Pre-Trip Inspection for the School Bus

School has started back for most children now. Parents are putting children on the big yellow school bus, some may even be wondering how safe is the bus. I will tell you it is the safest route of transportation for your child to and from school.

Driving a school bus is not as easy as one might think. There are lots of things besides driving that a driver has to do. Safety of the school bus is essential when transporting students.

Inspections once a month help ensure the school bus is running as it should. Daily Pre-trip inspections are required. If these things are not done when due, it can and will leave a school bus stranded on the side of the road.

Daily Pre-trip inspections include the following to be done:

! – Check under the front of the bus for leaks. Check oil, coolant,steering and washing fluid levels. Also check water pump, alternator and air compressor to ensure they are all secure. Make sure all belts are secured. Listen for air leaks, check for master cylinder leaks. Make sure all lights and reflectors are not broken. This should all be done on the left front tire as well as the back tires.

2 – The right front tire should be checked for loose lug nuts,check rim for cracks, check hub oil seal, springs and mounts, shock absorbers, and slack adjuster. Brake chamber,brake hoses and rotor. Tire tread needs to be 4/32.

3 – On the front of the bus check mirrors and windshield to ensure there are no cracks or breaks. Check all lights and the entrance door for damage.

4 – Under the school bus you should check the driver shaft,exhaust system and frame. Also check for loose wiring parts or components. Make sure the battery compartments is secure.

5 – On the rear of the school bus you will check reflectors, all lights, and the emergency door exit.

6 – Fuel area should be checked for leaks and to make sure the tank is secure.

7 – Checks springs to ensure they are secure and not cracked.

8 – On the inside of the school bus check entrance door for cracks and breaks. The handrail needs to be secure. Check to make sure your bus has a fire extinguisher, bio hazard kit, flares and reflectors. Make sure all seats are secure to floor of bus. Make sure all emergency exits are in proper working order.

9 – Turning on your ignition check to ensure all gauges, lights, warning bells and buzzers come on.

10 – Air brakes, pump brake and listen for warning buzzer or bell, look for warning lights. Next start engine, let pressure build up, warning device goes off at 60 psi, after compression shuts off at 100 psi, check compressor governor by pumping brakes until it starts pumping again. Turn your engine off and listen for leaks, watching gauge for leakage.

11 – Start your engine and check oil pressure, alternator voltage, air pressure, steering play. Check parking brake, mirrors and windshield, wipers, light indicators, horn, heater and defroster.

12 – The final check consists of brake and backup alarm, check brakes and steering before pulling off. Check the driver seat belt.