School Bus Thermal Events:

1. School Bus Thermal Events: An increasing phenomenon?

2. Purpose • To trigger discussion about whether NASDPTS members believe there is a significant or increasing problem with school bus fires • To discuss mitigation efforts (equipment and operational practices) already taken or underway to minimize school bus fires

3. Background from 1970s, 80s, 90s • Upgrades to standards for all buses manufactured starting April 1977 included FMVSS 301, Fuel System Integrity. • In 1988 27 students died in a post-crash fire on their pre-1977 church bus. • NHTSA considered revisions to FMVSS 302, Flammability of Interior Materials • NHTSA discontinued the rulemaking, stating no students have been seriously injured or killed in a school bus fire • NCST delegates adopted specifications for fire-blocking interior materials

4. Discussion Points • Have members or your LEAs experienced school bus fires? • Have any resulted in injuries? • Were the causes known? • If so, what were they? • Are they increasing? (and do we have verifying data?)

5. The “Prevention Team” • School bus and component mfr’s • NCST • State bus specifications developers and authorities • State oversight agencies • NHTSA (including ODI) • School bus inspectors (state and local), repair techs, fleet managers, drivers, trainers, students • Fire investigators

6. Prevention Strategies • State, federal, or mfr. design specs: • Convoluted loom, standoffs, grommeting of wiring • Battery disconnect switch • Protection, standoffs, grommeting of hoses and lines • Circuit protection • Emergency exits • Fire blocking upholstery (not a panacea) • Trained, diligent inspectors and frequent inspections • Evacuation training and drills for drivers and students, including activity trips • Fire suppression systems?

7. SBMTC Response to NCST • WHEREAS, the potential exists for fires in the school bus engine compartment to disseminate smoke and flames into the passenger compartment; and • WHEREAS, there is a limited amount of time necessary to evacuate a school bus; now • THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 14th National Congress on School Transportation (NCST) requests the School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council (SBMTC) study this • concern and make appropriate recommendations to the NCST Steering Committee • within twelve months from the date of adoption. • SBMTC Response: • The School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council (SBMTC) has studied this complex issue. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 217 sets the requirements for the minimum number of emergency exits in a bus based on seating capacity. Existing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 302 specifies the burn resistance requirements for all materials used in the occupant compartment of vehicles. Fire suppression systems are currently available that can be installed in engine compartments and should be considered on special needs units. It is also recommended that emergency bus evacuation training for students take place on regular intervals and on all after school trips.

8. No magic bullet, but… • Concerted efforts by the prevention team will minimize the incidence of bus fires and their potential for harm. • Important to remember that buses remain far safer than the other ways students get to school.

9. Questions and Comments???