School Bus Only Inspection Checklist

School Bus Only

ADDITIONAL PRE-TRIP INSPECTION ITEMS FOR SCHOOL BUSES

Special Note: The All Vehicles section of the pre-trip inspection form for the buses is the same as the inspection criteria for straight trucks and combination vehicles with the exception of the type of tires allowed on the front of vehicles transporting passengers. FMCSR §398.5(e) prohibits re-grooved, re-capped, or re-treaded tires on the front wheels of vehicles carrying passengers. This exception being noted, only the items specific to the buses will be covered in this section.

Emergency Equipment: School bus emergency equipment includes a first aid kit, body fluid cleanup kit, and seat belt cutter on buses equipped with belts and/or wheel chair tie-downs. In addition to checking for spare electrical fuses (if equipped), three red reflective triangles, and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, school bus drivers must also inspect the following emergency equipment:

• Check for a first aid kit meeting Idaho standards for content.
• Check for a body fluid clean-up kit
• Check for a seat belt cutter on any bus equipped with belts or wheel chair tiedowns.

School Bus Internal Inspection

Student Mirror

Inside horizontal mirror over driver’s seat- it allows the driver to monitor the activities and movements of the students inside the bus. School bus drivers must check the internal and external mirrors used for observing students:

• Check for proper adjustment
• Check to see that all internal and external mirrors and mirror brackets are not damaged and are mounted securely
• Check that mirrors are clean

Lighting Indicators

In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in earlier lessons of this chapter, school bus drivers must also check the following lighting indicators (internal panel lights):

• Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped (see below)
• Alternately flashing red lights indicator
• Strobe light indicator, if equipped

Eight-Way Lighting Indicators

Lighting indicators illuminate when corresponding lights are turned on (i.e., alternating flashing red or amber lights, strobe lights, etc.).

• Check that internal panel lights illuminate when corresponding systems are activated.

Lights/ Reflectors

In addition to checking the lights and reflective devices listed in earlier lessons of this chapter, school bus drivers must also check the following (external) lights and reflectors:

• Strobe light, if equipped
• Stop Arm light, if equipped
• Alternately flashing amber lights, if equipped
• Alternately flashing red lights

Alternating Flashing Amber and Red Lights

These lights warn applicants that the bus is stopping to load or unload students. 7" diameter lights are located in upper corners on front and back of bus. Inside lights are amber. Outside lights are red.

• Check to see that all lights illuminate and are clean.

Stop Arm Mechanism

Stop arm (sign) on the side of the bus that swings out when students load and/or unload when the red alternating flashing lights are activated.

• Check the stop arm to see that it is mounted securely to the vehicle frame.
• Check for loose fittings and damage
• Check that stop arm extends fully when operated.
• Check that stop arm lights are operational
• If equipped, check that safety arm is securely mounted and functions properly in conjunction with stop arm.

Passenger Entry Door/Handicap Lift

‍Used for normal entry or exit. Handicap lift used for wheel chair accessibility. All passengers must be able to enter and exit safely.

• Check that the entry door is not damaged, operates smoothly, and closes securely from the inside.
• If equipped with a handicap lift, look for leaking, damaged, or missing parts and explain how lift should be checked for correct operation.
• Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.

Passenger Entry Stairs

• Check that entry steps are clear with the treads not loose or worn excessively.

Passenger Entry Handrail

• Check that hand rail(s) are secure and the step light is working, if equipped.

Passenger Seats

Seats must be safe for passengers to sit in.

• Check to see seat backs and frames are not broken.
• Check to see seat cushions are securely attached to the seat frames and not excessively damaged (i.e., cuts, tears, etc).
• Check to see that seats are firmly attached to the floor.

EMERGENCY EXITS

Special Note: The State of Idaho, Department of Education, has set the standards for warning devices on emergency exits for school buses as follows: Emergency exit doors shall include an alarm system that includes an audible warning device at the emergency door exit and also in the driver's compartment. Emergency exit side windows shall include an alarm system that includes an audible warning device in the driver’s compartment. Roof hatches do not require an alarm system, but if so equipped, they must be operable and include an audible warning device in the driver's compartment.

Roof Hatches

• VERBALLY DESCRIBE how the emergency roof exit hatch(s) operate. Only one hatch has to be discussed.
• Describe that the emergency exit-warning device will sound when the hatch is opened and closed.

Windows

Push out windows used for emergency evacuation of the bus compartment.

• Demonstrate that a least one emergency exit window operates smoothly, closes securely, and is not damaged.
• Check that an alarm sounds inside the bus when the window is opened and shuts off when it is closed.

Rear/Side Door(s)

Rear and/or side emergency exit doors.

• Demonstrate that at least one emergency exit door(s) operates smoothly, closes securely, and is not damaged.
• Check that door release handle can be operated properly from both inside and outside the bus.
• Check to see that alarm buzzer sounds when the door is opened and shuts off when it is closed.

External Inspection

Mirrors

School bus drivers must check all external mirrors to insure they are:

• Properly adjusted
• Securely mounted, not damaged
• Clean

Battery/Box

• Check to see that battery(s) is secure.
• Check to see that battery box door is secure
• Check to see that connections are tight and all cell caps (if any) are present.
• Check to see that battery connections are not excessively corroded.

Compartments

Some busses have baggage and access panel compartments.

• Check baggage and all other exterior compartment doors for damage.
• Check to see that any baggage or other items are secure within the compartment.
• Check to see that all compartment doors are securely latched.

Fuel Tank- Side of bus

• Check that fuel cap(s) are secure.
• Check to see that fuel access door (if equipped) is securely latched.

UNDER BUS

Fuel Tank: Under Bus

• Check that fuel tank(s) are securely mounted.
• Check for leaks from fuel tank(s) and fuel cap(s).

Exhaust System

• Check that exhaust system is connected tightly, mounted securely, and there are no loose clamps.
• Check exhaust system for damage and signs of leaking (rust or carbon soot). Exhaust system should have no cracks, holes, or severe dents.
• Check to see that exhaust tail pipe extends outward from under the bus.

Drive Shaft

• See that drive shaft is not bent, twisted, or cracked.
• Check that U-joints appear to be secure and free of foreign objects.
• If equipped, check drive shaft guards to see that they are secure and not damaged.

Frame

• Check for cracks or bends in longitudinal frame members.
• Check for loose, cracked, bent, broken or missing cross members.