using the test measures, procedure and formulas in FMVSS 302 Flammability of Interior Materials. 2. The floor covering in the aisle shall be of aisle-type rubber or equivalent, wear resistant, and ribbed. The minimum overall thickness shall be 3/16 inch measured from the tops of the ribs. 3. The floor covering must be permanently bonded to the floor and must not crack when subjected to sudden changes in temperature. Bonding or adhesive material shall be waterproof and shall be of a type recommended by the manufacturer of the material. All seams must be sealed with waterproof sealer. 4. For Type C and D school buses, the manufacturer shall provide a screw-down plate to access the fuel tank sending unit that is secured and insulated. The plate shall be mounted so that access is readily available to repair personnel and so that the floor covering is not disturbed during the repair process. 5. The floor shall be of metal or alloy at least equal in strength to 14-gauge prime commercial quality steel and so constructed that exhaust gases cannot enter the passenger compartment. 6. All closures between the bus body and the engine compartment be fitted with gaskets and pedal openings shall be closed bellows type, gas-tight boots. 7. There shall be a plate of adequate size provided to allow for transmission access or service. Handrail(s) At least one handrail shall be installed. The handrail(s) shall assist passengers during entry or exit, and shall be designed to prevent entanglement as evidenced by the passage of the NHTSA string and nut test. A right-hand side assist rail may be provided at the discretion of the local school system. Heaters The heating system shall be capable of maintaining the temperature throughout the bus of not less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit during average minimum January temperatures as established by the U. S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau, for the area in which the vehicle is to be operated. It shall be capable of defrosting the total windshield area and the service door glass within thirty minutes after initial start with the engine at idle speed. The system shall exceed SAE standards J-381 and J-382 performance requirements. Fuel-fired auxiliary heaters will not be allowed. Heater performance shall be measured by the following: A temperature measurement shall be taken at three locations within the body in the center aisle, thirty-six inches above the floor. The first location is to be thirty-nine inches from
using the test measures, procedure and formulas in FMVSS 302 Flammability of Interior Materials. 2. The floor covering in the aisle shall be of aisle-type rubber or equivalent, wear resistant, and ribbed. The minimum overall thickness shall be 3/16 inch measured from the tops of the ribs. 3. The floor covering must be permanently bonded to the floor and must not crack when subjected to sudden changes in temperature. Bonding or adhesive material shall be waterproof and shall be of a type recommended by the manufacturer of the material. All seams must be sealed with waterproof sealer. 4. For Type C and D school buses, the manufacturer shall provide a screw-down plate to access the fuel tank sending unit that is secured and insulated. The plate shall be mounted so that access is readily available to repair personnel and so that the floor covering is not disturbed during the repair process. 5. The floor shall be of metal or alloy at least equal in strength to 14-gauge prime commercial quality steel and so constructed that exhaust gases cannot enter the passenger compartment. 6. All closures between the bus body and the engine compartment be fitted with gaskets and pedal openings shall be closed bellows type, gas-tight boots. 7. There shall be a plate of adequate size provided to allow for transmission access or service. Handrail(s) At least one handrail shall be installed. The handrail(s) shall assist passengers during entry or exit, and shall be designed to prevent entanglement as evidenced by the passage of the NHTSA string and nut test. A right-hand side assist rail may be provided at the discretion of the local school system. Heaters The heating system shall be capable of maintaining the temperature throughout the bus of not less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit during average minimum January temperatures as established by the U. S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau, for the area in which the vehicle is to be operated. It shall be capable of defrosting the total windshield area and the service door glass within thirty minutes after initial start with the engine at idle speed. The system shall exceed SAE standards J-381 and J-382 performance requirements. Fuel-fired auxiliary heaters will not be allowed. Heater performance shall be measured by the following: A temperature measurement shall be taken at three locations within the body in the center aisle, thirty-six inches above the floor. The first location is to be thirty-nine inches from