School Bus Driver Training

1. School Bus Driver Training • Unit E • Preventive Maintenance

2. Objectives • At the end of this session school bus operators will be able to: • Identify and describe basic procedures involved in normal daily pre-trip, on-the-road, and post-trip inspections • Detect impending vehicle defects and know how to report them in a meaningful manner • Recognize common driving errors or abuses that cause excessive component wear • Employ proper driving habits to prolong the life of the bus

3. Importance of Preventive Maintenance Minimizes bus failures and costs Maximizes SAFETY, comfort, and level of service

4. School Bus Driver’s Role? • Pre-trip Inspection • Operational Inspection • Detect problems, don’t fix them • Practice good driving habits • Post-trip Inspection • Communication • Problems cannot be repaired if they are not reported

5. Pre-trip Inspection Purpose: Identify problems that could cause a crash or breakdown Develop a routine Vehicle overview Engine compartment inspection Inside bus inspection Outside bus inspection (walk around) Brake test

6. What Do You Need? Checklist Rags/paper towels Cleaners Work gloves At least 15 minutes

7. Remember… • Federal regulations require that before driving your bus that you: • Be satisfied that it is in safe operating condition; • Review the last driver vehicle inspection report; and • Sign the report, only if defects or deficiencies were noted by the driver who prepared the report, to acknowledge that the driver has reviewed it and that there is a certification that the required repairs have been performed.

8. Basic Pre-trip Inspection Vehicle Overview Engine Compartment Inspection Inside Bus Inspection Outside Bus Inspection (Walk around) Check Brake System

9. 1. 1. Vehicle Overview Refer to Figure E-1 in Publication 117

10. 1. 1. Vehicle Overview Check for leaks Check for previous problems Check for obstructions

11. 2. Engine Compartment Inspection

12. Engine Compartment Inspection • Recommended start: engine cool, fluids stable • Ensure the parking brake is on and/or wheels chocked. • Oil level • Coolant level and hoses • Power steering level and hoses • Windshield washer fluid level • Battery fluid level, connections and tie downs • Automatic transmission fluid level • Wiring insulation

13. Under the Hood • Belts: tightness and excessive wear • Alternator • Water pump • Air compressor • Leaks • Fuel • Coolant • Oil • Power steering fluid • Hydraulic fluid • Brake fluid • Windshield washer • Battery fluid • Automatic transmission fluid

14. Check Oil Check daily before you start your trip Most vehicles will have the oil cap clearly marked The oil on the stick will indicate if the oil level is low Fill with oil to the designated full line if it is low Never leave the garage if your oil level is low

15. Remove Oil Dipstick and Check Fluid Level

16. Wipe fluid off, re-insert dipstick and look again to determine oil level

17. Check Oil Level Daily

18. Locations the Oil Filler Cap and Dip Stick Locations Vary

19. Check Belts

20. Check Washer Fluid Level

21. Check Other Fluid Levels as Appropriate

22. Check Battery

23. 3.3. Inspect Inside of Bus Driver Compartment Passenger Entry Passenger Compartment

24. Start Engine for Inside Bus Inspection Parking brake on! Put engine in neutral Turn off heaters Start engine Use your ears for unusual engine noise For diesels, make sure injector pump is engaged

25. Driver Compartment Check all gauges Oil pressure Ammeter/voltmeter Coolant temperature No warning lights should be on Vacuum gauge (if applicable) Fuel gauge Air gauge

26. Check that All Gauges Function Correctly

27. Driver Compartment Check all controls Steering wheel Clutch Accelerator Brakes (and brake pressure) Horn All lights and signals Wipers operate properly Washer fluid operates properly

28. Check Controls

29. Driver Compartment Check all lights Headlights Dimmer switch Turn signals Four-way flashers Clearance, identification, marker lights Eight-ways Strobe (if applicable)

30. Check Lights

31. Check and Adjust Mirrors Clean Adjusted Maximize viewing area

32. Adjust Left and Right Flat Mirrors

33. Adjust Convex Mirrors

34. Look at Both!

35. Why?

36. Adjust Left and Right Cross View Mirrors

37. Left Cross View Mirror

38. Right Cross View Mirror

39. Adjust Inside Rearview Mirror

40. Passenger Entry Service doors Stairwell Handrail

41. Passenger Compartment Interior walk through Emergency door Other emergency exits Bus emergency equipment

42. Interior Walk Through

43. Rear Emergency Door and Other Emergency Exits

44. On-Board School Bus Safety Equipment • Spare electrical fuses (if applicable) • Portable emergency warning devices • First aid kit • Body fluid clean up kit • Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher • Pry bar • Emergency phone numbers • Crash reporting packet • Seat belt cutter (optional)

45. On-Board School Bus Safety Equipment • Ensure that if you use any safety equipment you replace it or notify a supervisor to have it replaced • Be sure that all equipment is stored safely and securely

46. Check Emergency Equipment Portable Emergency Warning Devices Body fluid clean up kit First aid kit Fully charged fire extinguisher

47. Properly Secure Equipment

48. Remaining Items Inside the Vehicle Check that seat belts operate properly Check defrost and heater fans Check that windows are clean General cleanliness When complete, turn on all your lights!

49. Outside Bus Inspection(Walk around) Tires Wheels and Rims Walk around Check all lights Headlights Eight-ways Side marker lights Brake and backup lights Strobe (if applicable) Check under bus

50. Tires, Wheels, and Rims