1. CREW
CARRIER
BUSES

2. DOT Operating Authority Safety Inspection Insurance
Passenger Capacity
Date of Manufacture
DOT Operating Authority
Safety Inspection
Insurance
State or Federal Safety Rating
( )
Drivers Qualifications
Identification
Personal Protective Equipment
GVWR
Capacity to carry a minimum of 22 adult passengers.
CLICK ON: Use only buses manufactured after January 1, 1977.
CLICK ON: Copy of current DOT operating authorities, permit numbers, and the name and state of the issuing authority. All offerors will be required to maintain their DOT Operating Authority in order to remain on the dispatch priority list.
CLICK ON: Insurance coverage should be available at all times during usage of the vehicle. All buses shall be capable of operating in an interstate capacity and shall meet the insurance requirements of DOT.
CLICK ON: All buses shall have proof of a current safety inspection. Vendors shall comply with DOT regulations for inspection repair and maintenace.
CLICK ON: The government may validate this information at website
CLICK ON: All operators of any motor vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more OR any motor vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver) shall have a CDL with a passenger endorsement and a medical card.
CLICK ON: The company name and vehicle identification number (Equipment ID) shall be displayed on the vehicle in a minimum of letters two (2) inches in height.
CLICK ON: Personal protective equipment is contractor responsibility.
CLICK ON: Capable of transporting a minimum of 5300 pounds which includes firefighters, personnel gear, tools, and miscellaneous supplies.

3. BUS SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
All buses are subject to a Government inspection upon dispatch and prior to passenger haul.
The Bus Safety Inspection Checklist or the OF-296 may be used.

4. EMERGENCY DOORS: Marked with 1” letters.
Red electric lamp that works when lights are needed.
All exits shall be properly labeled.
Roof hatch minimum size 13x17.
No emergency exit sign over rear door (if cage in rear).
Red electric lamps are not required on school buses.
Starting in 1990 a buzzer is required on emergency doors so if someone starts to open the emergency doors it will go off.
Roof hatches started to be put into buses starting also around 1990.

5. FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Minimum rating of 5BC.
SPARE FUSES
SPARE TIRE

6. DRIVE SHAFT PROTECTION
Bus drivelines are required to have a guard or bracket at the end of the shaft which is provided with a sliding connection to prevent the whipping of the shaft in event of failure of any of its component parts. ( Section )
DRIVE LINE GUARD

7. EXHAUST SYSTEM
On gasoline powered buses the exhaust system must not discharge in excess of 6” forward of the rearmost part of the bus.

8. On buses powered by diesel engines the exhaust cannot discharge in excess of 15” forward of the rear most part of the bus or forward of any door or window designed to open, excepting emergency exits.
15”

9. STEERING WHEEL DIAMETER MANUAL STEERING SYSTEM
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
16 INCHES OR LESS
2 INCHES
4 ¼ INCHES
18 INCHES
2 ¼ INCHES
4 ¾ INCHES
19 INCHES
2 3/8 INCHES
5 INCHES
20 INCHES
2 ½ INCHES
5 ¼ INCHES
21 INCHES
2 5/8 INCHES
5 ½ INCHES
22 INCHES
2 ¾ INCHES
5 ¾ INCHES
Maximum steering lash allowed – See table in CFR book.
Check all other steering components like everything else.
Steering wheel spokes may not be cracked or missing.

10. BRAKES:
Parking brake must hold, air brakes must meet FRONT BRAKE PROTECTION REGS.
Have low pressure air warning devices and working air pressure gauge.
Slack adjusters must be properly adjusted.
NO air leaks.
Brake lining will conform to specs.
Front brake protection – – On every bus, if equipped with air brakes, the braking system shall be so constructed that in the event any brake line to any of the front wheels is broken, the driver can apply the brakes on the rear wheels despite such breakage. The means used to apply the brakes may be located forward of the driver’s seat as long as it can he operated manually by the driver when the driver is properly restrained by any seat belt assembly provided for use. Every bus shall meet this requirement OR COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS IN EFFECT AT THE TIME OF ITS MANUFACTURE.

11. CARGO AREAS:
Buses must be capable of providing a secure INTERNAL storage area for Firefighters personal gear including redbags, day packs, and web gear.
Roof racks are PROHIBITED.
Cargo areas will be constructed of durable materials that can safely and securely store equipment.
Shall be a minimum of 120 cubic feet.
Securely mounted to the body or frame of the vehicle.
No sharp edges or unfinished areas that may cause personal injury.
Storage areas as designed shall not block exits that allow for safe egress of personnel.
Can be constructed from a heavy weight ballistic nylon that is reinforced with heavy webbing or metal.
Netting is not approved.

12. An example of a good way to secure red bags and web gear.
Plastic construction fencing is not good to use.

14. Picture of how it is secured to the floor.

15. Note that the emergency exit is not blocked.
Also when school buses are being used to transport crews “SCHOOL BUS” and the flashing red lights need to be blacked out.

16. Metal cage for the storage of web gear and red bags.
Things to look for sharp edges and making sure items cannot work themselves over the top in case of an accident.

17. Picture of how it is secured to the side of the bus.

18. Box for the storage of handtools located underneath the seats.

19. Flammable/combustible liquids shall not be transported inside the vehicle with passengers and drivers.
Chainsaws, drip torches, mixed gas and fusees must be stored in an external compartment.