School Bus Specifications - Texas Department of Public Safety

STEP-WELLThe step-well and riser panels in the service door entryway shall be clear coated, galvanized orstainless steel, embossing is not required. A step-well of at least three (3) steps shall be built inthe right front assembly enclosed with doors extending to bottom step. Each step shall becovered with “Pebble-Top” type elastomer, at least 3/16 inch thick, bonded to metal or durablepolymer base and otherwise constructed to provide substantial support, including the leadinghorizontal edge which shall be Pebble Top type, white or a color that contrasts with the steptread by at least seventy (70) percent. The lower first step height shall be between ten (10)inches and fourteen (14) inches above the ground for all Type A and C buses. Type D busesshall have a lower first step height between twelve (12) inches and sixteen (16) inches from theground. Each step must be the full width of the step-well at the point where the step islocated. Half steps or partial steps are not acceptable.Note: Two (2) steps are acceptable on Type A 14 - 30 passenger buses. Risers in each caseshall not exceed a height of ten (10) inches.STIRRUP STEPS AND HANDLESA step and appropriate grab handle shall be installed on each front corner of the body tofacilitate cleaning of windshield. The handle shall be stainless steel, chrome plated, or nonferrousmetal or may be made of non-metallic material of sufficient structural and mountingstrength and resistant to weathering and deterioration and shall provide for secure mountingand adequate handhold. Handle shall be contoured and formed to provide a comfortable andsafe grip. Steps and handles are not required on Type A 14 - 30 passenger buses.STRUCTURAL DESIGNDetails of design shall have a direct relationship to specifications for grades of steel in the latestedition for the design of Light Grade Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members of the AmericanIron and Steel Institute. Material used in the body frame structure shall conform to chemicaland mechanical requirements of the listed specifications or other published specifications,including tensile and yield points, which establish properties and suitability of the steel forschool bus body test code and safety requirements. All Type A, C, and D bodies shall meet therequirements of FMVSS 221 and the requirements of the most current National School BusSpecifications and Procedures, Side Intrusion Test.A. All welds used in construction of body shall conform to latest applicable specifications ofthe American Welding Society.B. Welds, rivets, or high-strength bolts may be used in connecting parts of the structuralbody. All bolts shall have provision to prevent loosening under vibratory loads. Allbolts, nuts, washers, and screws used throughout the body shall be cadmium or zincplated, or thoroughly treated in an approved manner for prevention of rust.Section C-14