Section 92-92-007 - Additional Required Equipment For Vehicles Used With Mobile Seating Devices007.01General Requirements. Pupil transportation vehicles designed for transporting children with special transportation needs shall comply with National School Transportation Specifications & Procedures and with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) applicable to their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) category. In addition, any pupil transportation vehicle to be used for the transportation of children who are confined to a wheelchair or other mobile positioning device, or who require life support equipment which prohibits use of the regular service entrance, shall be equipped with a power lift, unless a ramp is needed for unusual circumstances related to passenger needs.007.02Emergency Exit. All school and activity buses equipped with a power lift shall provide a 30-inch aisle leading from any wheelchair/mobility aid position to at least one emergency door. A wheelchair securement position shall never be located directly in front of a power lift door location. When provided, the lift service door is considered an emergency exit.007.03Communications. All pupil transportation vehicles which are used to transport individuals with disabilities shall be equipped with a two way electronic voice communication system which can be used at any point in the vehicles' route. This system may be after market provided.007.04Glazing. Tinted glazing may be installed in all doors, windows, and windshields consistent with federal, state, and local regulations.007.05Identification. Vehicles with power lifts used for transporting individuals with disabilities shall display the International Symbol of Accessibility below the window line. Such emblems shall be white on blue background, shall not exceed 12 inches in size, and shall be of a high-intensity reflectorized material meeting Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) FP-85 Standards.007.06Passenger Capacity Rating. In determining the passenger capacity of a school transportation vehicle for purposes other than actual passenger load (i.e., vehicle classification, or various billing/reimbursement models), any location in a vehicle intended for securement of an occupied wheelchair/mobility aid during vehicle operations may be regarded as four designated seating positions. Similarly, each lift area may be regarded as four designated seating positions. (Small vehicles are exempt.) (See Appendix J for Wheelchair or Mobility and Envelope diagram.)007.07Power Lifts and Ramps. On all vehicles other than small vehicles, power lift shall be located on the right side of the vehicle body when not extended. The lift may be located on the left side of the bus if used to deliver individuals to the left side of one way streets. 007.07A All vehicles covered by this specification shall provide a level-change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift or ramp). which comply with the requirements set forth in FMVSS 403, Platform Lift Systems for Motor Vehicles, and FMVSS 404, Platform Lift Installations in Motor Vehicles.007.07BVehicle Lift. The design load of the lift shall be at least 800 pounds. Working parts, such as cables, pulleys, and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the ultimate strength of the material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame, and attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear, shall have a safety factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the material.007.07CLift Capacity. The lifting mechanism and platform shall be able to operate effectively with a wheelchair and occupant mass of at least 800 pounds.007.07DLift Controls. (See 49 CFR 571.402, S 6.7, Control Systems)007.07EEmergency Operation. (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 6.9, Backup Operation)007.07FPower or Equipment Failure. (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 6.2.2Maximum Platform Velocity).007.07GPlatform Barriers. (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 6.4.7, Wheelchair Retention).007.07HPlatform Surface. (See 49 CFR 571.403,, S 6.4.2, S 6.4.3, Platform Requirements).007.07IPlatform Gaps. (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 6.4.4, Gaps, Transitions and Openings).007.07JPlatform Deflection. (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 6.4.5, Platform Deflection).007.07KPlatform Movement. (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 6.4.5Maximum Platform Acceleration).007.07LBoarding Direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and outboard facing of wheelchair and mobility aid users.007.07MUse by Standees. Lifts shall be capable of accommodating persons using walkers, crutches, cane or braces, or who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The platform may be marked to indicate a preferred standing position.007.07NHandrails. (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 6.4.9, Handrails).007.07OCircuit Breaker. A resetable circuit breaker shall be installed between power source and lift motor if electrical power is used. It shall be located as close to the power source as possible, but not within the passenger/driver compartment.007.07PExcessive Pressure. (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 6.8, Jacking Prevention).007.07QDocumentation. The following information shall be provided with each vehicle equipped with a lift. 007.07Q1 A phone number where information can be obtained about installation, repair, and parts. (Detailed written instructions and a parts list shall be available upon request.)007.07Q2 Detailed instructions regarding use of the lift are readily visible when the lift door is open, including a diagram showing the proper placement and positioning of wheelchair/mobility aids on lift.007.07RTraining Materials. The lift manufacturer shall make available training materials to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the lift. These may include instructional videos, classroom curriculum, system test results, or other related materials.007.07SIdentification and Certification. Each lift shall be permanently and legibly marked or incorporate a non-removable label or tag which states that it conforms to all applicable requirements of the National School Transportation Specifications & Procedures. In addition, the lift manufacturer, or an authorized representative, upon request of the original titled purchaser, shall provide a notarized Certificate of Conformance, either original or photo copied, which states that the lift system meets all the applicable requirements of the National School Transportation Specifications & Procedures.007.07TVehicle Ramp. 007.07T1 If a ramp is used, it shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to support the special device, occupant, and attendant(s). It shall be equipped with a protective flange on each longitudinal side to keep special device on the ramp.007.07T2 Floor of ramp shall be of non-skid material.007.07T3 Ramp shall be equipped with handles and be of weight and design to permit one (1) person to put ramp in place and return it to its storage place.007.07T4 Ramps installed in raised floor buses by manufacturers may be used for emergency evacuation purposes. They shall not be used as a substitute for a lift when a lift is capable of servicing the need.007.08Regular Service Entrance. 007.08A On power-lift equipped vehicles, step shall be the full width of the step well, excluding the thickness of doors in open position.007.08B A device shall be provided to assist passengers during entry or exit. This device shall allow for easy grasping or holding and shall have no openings or pinch points which might entangle clothing, accessories or limbs.007.08C An additional handrail may be provided on all specially equipped school buses. This handrail shall be located on the opposite side of the entrance door from the handrail required in subsection 005.25 of this Chapter and shall meet the same requirements for handrails.007.09Restraining Devices. 007.09A On power-lift equipped vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more, seat frames may be equipped with attachments or devices to which belts, restraining harnesses or other devices may be attached. Attachment framework or anchorage devices, if installed, shall conform to FMVSS No. 210, Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages. Any belt assembly anchorage shall comply with FMVSS No 210, Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.008.09B Seat belt assemblies, if installed, shall conform to FMVSS No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies. 007.09C Child restraint systems, which are used to facilitate the transportation of children who in other modes of transportation would be required to use a child, infant, or booster seat, shall conform to FMVSS No. 213, Child Restraint Systems.007.10Seating Arrangements. Flexibility in seat spacing to accommodate special devices shall be permitted to meet passenger requirements. All seating shall meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection.007.11Securement and Restraint System for Wheelchair/Mobility Aid and Occupant. For purposes of better understanding the various aspects and components of this section, the term "securement and tiedown" and the phrases "securement system" or "tiedown system" are used exclusively in reference to the device(s) which anchor the wheelchair to the vehicle. The term "restraint" or the phrase "restraint system" are used exclusively in reference to the equipment that is intended to limit the movement of the wheelchair occupant in a crash or sudden maneuver. The term "wheelchair tiedown" and "occupant restraint system" (WTORS) is used to refer to the total system that secures the wheelchair and restrains the wheelchair occupant.007.11A Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint System (WTORS) general requirements: 007.11A1 A wheelchair and occupant restraint system installed in specially equipped school buses shall be designed, installed, and operated for use with forward-facing wheelchair-seated passengers and shall comply with applicable requirements of FMVSS 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection, and SAE J2249, Wheelchair Tie down and Occupant Restraint Systems for Use in Motor Vehicles.007.11A2 The WTORS, including the anchorage track, floor plates, pockets or other anchorages, shall be provided by the same manufacturer or shall be certified to be compatible by manufacturers of all equipment/systems used.007.11A3 Wheelchair securement positions shall be located such that wheelchairs and their occupants do not block access to the lift door.007.11A4 A device for storage of the WTORS shall be provided. When the system is not in use, the storage device shall allow for clean storage of the system, shall keep the system securely contained within the passenger compartment, shall provide reasonable protection from vandalism, and shall enable the system to be readily accessed for use.007.11A5 The WTORS, including the storage device, shall meet the flammability standards established in FMVSS No. 302, Flammability of Interior Materials.007.11A6 The following information shall be provided with each vehicle equipped with a securement and restraint system:007.11A6a A phone number where information can be obtained about installation, repair and parts.007.11A6b Detailed instructions regarding use, including a diagram showing the proper placement of the wheelchair/mobility aids and positioning of securement devices and occupant restraints, including correct belt angles.007.11A7 Wheelchair Securement/Tiedown (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 5.4. 3, S 5.4.4). Each wheelchair position in a specially equipped school bus shall have a minimum clear floor area of 30 inches laterally by 48 inches longitudinally. Additional floor area may be required for some wheelchairs. Consultation between the user and the manufacturer is recommended to ensure that adequate area is provided. 007.11A8 Occupant restraint system (See 49 CFR 571.403, S 5.4.3, S 5.4.4). If the upper torso belt anchorage is higher than 44 inches measured from the vehicle floor, an adjustment device, as part of the occupant restraint system, shall be supplied.007.12 Special Light. Doorways in which lifts are installed, shall have, when lift is to be used, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the floor of the vehicle immediately adjacent to the lift, and on the lift, when deployed at the vehicle floor level.007.13Special Service Entrance. 007.13A Power lift equipped bodies shall have a special service entrance to accommodate the power lift. Exception: If the lift is designed to operate within the regular service entrance, and is capable of stowing such that the regular service entrance is not blocked in any way, and that persons entering or exiting the vehicle are not impeded in any way, a special service entrance shall not be required.
007.13B The special service entrance and door shall be located on the right side of the vehicle and shall be designed so as not to obstruct the regular service entrance. (Small vehicles are exempt.) Exception: A special service entrance and door may be located on the left side of the vehicle only if the vehicle is primarily used to deliver children to the left side of one way streets and its use is limited to that function.
007.13C The opening may extend below the door 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 give the same strength as other floor openings.007.13D A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively direct water from entrance.007.13E Door posts and headers from entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to the areas of the side of the bus not used for special service entrance.007.14Special Service Entrance Doors. 007.14A A single door or double doors may be used for the special service entrance.007.14B A single door shall be hinged to the forward side of the entrance unless doing so would obstruct the regular service entrance. If, due to the above condition, the door is hinged to the rearward side of the doorway, the door shall utilize a safety mechanism which will prevent the door from swinging open should the primary door latch fail. If double doors are used, the system shall be designed to prevent the door(s) from being blown open by aerodynamic forces created by the forward motion of the bus, and/or shall incorporate a safety mechanism to provide secondary protection should the primary latching mechanism(s) fail.007.14C All doors shall have positive fastening devices to hold doors in the open position.007.14D All doors shall be weather sealed.007.14E When manually-operated dual doors are provided, the rear door shall have at least a one-point fastening device to the header. The forward-mounted door shall have at least three one-point fastening devices. One shall be to the header, one to the floor line of the body, and the other shall be into the rear door. The door and hinge mechanism shall be of a strength that is greater than or equivalent to the strength of the emergency exit door.007.14F 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.007.14G Each door shall have windows set in a waterproof manner that is visually similar in size and location to adjacent non-door windows. Glazing shall be of same type and tinting (if applicable) as standard fixed glass in other body locations.007.14H Door(s) shall be equipped with a device that will actuate an audible or flashing signal located in the driver's compartment when door(s) is/are not securely closed and ignition is in "on" position.007.14I A switch shall be installed so that the lifting mechanism will not operate when the lift platform door(s) is/are closed. 007.14J Special service entrance doors shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of the door opening. Pad shall be at least three inches wide and one inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening.007.15Support Equipment and Accessories. 007.15A Each specially equipped vehicle which is set up to accommodate wheelchair/mobility aids or other assistive or restraint devices which utilize belts, shall contain at least one (1) belt cutter properly secured in a location within reach of the driver while belted into his/her driver's seat. The belt cutter shall meet the requirements of subsection 005.41A2 of this Chapter.007.15B Special equipment or supplies which are used on the bus for mobility assistance, health support, or safety purposes shall meet any local, federal, or engineering standards which may apply, including requirements for proper identification. Equipment which may be used for these purposes includes, but is not limited to: 007.15B1 Wheelchairs and other mobile seating devices.007.15B2 Crutches, walkers, canes, and other ambulating devices.007.15B3 Medical Support Equipment. This may include respiratory devices such as oxygen bottles (which should be no larger than 22 cubic feet for liquid oxygen and 38 cubic feet for compressed gas), or ventilators. Tanks and valves should be located and positioned to protect them from direct sunlight, bus heater vents, or other heat sources. Other equipment may include intravenous, and fluid drainage apparatus.007.15C All portable equipment and special accessory items including equipment in subsection 007.15B, shall be secured at the mounting location to withstand a pulling force of five times the weight of the item, or shall be retained in an enclosed, latched compartment. The compartment shall be capable of withstanding forces applied to its interior equal to five times the weight of its contents without failure to the box's integrity and securement to the bus. Exception: If these standards provide specific requirements for securement of a particular type of equipment, the specific standard shall prevail (i.e., wheelchairs).92 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 92, § 007
Amended effective 7/1/2019