Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1284 - Emergency Exits -All School Buses

Current through Register 2022 Notice Reg. No. 16, April 25, 2022

On all school buses, except Type 2 school buses manufactured prior to July 1, 1970, emergency exits shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Opening. Emergency exits shall be capable of being opened outward from both the interior and exterior of the bus except as exempt in 1293(d)(1)(C). The emergency exit shall be equipped with a positive latching device to keep it closed, but of a type that can be readily opened for authorized use.

(b) Latch Obstruction. No obstruction shall be placed over the handle of an emergency exit.

(c) Identification and Operation of Controls. All interior controls for emergency exits shall be readily identifiable and operable by passengers; control of such exits from the driver's seat is not permitted.

(1) Buses manufactured on or after April 1, 1977, shall have operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the emergency exit, in letters at least 3/8 in. high, of a color that contrasts with its background, and located within 6 in. of the door handle on the interior.

(2) A sign reading "Emergency Exit" in letters at least 2 in. high shall be on the interior and exterior of the bus at each emergency exit. Interior letters shall be in a color that contrasts with the background. Exterior letters shall be black, at or above eye level.

(d) Door Glass. All doors shall be equipped with approved safety glazing material.

(e) Side Doors. Single-paneled side emergency doors, if hinged, shall be hinged on the forward edge.

(f) Attachments. No part of a seat shall be a part of or attached to an emergency door.

(g) Aisle to Side Floor-Level Door. The aisle leading between the seats to a side floor-level emergency door shall not be obstructed by any post, wheelhousing, or other obstacle. For purposes of this subsection, a seat is not an obstacle if applicable provisions of FMVSS 217 are met.

(h) Door Guard. Each emergency door opening may be provided with a securely attached safety guard installed completely across the interior of the door opening. On at least one end, the guard shall be equipped with an easily detachable quick release that is releasable under tension and secured at points on each side of the door frame not more than 6 in. above or below the horizontal centerline of the door. The guard shall not interfere with the opening of the door.

(i) Additional Emergency Exits. Additional emergency exits may be installed, but all shall conform with the minimum specifications in the applicable FMVSS.

(j) Emergency Exits in Wheelchair School Buses. School buses used to transport physically handicapped pupils in wheelchairs shall conform to the provisions of this section as well as the provisions of Section1293 of this subchapter.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1284

Note: Authority and reference cited: Sections 34501.5 and 34508, Vehicle Code, and 39831, Education Code.

1. Amendment of section title filed 4-9-79; designated effective 6-1-79 (Register 79, No. 15).
2. Amendment of subsection (i) filed 4-3-80; designated effective 7-1-80 (Register 80, No. 14).
3. Amendment of subsections (a) and (g) filed 4-2-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 14).
4. Editorial correction of printing error in first paragraph (Register 92, No. 12).