N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-50B.14

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:20-50B.14 - Emergency exits

(a) School buses shall be equipped with emergency push-out side exit windows that are vertically hinged on the forward side of the window as follows:

1. A minimum of one emergency push-out exit window per side.

i. Emergency push-out side exit windows shall not be placed directly opposite each other. This requirement does not apply to buses with more than one emergency window exit on one side.

ii. Each emergency push-out side exit window shall be equipped with a switch connected to a warning buzzer, located in the driver's compartment, to alert the driver when the latch for the emergency push-out side exit window has been released.

iii. Each emergency exit window shall be outlined around its outside perimeter with a retro-reflective tape with a minimum width of 2.5 centimeters (.975 inch) and shall be either red, white, or yellow in color.

iv. Each emergency push-out side exit window shall have the designation "EMERGENCY EXIT" in red or black letters at least five centimeters high with a brushstroke at least 3/16 inch wide. The red or black letters shall contrast with the color of the surface upon which they are placed. The lettering shall be placed either directly above the push-out side exit window, or at the top of, or at the bottom of the push-out side exit window on both the inside and outside surfaces of the school bus. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the emergency push-out side exit window shall be located within 15 centimeters of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the school bus. The instructions shall be in letters at least one centimeter high and of a color that contrasts with its background.

v. Emergency push-out side exit windows shall not be located directly above the stop signal arm.

vi. Emergency push-out side exit windows shall not be obstructed at any time by any barrier, seat, door, or other object and may be labeled "DO NOT BLOCK" in letters at least one inch high and of a color that contrasts with the background.

2. School buses may be equipped with additional emergency push-out side exit windows.

(b) School buses shall be equipped with roof safety hatches as follows:

1. Each Type B, C and D school bus shall be equipped with two roof safety hatches. One roof safety hatch shall be located as near as practicable to a point equidistant from the midpoint of the passenger compartment and the forwardmost point of the passenger compartment and the other roof safety hatch shall be located as near as practicable to a point equidistant from the midpoint of the passenger compartment and the rearmost point of the passenger compartment. Each Type A school bus shall be equipped with one roof safety hatch, which shall be located as near as practicable to the midpoint of the passenger compartment.

2. Each roof safety hatch shall be constructed of metal, fiberglass, or equivalent material and shall be equipped with interior and exterior latch releases. Each roof safety hatch shall provide a minimum opening of 20 inches by 20 inches.

3. Each roof safety hatch shall be equipped with a switch connected to a warning buzzer, located in the driver's compartment, to alert the driver when the latch for the roof safety hatch has been released. Each roof safety hatch shall have the designation "EMERGENCY EXIT" in red or black letters at least two inches high with a brushstroke at least 3/16 inch wide. The lettering shall be located on the inside and outside surfaces of the roof safety hatch or within 12 inches of the roof safety hatch opening. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the roof safety hatch shall be located within six inches of the release mechanism on the inside and outside of the school bus.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-50B.14

Amended by R.2012 d.023, effective 2/6/2012.
See: 43 N.J.R. 1831(a), 44 N.J.R. 287(b).
In the introductory paragraph of (a)1, substituted "A minimum of one" for "One"; in (a)1i, inserted the last sentence; and rewrote (a)1iii and (a)1vi.