Sample pre-trip inspection of school buses
To be effective, a pre-trip inspection of a school bus (e.g., air-brake equipped) must be thorough and systematic and the individual performing the inspection must know what to look for. The following steps would be applicable to the inspection of a school bus, starting at the engine compartment and following a clockwise direction around the vehicle.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides guidance on pre-trip inspections, which this checklist is based on. A "Yes" indicates the item is acceptable. School bus operations are regulated at the state and local level and many of these jurisdictions have their own pre-trip inspection forms.
The "Remarks" box should be checked for those items needing attention and details added in the "Remarks" section. Necessary repairs should be made before the vehicle is used.
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Yes |
Remarks |
N/A |
Engine compartment (engine off) |
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Oil level |
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Coolant level |
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Power steering fluid |
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Engine compartment belts (not more than ¾ in (1.9 cm) play at center of belt) |
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Emergency equipment |
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Check for spare electrical fuses. |
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Check for three red reflective triangles, six fuses or three liquid burning flares. |
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Check for a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher (5 B:C or more). |
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Bodily fluid cleanup kit |
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Cab check & engine start |
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Depress clutch, if equipped. Place gearshift lever in neutral (or park, for automatic transmissions). Start engine, then release clutch slowly if equipped. |
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Oil pressure gauge |
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Temperature gauge |
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Air gauge, build air pressure to governor cut-out, roughly 120-140 psi (827 – 965 kpa). |
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Ammeter/voltmeter |
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Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly from the inside |
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Student exterior mirrors |
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Student interior mirrors |
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Student camera (if equipped) |
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Stop arms |
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Windshield should be clean with no obstructions or damage to the glass. |
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Check for excessive play by turning steering wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed ten degrees. |
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Check that wiper arms and blades are secure, not damaged, and operate smoothly. |
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If equipped, windshield washers must operate correctly. |
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Horn |
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Climate, including heat, defrost, and air-conditioning, controls function |
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Seat belt |
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Passenger access/compartment |
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| Entry door function | |||
| Handrail secure | |||
| Stair threads | |||
| Handicap lift (if equipped) | |||
| Emergency exit door function | |||
| Emergency windows door function (if equipped) | |||
| Emergency roof hatch function (if equipped) | |||
| Seating secured | |||
Interior lights and indicators |
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Test that dash indicators work when corresponding lights are turned on: |
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| Left turn signal | |||
| Right turn signal | |||
| Four-way emergency flashers | |||
| High beam headlight | |||
| Anti-lock braking system (ABS) indicator | |||
| Flashing red light indicator | |||
| Flashing amber light indicator | |||
| Roof store indicator (if equipped) | |||
| Courtesy/map light | |||
Hydraulic brake check (if equipped) |
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| Hydraulic brake check, fade | |||
| Parking brake check | |||
Air brake check (if equipped) |
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| Pressure drop not more than 3 psi (20.6 kpa kg) in one minute | |||
| Low air warning not less than 60 psi (414 kpa) | |||
| Parking brake applies when pressure drops below 40 psi (276 kpa) | |||
| Service brakeside pull test | |||
External inspections |
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| Fuel tank, including system cap | |||
| Exhaust system | |||
| Frame damage | |||
| Splash guards | |||
| Door latches | |||
Steering & suspension components check |
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| Steering box/hoses | |||
| Steering linkage | |||
| Springs/air/torque | |||
| Shock absorbers | |||
Air brakes (if equipped) |
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| Slack adjustors | |||
| Brake chambers | |||
| Brake air lines | |||
| Brake linings | |||
Hydraulic brake check (if equipped) |
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| Brake lines | |||
| Brake linings | |||
Wheels, tires |
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| Rims undamaged | |||
| Tire thread depth, 4/32 in (3.175 mm) steering, 2/32 inch all others (1.5875 mm) | |||
| Tire pressure | |||
| Hub seals | |||
| Lug nuts | |||
| Wheel spacers | |||
Lights and indicators |
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| Using a spotter, or a reflective surface, to verify that the following lights operate: | |||
| Left turn signal | |||
| Right turn signal | |||
| Four-way emergency flashers | |||
| High beam headlight | |||
| Flashing red light Indicator | |||
| Flashing amber light indicator | |||
| Roof Store Indicator (if equipped) | |||
| Brake light | |||
| Reverse light | |||
| Low beams | |||
| High beams | |||
| Body Marker and Clearance Lights | |||
| Auxiliary lighting, such as fog laps, load lights, etc. |
Remarks:
Vehicle:
Date:
Checked by:
Copyright ©2018, ISO Services Properties, Inc.
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The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
LC JAN 2019 2014-350
171-0985 (1/19)