Pre-Service Course Trainee Manual
Contents
1. R E d 1 l F 7 L a L P L a E E 8 H bE R S e F E i wh san KLO T LE Bis ce d 1 PLEITE bie a k This page intentionally left blank State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 2 Acknowledgements We could not have prepared this curriculum without the ideas enthusiasm and guidance of the following people Marion Edick State Director of Pupil Transportation NYSED SBDI Advisory Committee Jim Brown Robert Brown Jason Burrick Jorge DeJesus Lorraine Misciagno Susan Soudant Faye Stevens Peter Brockmann Betty Hughes Patricia Martell Paul Mori Chuck Paquette Joseph Van Aken Patricia Bailey Lenny Bernstein chair Ted Finlayson Schueler Kathy Furneaux Peter Lawrence Peter Montalvo James Rogan and Maureen Ryan Safety Rules Curriculum Advisory Committee Lance Frieberger Cliff Berchtold Joe Van Aken Paul Mori Mike Dello Ioio Faye Waxman Robin Parks Teena Fitzroy Deanna Adams Peter Lawrence Deb Stevens Greg Jenne and Judy Clarke Moravia CSD School Bus Drivers Attendants and Mechanics Attendees at Syracuse focus group Tyronne Worrell Luther Everson Cindy Raulli Deb Lilley Deb Stevens Tammy Payne Chuck Paquette Barb Biddlecome Terri Kuss Shelly O Riley and Pat Bailey Attendees at Rochester focus group Peter Lawrence Michael Proukou and Kitty Rhow Lee Comeau retired author of the original 19892. Pre Service Course JE amp TFS June 2010 Title School Bus Driver Pre Service Course Trainee Manual Unit 11 Authors Jim Ellis and Ted Finlayson Schueler Copyright June 30 2010 The University of the State of New York The New York State Education Department Office of Pupil Transportation Unit EBA Room 876 Albany NY 12234 0001 Phone 518 474 6541 s Fax 518 474 1983 State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 3 INTRODUCTION Welcome new New York State school bus driver The School Bus Driver Pre Service Course has one goal to prepare you to safely transport children on a school bus You are entering a proud profession New York State s school bus drivers have established an admirable safety record over the past generation Statistically New York s school buses represent the safest form of ground transportation ever devised Children riding in school buses are approximately 24 times safer than when they re riding in the family car However student safety is never assured Your responsibility for safety will be serious from the first day you drive a bus with children on board What you learn in this course can save a child s life This Trainee Manual will prepare you for the course Read it carefully before the course begins Complete the review questions at the end of each Unit before you come to class Write down any questions you have for your instructor If you don t understand somethin
3. brake chamber failures cracked lenses and many blown bulbs These typical mechanical failures share two extremely important characteristics 1 Unrepaired mechanical failures or defects can cause injury to a child or cause a crash 2 Each mechanical problem listed above should be discovered by an alert driver during a pre trip inspection Similarly a cursory pre trip walking around the bus half asleep halfheartedly kicking at a tire could easily miss every mechanical problem listed above School bus pre trip inspections are too important to just go through the motions A superficial inspection could send an unsafe bus on the road Learn how to conduct a professional pre trip Although at first it will seem like a lot of items to check it will become second nature when you do it every day Never let yourself become complacent about vehicle safety It takes ten to fifteen minutes to conduct a thorough vehicle inspection The more you do it the more efficient you will become at it Conduct a meticulous safety inspection of every school vehicle you drive every day New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 6 you check out the bus Never let yourself become complacent about vehicle safety 11 1 2 Pre trip safety Be careful when conducting a pre trip inspection e Wear shoes with good tread to prevent slips and falls Avoid loose clothing and long drawstrings or neckla
4. Perform a 50 service brake check with the bus moving forward at approximately five mph the bus should stop smoothly and quietly without pulling hard to either side New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 11 Note Wheelchair lifts wheelchair tie down systems seat belt cutter and the fire blanket must also be checked if the vehicle is lift equipped Check the full operation of the wheelchair lift before leaving the yard See Optional Unit 11 for more about checking wheelchair lifts and other special needs equipment A pre trip inspection of vans has several unique features 11 2 Driver s Daily Vehicle Reports 11 2 1 Legal requirement New York State Department of Transportation requires the driver of every school bus to file a written report of its mechanical condition at the end of the day Driver s Daily Vehicle Reports DDVR should be taken with utmost seriousness by drivers Your signature is required twice first after conducting your pre trip inspection certifying that the bus was in safe condition when it left the yard Second after your post trip inspection at the conclusion of the run certifying that the bus was still in safe working order at the end of the day Any mechanical problems discovered during your pre trip inspection while driving or at the end of the day must be described Treat DDVRs seriously should an accident occur the DDVR you signed will be r
5. Stop signs and flashers 4m All reflectors and reflective tape 4n Pressure leaks underneath front and sides of bus coolant fuel oil 40 Emergency doors buzzers seals safety catch open emergency doors all the way being careful to not break the safety catch note check emergency reflector triangles from outside rear door if they re located at the rear of the vehicle 4p Damage to body windows roof report any new scratches or dents 4q Underneath the bus hanging or loose wires drive shaft and drive shaft protectors rear springs intact etc 4r Exhaust system secure push end of pipe with foot not your hand New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 9 it could be hot end of exhaust pipe should extend beyond rear bumper 4s Fuel cap tight STEP 5 Re enter vehicle check emergency equipment re set lights 5a Step well light steps clear handrail secure 5b Fire extinguisher fully charged pin present secure in bracket 5c Seat belt cutter s if present 5d First aid kit stocked check kit on assigned bus at least once a week check daily on a spare bus kit secure in bracket labeled Check inside the emergency reflector box at least weekly on your regularly assigned bus check every day on spare buses 5e Body spill cleanup kit stocked check kit on assigned bus at least once a week check daily on a spare bus secure in b
6. opened not just pushed up into the vent position exit labels and decals and red lights over emergency doors 8d Open the rear door and lean out far enough to check amber flashers and 4 way flashers 8e Return to the front of the vehicle checking seat cushions pull up on each cushion at the seat bight where seat back and cushion meet cushions often come loose check seat belts all should be accessible check jump seat operation next to side emergency door jump seat should spring back to full upright position 8f Return to driver s seat adjust it as necessary before leaving yard fasten and properly adjust driver seat belt 8g Ask a buddy another driver or attendant to check your brake lights in low light conditions you may be able to use your driving mirror to see brake lights flashed on and off in a reflective surface behind your bus such as the windows on other parked buses some operations mount exterior mirrors across the lot to help drivers check their brake lights Check mirror adjustment carefully before leaving the yard 8h Check mirror adjustment carefully driving mirrors and pedestrian crossover mirrors before leaving the yard 8i Check horn STEP 9 50 brake checks whenever possible at a safe distance from other parked buses 9a Check the parking brake it should hold your bus with the transmission in Drive and the engine at high idle 9b
7. 0 items you should check during the full walk around during your pre trip 1 SOs l O RS D gt 9 List three types of emergency equipment you should check during your pre trip 1 2 3 New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 15 10 List three things that must happen before you can conduct a static air brake check 1 2 3 11 List five things you should check in the interior of your bus 1 2 3 4 5 12 TRUE or FALSE The 50 brake check should be conducted at 20 mph 13 TRUE or FALSE The 50 brake check should be conducted at a safe distance from other parked buses whenever possible 14 How many times must you sign a Driver s Daily Vehicle Report each day 15 When must mechanics sign the Driver s Daily Vehicle Report a When they ve repaired serviced or worked on a bus b Every time the bus is used c Mechanics are never required to sign the DDVR d None of the above 16 What are the possible consequences for failing to check for children at the end of a run a Disciplinary action or firing of bus driver b Criminal charge of endangering the welfare of a child c Child could be hurt or killed d All of the above 17 After checking for children what are three other duties at the end of the day 1 2 3 UNIT 11 NOTES amp QUESTIONS New York State School Bus Driver
8. Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 16
9. and well maintained School bus mechanics and technicians take their demanding jobs seriously and across the state have established an impressive safety record The New York State Department of Transportation inspects every school bus twice a year Its inspection standards are the strictest in the nation The slightest mechanical problem discovered during a DOT inspection could decertify that bus Unlike a generation ago few school bus accidents today are caused by mechanical failures However mechanical problems still occur School buses are complicated machines and machines break down school bus technicians take their demanding jobs seriously but mechanical problems still occur school buses are complicated machines and machines break down Even in a small school bus operation a log of mechanical failures over the course of a school year will typically include items such as leaking radiator hoses air line leaks oil leaks fuel leaks flat tires broken belts and alternator failures failed back up alarms loose New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 5 As time passes and you settle into your new career of driving a school bus remain alert as seat cushion latches cut seats defective emergency window and door buzzers broken roof hatches loose stepwell treads missing exit labels jammed seat belts exhaust leaks cracked springs electrical shorts heater motor failures stop arm failures
10. arked your bus Be a professional from the start to the finish of your day Always leave your bus ready for its next use Never leave a bus with less than half a tank of fuel What if there s a sudden school or community emergency Before shutting off a diesel bus let it cool down at low idle for 3 5 minutes This prevents damage to the engine While your engine is cooling down do a walk around checking lights and looking for any damage or mechanical problem Report any minor problems such as a light out at once so mechanics have time to fix it before the next day State law requires both attendants and bus drivers to check for sleeping children Don t assume the attendant checked you check too When you shut off the engine turn off all switches and controls This prevents excessive draw on the batteries the next morning Sweep your bus every day empty trash as necessary but at least weekly A dirty bus is unhygienic and unprofessional Make sure seat belts are accessible Seat belts should not be left dangling on the floor to get filthy or to trip students New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 13 e With an air brake equipped bus always pump down your brakes before you get off the bus at the end of the day or for any other reason This is a requirement of the New York State Education Department Pump them all the way down to approximately 15 psi This ensures no one can re
11. ces that could become tangled in vehicle components as you check them out e Be aware of what the buses parked next to yours are doing as you proceed with your pre trip If they re pulling out of their parking spaces stand back e Some stop arms have sharp edges Don t bump your head on a deployed stop arm e Make sure you have good footing as you check your emergency doors from inside the bus Drivers have lost their balance and fallen out the exit e Closing emergency windows can be tricky You can pinch your fingers if you re not careful e Be careful if you are required to check under the hood Some operations require it and some don t Lift and close the hood gently take care that it doesn t get away from you and slam down You could be hurt or the hood could be damaged Bus drivers should not check under the hood while the engine is running that s a job for the mechanics e If you re checking out a vehicle that s recently been used by another driver don t burn yourself on hot engine or exhaust components e Take care not to trip on engine block heater plug in cords during cold weather Unplug your bus before starting it Be sure it s unplugged before leaving your parking space 11 1 3 Model pre trip Learn your school district s or bus company s specific inspection policies and procedures Some operations require additional items to be checked some do not requir
12. e or allow drivers to check under the hood and some prefer a different sequence than the one presented below A model pre trip consists of nine basic steps following this sequence minimizes the number of times you must walk around your bus A model pre trip consists of nine basic steps Following this sequence minimizes the number of times you must walk around your bus 1 Approach the bus 2 Check under the hood if required by local policy 3 Enter the vehicle check controls start engine set lights 4 Exit vehicle full walk around 5 Re enter vehicle check New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 7 emergency equipment re set lights 6 Exit vehicle curbside light check Re enter vehicle static brake check J 8 9 Check interior items 50 brake checks STEP 1 Approach the bus In the early morning use a flashlight or if you park in front of your bus leave your car headlights on to help see underneath the bus As you approach your bus check for la Damage to body broken windows vehicle leaning to one side anything unusual 1b Fluids underneath the vehicle puddles from static leaks oil coolant grease fuel lc Hanging items wires exhaust drive shaft 1d Anything unusual beneath or around the bus tools parts overhanging branches packages etc le Unplug the bus winter STEP 2 Check under the hood if requir
13. ed by local policy 2a Belts secure not frayed no leaks or cuts or signs of rubbing or wear on hoses check carefully around hose clamps where leaks often start 2b Oil level 2c Coolant level 2d Windshield washer fluid level 2e Air lines intact no cracks or cuts no signs of tire rubbing against air line 2f Front shock absorbers intact no leaks leaf springs intact no cracks 2g Front slack adjusters present pins intact 2h Drag link secure 21 Steering column secure steering fluid line not rubbing against steering column 2j Battery box nothing unusual inside compartment batteries not tipped over check battery box before starting engine STEP 3 Enter vehicle check controls start engine set lights 3a Make sure the parking brake is set turn the key to accessory but don t start the engine 3b Check the function of all switches and controls top to bottom left to right high and low settings listen for fans and heater motors 3c Start the engine listen for knocking or other unusual noises do not race the engine but in cold weather set it at higher idle 1200 rpm 3d Check the oil pressure gauge first to make sure there s oil pressure and to prevent damage to the engine then check all other gauges top bottom left right make sure the alternator is charging with some models you may have to rev the engine slightly to kick it in 3e Check the steering wheel t
14. eviewed for any indication that the bus was not in sound mechanical condition at the start of the run DDVRs must be filled out completely and legibly Mileage numbers must be accurately transcribed any gaps in the mileage of successive DDVRs will be questioned by NYS DOT at the next bus inspection Should an accident occur the DDVR you signed will be scrupulously reviewed for any indication that the bus was not in sound mechanical condition at the start of the run It is very important that you sign the DDVR before leaving the bus yard for your first run Your signature protects you from a subsequent charge that you didn t inspect the bus as required by law If mechanics repair service or work on a vehicle for any reason they must indicate what was done and sign off on the DDVR The next time that bus is used the bus driver using it must counter sign under the mechanic s signature This legal signature chain is intended to prevent unsafe buses from transporting children DDVRs are legal documents and must be retained by the operation for at least a year 11 2 2 Mechanics need to know now Don t wait until you turn in the DDVR at the end of the day to inform mechanics of a mechanical problem Tell them at once If it s a minor problem such as a blown clip light it can usually be repaired on the spot If the problem is more serious you shouldn t use the bus New York State School Bus Driver Pre Serv
15. g say so Asking questions is one sign of a professional Again welcome to our New York State school bus safety community Marion Edick New York State Education Department State Director of Pupil Transportation State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 4 OPTIONAL UNIT 11 SCHOOL BUS PRE TRIP AND POST TRIP INSPECTIONS Unit 11 Topics 11 1 Professional School Bus Driver s Pre Trip Inspection 11 2 Daily Vehicle Reports 11 3 Post Trip Inspection 11 4 Unit 10 Review Introduction Commercial vehicle safety inspections are required by state and federal law but school bus pre trip inspection is more than a law A careful check of all safety features on your bus is the sign of a truly professional school bus driver Children s safety depends on a quality pre trip inspection Obtaining the CDL is only the starting point of becoming a professional school bus driver Because of budget constraints and safety considerations the CDL road test does not include a full pre trip inspection The superficial pre trip required during DMV s road test is insufficient once you begin to actually transport students 11 1 Professional School Bus Driver s Pre Trip Inspection 11 1 1 Why pre trips are important Compliance with state and federal laws is important but the most important reason for doing a quality pre trip inspection of your bus is student safety School buses are safe vehicles They are well built
16. ice Manual Unit 11 p 12 Mechanics work hard Ask your supervisor or your Head Mechanic what s the best way to communicate with busy mechanics in the morning 11 3 Post Trip Inspection 11 3 1 Your most important responsibility You must check for children before getting off your bus for any reason It s a law This means getting out of your seat and walking the aisle to the back of the bus carefully checking both on and under seats Many many children fall asleep on their buses Others try to hide under the seats for whatever childish reason At a minimum leaving a child on the bus will result in serious disciplinary action against the bus driver Often it will mean the end of his or her career as a bus driver or even a criminal charge of endangering the welfare of a child Losing your job or being arrested however is not the worst thing that could happen The worst case scenario is a panicked child being left on a bus in the bus yard for hours in freezing or sweltering weather Children have died when left in vehicles by distracted adults State law requires both attendants and bus drivers to check for sleeping children Don t assume the attendant checked You check too every time you park your bus 11 3 2 Other responsibilities at the close of the day Never be in a hurry at the end of your bus driving day There are still important duties to fulfill after you ve dropped off the last students and p
17. lease the spring brake letting the bus roll e Close all windows including driver window and hatches Double check open windows and hatches let in rain which can damage vehicle components as well as birds bats bees and other critters Make sure your door is fully closed as you exit the bus e Complete your Driver s Daily Vehicle Report carefully and accurately Bring it and the bus key into the office according to local procedure New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 14 11 4 Unit 11 Review Write down or circle the best answer s 1 TRUE or FALSE The pre trip inspection required during a CDL road test is adequate once you begin transporting students 2 TRUE or FALSE School bus technicians take their demanding jobs seriously but mechanical problems still occur School buses are complicated machines and machines break down 3 List three things you can do to prevent an injury when conducting a pre trip inspection l De 3 4 List the 9 basic steps of a model pre trip inspection 1 E Oe I DO ge a 5 Which pre trip step depends on local policy 6 List three things you should be looking for when you approach your bus at the start of the pre trip 1 2 3 7 Which gauge should you check first when you start the engine a Coolant temperature gauge b Fuel gauge c Oil pressure gauge d Air pressure gauge 8 List 1
18. o leaks hold down the foot brake pedal hard to check the foot brake lines watch the needles and listen for leaks if there are no leaks pump the foot brake repeatedly until all three emergency warning devices activate wigwag buzzer light they New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 10 should come on at approximately 60 psi continue pumping until the spring brake comes on it should come on at approximately 25 psi then re start the engine and check air pressure buildup air gauge needles should build simultaneously at approximately 15 psi every 45 sec remember to reset the wigwag after the system is recharged with air 7e Hydraulic brake equipped bus with key off depress foot brake pedal listen for whirring sound of brake booster motor if so equipped with key on but engine off check brake warning light buzzer pump brake pedal three times pedal should stay firm STEP 8 Check interior of bus 8a With the engine running and the passenger door closed activate 4 way flashers and amber student flashers 8b From the driver s seat check front 4 way flashers and amber student flashers using pedestrian crossover mirrors or by leaning against windshield 8c Leave your seat and walk the aisle to the back of the bus checking interior items along the way seat backs look for cuts or other vandalism all emergency exits doors windows and roof hatches must be
19. racket labeled 5f Vehicle registration DOT inspection sticker and insurance cards present 5g Emergency reflector triangles present if located at front of vehicle check inside the box at least weekly on your regularly assigned bus daily on a spare bus make sure reflectors haven t come apart 5h Re set lights activate high beams and right turn signal STEP 6 Exit vehicle again check curbside lights 6a Proceed to front and then back along right side of vehicle again 6b High beams 6c Right turn signal front side rear STEP 7 Re enter vehicle static brake check 7a Close passenger door and take seat 7b Turn engine off and leave key in accessory position place bus in reverse go to back of bus and check back up lights and beeper from inside unless you have a buddy to check for you from outside 7c Leave the key in the accessory position release parking brake place a standard transmission bus in gear to prevent it from rolling with an automatic transmission bus rest your foot over the foot brake in case it starts rolling 7d Air brake equipped bus before starting a static air brake check make sure the air is fully charged the wigwag is set and the key is in the accessory position first check for air leaks in the spring brake system with the spring brake pushed in and before applying the foot brake watch the air gauge needles and listen for leaks if there are n
20. urn it several inches both directions there should be no freeplay binding or catching New York State School Bus Driver Pre Service Manual Unit 11 p 8 3f Set lights for your walk around turn on headlight low beams marker clip lights sign light master flasher switch and left turn signal STEP 4 Exit vehicle full walk around 4a Start at front right wheel and walk counterclockwise around vehicle 4b Wheels and tires check each wheel and tire starting from the outside and working in toward the center inflation adequate tread at least 1 8 front tire all the way across road contact surface of tire no cracks or cuts in the side wall no nails or other items in tire valve stem present and centered between spacers no dents or cracks in rim or wheel lug nuts tight and no rust or bare metal visible no grease visible from grease seals no stones or other objects lodged between rear duals 4c Marker or clip lights corners front and rear sides of roof 4d Headlights low beams 4e Running lights and taillights Check each wheel and tire carefully starting from the outside in toward the center 4f Left turn signals including side signals 4g Mirror brackets secure mirrors clean use rag as necessary 4h Hood latched both sides 4i Red student flashers 4j Antenna s 4k Sign lights may not be visible in bright sunlight if not visible check from inside 41
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search