a) AIR CLEANER

PROCEDURE/SPECIFICATIONS:

Any type is acceptable.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Air cleaner is not properly attached or is missing.

b) AISLE

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Unobstructed minimum clearance leading from service door to emergency door or back of bus must be at least 12 inches wide. Floor to ceiling height must be a minimum of 58.9 inches at any location within the aisle.

An aisle may be present adjacent to any side emergency door. For buses manufactured on or after September 1, 1994, the following must be met:

1)

An unobstructed aisle measuring at least 11.7 inches (30 cm) must be maintained at all times, except when a flip-up seat is in the down position.

2)

No portion of the door latch mechanism can be obstructed by a seat.

3)

The 11.7 inch (30 cm) aisle is measured from the door opening to the seat back in front. (49 CFR 571.217)

AGENCY NOTE:

Flip-up seats are allowed. See SEATS, PASSENGER for standards.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Aisle does not meet minimum standards.

c) ALTERNATOR

(GENERATOR)

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

The generator, or alternator with rectifier, shall have a minimum capacity rating of 55 amperes and shall be capable of meeting all electrical requirements.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Alternator does not meet minimum standards or is not functioning.

d) AXLES

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Meets federal chassis requirements as indicated on federal certification label. (49 CFR 568) Wheel base shall not be less than 123 inches.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Axles show visible signs of apparent damage, leaking fluids or are not firmly attached.

e) BARRIER, GUARD

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Shall be either the following Type A or B:

TYPE A:  Constructed and thickly padded to give head and knee impact protection. Installed at the rear of service entrance at least 23 inches ahead of seat back and no more than one inch from right hand wall, bottom shall be no more than two inches above floor. Guard barrier shall match width and above-floor height of the seat-back on right-front forward-facing seat; provided, however the barrier's width shall be reduced as necessary to maintain a 12 inch wide service entrance way and aisle. Except for a grab handle, the guard barrier shall not extend more than one inch ahead of the rear of service door opening nor more than one inch into the space above any service step. No portion of the barrier shall present a "snagging," sharp, tripping, or other hostile surface to a person moving through aisle or service entrance way.

TYPE B:  Stanchion post shall be installed to the rear and left of the service entrance step well from floor to ceiling with guard rail attached approximately 30 inches above the floor. A step well guard panel installed from stanchion to right hand wall and from guard rail to within two inches of floor. Clearance between step well and first seat should be at least 24 inches measured from panel to front face of seat back at cushion height. All stanchion and guard rails shall be padded. Padding on the stanchions shall extend to within three inches of ceiling and floor; on guard rail it sall extend from wall to stanchion. (45 CFR 568)

Exception:  All buses manufactured prior to September 1, 1974, require Type A or B. Buses manufactured from September 1, 1974, to March 31, 1977, require Type A.

Exception:  Buses manufactured on and after April 1, 1977, are not required to have guard barriers.

Exception:  See 92 Ill. Adm. Code 445.APPENDIX B (Inspection Procedures for Type II Special Education School Buses) for other possible exceptions.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Barrier is not solidly attached. Padding or covering shows wear and tear. Barrier does not meet requirements.