104(12) (relating to special services entrance doors).
The new language inserted in § 171.55(b) has been further clarified that on rounded-front buses the identification number may appear in yellow numbers, letters or combination on the black front bumper, in lieu of black numbers, letters or combination on the front of the yellow bus body.
Statutory Authority
This final-form rulemaking is adopted under 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 1504, 1508, 1509, 4551--4552, 4553 and 6103.
Persons and Entities Affected
This final-form rulemaking affects persons and entities responsible for the transportation of school children. This includes all 501 school districts and any organization they may contract to provide pupil transportation. In addition, the State Police will be affected when conducting school bus vehicle inspections.
Fiscal Impact
This final-form rulemaking will not impose any increased costs on private persons, State or local governments. This final-form rulemaking will not occasion the development of any additional reports or other paperwork requirements.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. 745.5(a)), on March 5, 2002, the Department submitted a copy of the notice of proposed rulemaking, published at 32 Pa.B. 1396, to IRRC and to the Chairpersons of the House and Senate Transportation Committees for review and comment.
In preparing this final-form rulemaking, the Department has considered all comments received from IRRC and the Committees; no comments were received from the public.
Under section 5.1(j.2) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5a(j.2)), on July 30, 2003, this final-form rulemaking was deemed approved by the House and Senate Transportation Committees. Under section 5.1(e) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC met on October 9, 2003, and approved the final-form rulemaking.
Effective Date
This final-form rulemaking will be effective on the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Sunset Date
The Department is not establishing a sunset date for these regulations, since these regulations are needed to administer provisions required under 75 Pa.C.S. (relating to the Vehicle Code). The Department will, however, continue to closely monitor these regulations for their effectiveness.
Contact Person
The contact person for technical questions related to this final-form rulemaking is Chris Ann Miller, Manager, Special Driver Programs, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing, Riverfront Office Center, 1101 South Front Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17104, (717) 772-2117.
Order
The Department orders that:
(a) The regulations of the Department, 67 Pa. Code Chapters 71 and 171, are amended by amending §§ 71.1, 71.3, 171.21, 171.47, 171.50, 171.52, 171.55, 171.59, 171.104, 171.123 and 171.133; and by adding § 171.74a to read as set forth in Annex A.
(b) The Secretary of the Department shall submit this order and Annex A to the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Attorney General for approval as to legality and form, as required by law.
(c) The Secretary shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(d) This order shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
ALLEN D. BIEHLER, P. E.,
Secretary(Editor's Note: For the text of the order of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission relating to this document, see 33 Pa.B. 5392 (October 25, 2003).)
Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 18-372 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
Annex A
TITLE 67. TRANSPORTATION
PART I. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subpart A. VEHICLE CODE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE IV. LICENSING
CHAPTER 71. SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS § 71.1. Scope and application.
This chapter applies to the course of instruction and physical examination for school bus drivers required by 75 Pa.C.S. § 1509 (relating to qualifications for school bus driver endorsement).
§ 71.3. Physical examination.
* * * * * (b) Requirements of physical examination. A person is physically qualified to drive a school bus if the person:
* * * * * (2) Has no loss of a foot, a leg, a hand, or an arm; or has been granted a waiver by the Department after competency has been demonstrated through a driving examination administered in accordance with § 71.4(b)(2)(ii) and (iii) (relating to driver's examination).
(3) Has no impairment of:
(i) A hand or finger likely to impair prehension or power grasping, or has been granted a waiver by the Department after competency has been demonstrated through a driving examination administered in accordance with § 71.4(b)(2)(ii) and (iii).
* * * * * (4) Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring use of insulin or other hypoglycemic medication.
(i) A waiver may be granted to an individual requiring the use of oral hypoglycemic medication provided:
(A) The individual's physician verifies in writing that there has been no incident of hypoglycemic reaction for the preceding 2 years.
(B) The driver submits to a diabetic examination every 6 months and submits the results of the examination on a form provided by the Department.
(ii) A waiver may be granted to a person requiring the use of insulin provided:
(A) The person's physician verifies in writing to the Department that there has been no incident of hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic reaction and the person has been free from insulin reaction (including loss of consciousness, attention or awareness) or the requirement of assistance from another person, for the preceding 2 years.
(B) The person submits to a diabetic examination every 6 months, including a Hemoglobin A1C, and to a review of the prior 6-month history of blood glucose monitoring. The physician conducting the diabetic examination shall be familiar with the person's past diabetic history for 24 months or have access to that history.
(C) The person, upon hire to drive a school bus, shall demonstrate his willingness to manage his diabetes by complying with the following requirements:
(I) Self-monitoring blood glucose 1 hour before driving, and at least every 4 hours while driving or while otherwise on duty, by using a portable blood glucose monitoring device with a computerized memory. If blood glucose is below 80 or above 350 the person may not drive until he takes appropriate measures and retests within this acceptable range.
(II) Submitting monthly the results of blood glucose self-monitoring for review by a physician, certified nurse practitioner, physician's assistant, registered nurse or other health care provider selected by the school district. The results shall also be submitted to the physician conducting the 6-month diabetic examination required by clause (B).
(III) Maintaining a manual blood glucose monitoring log and submitting it, together with the glucose monitoring device's computerized log, every 6 months to the physician conducting the person's 6-month diabetic examination.
(IV) Having in his possession a source of rapidly absorbable glucose at all times while driving a school bus.
(iii) A reviewing physician finding that a person previously qualified for a waiver is not complying with the requirements in subparagraph (ii)(C) or is otherwise no longer qualified for the waiver shall report these findings to the Department and the waiver shall be rescinded.
(iv) If a person requiring the use of oral hypoglycemic medication or a person requiring the use of insulin does not qualify for a waiver, that person may request an independent review of his medical records. The review will be conducted by a member of the Medical Advisory Board or by another physician designated by the Department.
(v) Submissions to the Department by physicians or other health care providers, including physician verifications and the results of diabetic examinations, shall be made on forms provided by the Department.
(5) Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency or pacemaker insertion.
(i) Waivers may be granted to those individuals with a history of coronary artery disease, previous myocardial infarction, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, myocarditis, chronic atrial flutter/fibrillation or valvular heart disease, and individuals who have undergone corrective surgery for congenital heart defects, coronary angioplasty, valve repair/replacement, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, or ablative surgery for paroxysmal supraventricular arrhythmias, if the individual annually meets these criteria:
(A) The individual is asymptomatic from the disorder or is receiving medication used to treat the disorder and is asymptomatic on medication.
(B) The individual completes seven Mets (metabolic equivalents) on a treadmill stress EKG (electrocardiogram) test preferably following the Bruce or Balke Protocols and achieves 85% of the predicted maximal heart rate without symptoms or EKG changes. If the resting EKG is abnormal, or the individual is on digoxin, then a stress thallium test should be performed.
(C) An echo, gated blood pool scan or left ventriculogram performed on the individual measures a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or greater.
(ii) In the case of a permanent pacemaker insertion, the individual shall be 2 months post insertion, asymptomatic and demonstrate that he is undergoing regular pacemaker follow up.
(iii) In the case of chronic atrial flutter/fibrillation, the individual shall be on anticoagulant therapy with aspirin or Coumadin and demonstrate adequate rate control when exercising on a treadmill as listed in subparagraph (i)(B).
(iv) Waivers may not be granted to individuals:
(A) Diagnosed with symptomatic coronary artery disease (angina), cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, myocarditis, congenital or valvular heart disease.
(B) Within 2 months of a myocardial infarction, open heart surgery or pacemaker insertion.
(C) Implanted with an automatic cardioverter/defibrillators or antitachycardic device.
(D) With any history of ventricular tachycardia (excluding couplets and triplets), ventricular fibrillation or sudden cardiac death with successful resuscitation.
(E) With any history of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
(F) With any history of carotid sinus hypersensitivity, sick sinus syndrome, second degree heart block or third degree heart block unless a pacemaker has been inserted.
* * * * * (10) Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of seizure disorders or another condition likely to cause loss or impairment of consciousness or loss of ability to drive a school bus safely.
(i) A waiver may be granted to these persons provided:
(A) There has been no more than a single, nonrecurring episode of altered consciousness or loss of bodily control, occurring at least 2 years preceding application, which did not require treatment.
(B) A seizure disorder has been diagnosed, but the person has been episode-free for at least 5 years preceding application and has not required treatment for at least 5 years preceding application.
* * * * * (e) Application for waiver. Application for waiver under this section may be obtained from the Department at the time of application for a school bus driver endorsement or thereafter.
ARTICLE VII. VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
CHAPTER 171. SCHOOL BUSES AND SCHOOL VEHICLES
Subchapter B. SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS STANDARDS § 171.21. Exhaust system.
(a) General rule. The exhaust pipe, muffler and tailpipe shall be outside the body compartment and securely attached to the chassis with clamps and hangers of a type and installed as recommended by the chassis manufacturer.
(b) Tailpipe. The tailpipe shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant tubing material at least equal in strength and durability to 16 gauge steel tubing.
(c) Tailpipe extension. The exhaust system of a school bus powered by a gasoline engine shall discharge to the atmosphere at or within 6 inched forward of the rearmost part of the school bus.
(d) Tailpipe extension for school buses using fuels other than gasoline. The exhaust system for a school bus using fuels other than gasoline shall discharge to the atmosphere either at or within 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the vehicle; or to the rear of all doors or windows designed to be opened, except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency exits.
(e) Insulation. The exhaust system on a gasoline powered chassis 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 the tank or tank connections.
(f) Muffler. The muffler shall be constructed of corrosion resistant material.
(g) Discharge lines and outlets. The discharge lines and outlets on school buses equipped with compressed or liquified gas fuel systems shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 175 (relating to vehicle equipment and inspection).
(h) Exhaust system hangers. Exhaust systems may be equipped with hangers that permit required movement due to expansion and contraction caused by heat of the exhaust and relative motion between the engine and chassis of a vehicle.
(i) Exhaust system and discharge location. Exhaust systems are not permitted to discharge to the atmosphere at a location immediately below the fuel tank or the fuel tank filler pipe. Exhaust systems shall also extend and discharge completely to the outside edge of the vehicle body.
Subchapter C. SCHOOL BUS BODY STANDARDS § 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 roof of the school bus may be painted white.
(3) The body exterior trim may be painted black. The bumper and exterior mirrors shall be painted black.
(4) 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 may be applied as follows:
* * * * * § 171.50. Doors and emergency exits.
(a) Service doors. The requirements for service doors are as follows:
(1) The service door shall be under the control of the driver, and designed so as to afford easy release and prevent accidental opening. When a hand lever is used, no part may come together so as to shear or crush fingers.
(2) The service door shall be located on the right side of the school bus opposite the driver and within direct view of the driver.
(3) The service door shall have a minimum horizontal opening of 24 inches and a minimum vertical opening of 68 inches. Type A school bus service doors shall have a minimum opening area of 1,200 square inches.
(4) The service door shall be of the split type, sedan type or jackknife type. Split-type door includes a sectioned door which divides and opens inward or outward. If one section of a split type door opens inward and the other opens outward, the front section shall open outward.
(5) Lower as well as upper windows shall have approved safety glazing. The bottom of the lower window may not be more than 35 inches from the ground when the bus is unloaded. The top of the upper window may not be more than 6 inches from the top of the door. Type A school buses shall have an upper window with an area of at least 350 square inches of approved safety glazing.
(6) Vertical closing edges on split type or folding type entrance doors shall be equipped with flexible material to protect the passengers' fingers. Type A school buses may be equipped with the chassis manufacturer's standard entrance door.
(7) There may be no door to the left of the driver on Type C or D school buses. Type A and B school buses may be equipped with the chassis manufacturer's standard entrance door.
(8) Doors shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of each door opening. The padding shall be at least 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening.
(b) Emergency exits. Each school bus shall comply with FMVSS No. 217. See Appendix A. The area of square centimeters of the unobstructed opening for emergency exits shall collectively amount to at least 432 times the number of designated seating positions in the bus. The area of an opening equipped with a wheel chair lift is counted toward meeting additional emergency area requirements only if the lift is designed to be folded or stored so that the area is available for use by persons not needing the lift.
(1) The requirements for emergency exit doors are as follows:
* * * * * (xii) Supplemental security locks installed on emergency doors shall be equipped with an ignition interlock system or an audiovisual alarm located in the driver's compartment.
* * * * * § 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 × 2 1/2 yards rolls of nonlatex adhesive tape.
(2) Twenty-four sterile gauze pads, 3 inches × 3 inches
(3) On hundred 3/4 inch × 3 inches adhesive bandages.
(4) Eight 2 inch bandage compresses.
(5) Ten 3 inch bandage compresses.
(6) Two 2 inches × 6 yards sterile gauze roller bandages.
(7) Two nonsterile triangular bandages approximately 40 inches × 36 inches × 54 inches with 2 safety pins.
(8) Three sterile gauze pads, 36 inches × 36 inches.
(9) Three sterile eye pads.
(10) One pair rounded end scissors.
(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.
(d) Surgical gloves and mouth barriers. Either the first aid kit or the body fluid cleanup kit shall contain:
(1) One pair of nonlatex surgical gloves.
(2) One mouth barrier.
§ 171.55. Identification.
(a) Required. Every school bus body shall bear the words ''SCHOOL BUS'' in black letters at least 8 inches high on both the front and the rear of the body, or on signs attached thereto. Lettering shall be placed as high as possible without impairment of its visibility. Lettering shall conform to ''Series B'' of Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs.
(b) Identification number. Every school bus shall display an identification number consisting of no more than 4 black numbers, letters or a combination of numbers and letters. The numbers or letters shall be a minimum 5 inches in height and shall be displayed in a prominent location on the front, rear and on both sides of the bus. On a school bus with a rounded front, the identification number displayed on the front of the bus may be displayed on the black front bumper in yellow numbers, letters, or a combination of numbers and letters, in lieu of black numbers, letters, or a combination of numbers and letters on the front of the yellow bus body.
(c) Additional markings. School buses shall have the name of the school district, private or parochial school, or school bus contractor clearly visible, lettered on each side of the school bus body in the upper body belt band area as close as practical to the bottom ledge of the bottom window sash in letters of not less than 4 inches, and not more than 8 inches in height. Lettering shall be in black or National School Bus Yellow, depending on the contrasting background color. See Appendix B. Other signs or lettering are not permitted, except the bus contractor may have his name or the name of the company in letters no larger than 3 inches in height, or the dealer identification insignia may be displayed in an area not to exceed 6 inches in height by 12 inches in width to the rear of the front entrance at the lowest possible point. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and Interstate Commerce Commission certification numbers, and any other required commercial vehicle markings may be displayed.
(d) Roof-top identification. School buses may display the first eight digits of the title number on the roof in numbers of at least 12.75 inches and not more than 15 inches in height. Lettering shall be in black reflective material and placed in a longitudinal column with the first digit beginning at the front and the last digit ending towards the rear of the school bus as illustrated as follows:
§ 171.59. Lamps and signals.
* * * * * (b) Flashing signal lamps and stop signal arm devices. The requirements for flashing signal lamps and stop signal arm devices are as follows:
* * * * * (2) Stop signal arm devices. Stop signal arm devices on school buses shall comply with FMVSS No. 131--See Appendix A--and the following requirements:
* * * * * (x) The stop signal arm shall be automatically extended so that it complies with subparagraph (viii), at a minimum, whenever the red signal lamps required by FMVSS No. 108, S 5.1.4--See Appendix A--are activated; except that a device may be installed that prevents the automatic extension of a stop signal arm. The mechanism for activating the device shall be within the reach of the driver. While the device preventing automatic extension is activated, a continuous or intermittent signal audible to the driver shall sound. The audible signal may be equipped with a timing device but shall require the signal to sound for at least 60 seconds. If a timing device is used, it shall automatically recycle each time the service entry door is opened while the engine is running and the manual override is engaged.
* * * * * § 171.74a. Crossing control arm.
School buses shall be equipped with a crossing control arm which shall be automatically activated whenever the bus is stopped with the red visual signals in use.
(1) The crossing control arm shall meet or exceed SAE Standard J1133.
(2) The crossing control arm shall be mounted on the right side of the front bumper and shall not open more than 90°.
(3) The crossing control arm shall extend approximately 72 inches from the front bumper when in the extended position or otherwise be of sufficient length that, when extended, the end will be in view of the seated driver.
(4) The crossing control arm shall extend simultaneously with the stop arm by means of the stop arm controls.
(5) The crossing control arm shall incorporate system connectors (electrical, vacuum, or air) at the gate and shall be easily removable to allow for towing of the school bus.
(6) All components of the crossing control arm and all connections shall be waterproofed.
(7) If the crossing control arm is not constructed of noncorrosive or nonferrous material, it shall be zinc-coated or aluminum-coated or treated by equivalent process.
(8) There must not be sharp edges or projections on the crossing control arm that could cause hazard or injury to students.
Subchapter D. SPECIALLY EQUIPPED SCHOOL BUS STANDARDS § 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 the platform inside the school bus.
(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.
Subchapter E. SCHOOL VEHICLE STANDARDS § 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) One 1 inch × 2 1/2 yards rolls of nonlatex adhesive tape.
(2) One package sterile gauze pads, 3 inches × 3 inches.
(3) One package 3/4 inch × 3 inches adhesive bandages.
(4) One package 2 inch bandage compresses.
(5) One package 3 inch bandage compresses.
(6) One 2 inch × 6 yards sterile gauze roller bandage.
(7) One nonsterile triangular bandage approximately 40 inches × 36 inches × 54 inches with two safety pins.
(8) One package sterile gauze pads, 36 inches x 36 inches (U.S.P. 2423 count).
(9) One sterile eye pad.
(10) One pair rounded end scissors.
(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.
(d) Surgical gloves and mouth barriers. Either the first aid kit or the body fluid cleanup kit shall contain:
(1) One pair of nonlatex surgical gloves.
(2) One mouth barrier.
Subchapter F. MASS TRANSIT PUPIL TRANSPORTATION BUS STANDARDS § 171.133. First aid.
(a) First aid kit. Every mass transit pupil transportation bus shall have a removable moisture and dust proof 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 × 2 1/2 yards rolls of nonlatex adhesive tape.
(2) Twenty-four sterile gauze pads, 3 inches × 3 inches.
(3) One hundred 3/4 inch × 3 inches adhesive bandages.
(4) Eight 2 inch bandage compresses.
(5) Ten 3 inch bandage compresses.
(6) Two 2 inches × 6 yards sterile gauze roller bandages.
(7) Two nonsterile triangular bandages approximately 40 inches × 36 inches × 54 inches with 2 safety pins.
(8) Three sterile gauze pads, 36 inches × 36 inches.
(9) Three sterile eye pads.
(10) One pair rounded end scissors.
(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.
(d) Surgical gloves and mouth barriers. Either the first aid kit or the body fluid cleanup kit shall contain:
(1) One pair of nonlatex surgical gloves.
(2) One mouth barrier.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-2264. Filed for public inspection November 26, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]
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