Page 20 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

 Operator Seat belt not cut, worn or frayed

Lap belt should be worn properly low across hips and shoulder harness is worn
across the shoulder and chest with minimal, if any slack. The shoulder harness
should not be worn under the arm, behind the back or seat.
 Parking brake is applied and the transmission lever is in “N” (Neutral) position
 Depress the service brake, insert the ignition key and turn to the right, check that the “ABS”,
“DEF”, and “Wait to Start” indicator lights come on and go off before starting the bus.
o If ABS or DEF indicator lights do not come on or go off contact dispatch
 Start engine: never accelerate, let warm up at idle
 Turn on operator and passenger dome lights, leave on if needed
 Ammeter: should show charge or adequate voltage 12-15
 Oil pressure-building to proper level, 20-40 psi at idle; 40-80 max psi driving
 Air pressure gauges(s):must build to 100-125 PSI at governor cut out
o Make sure that the brake alarm and lights are functioning for both gauges
 DEF: (Diesel Exhaust Fuel) minimum 18%; If the low alarm/light come on, contact dispatch
immediately
 Engine temperature: building to 170-210 degrees
 Fuel gauge: enough for trip, minimum ½ tank; hurricane season may require fuller tanks
 Check student, side view (flat & convex), and student crossview mirrors for proper adjustment
 Indicator lights: turn signals, four-way/emergency flashers, headlight high beam (turn on
headlight switch)
 Horn
 Noise cancel switch shuts off a/c, fans and am/fm radio
 Heater and Defroster: low and high; turn on red lever for heat (if equipped)
 Wipers low and high, secure and clearing the windshield
 Washers function with fluid
 Operator fan, low and high
 Activate strobe light switch and leave on
 Activate master switch, amber/red student warning lights, stop signs and student cross arm.
o Note: Some stop signs and student cross arms are activated by air pressure. If they are
coming out too slow or not fully extending, contact dispatch
 Air Conditioner
 Camera Systems:
o Angeltrax- after 20–40 seconds, the light should begin to flash indicating the camera
system is functioning correctly. The red event button in the center can be pressed to
mark an event.
o Seon- after 20-40 seconds, the light will stay solid to indicate it is functioning correctly.
o Immediately report to dispatch and on pre-trip form, if the camera system appears to be
non-operational.
 Service door (open & close) and stairwell light functions
 Check all emergency equipment is securely mounted:
 Seat belt cutter: mounted within operators reach in seat belt
o Three reflective triangles: open to check if the box is not sealed

Page 20 of 149
Pre-Trip Inspection of the School Bus