Sec. 11.19.02.18. Body Construction — Internal

A. Floor.

(1) The floor shall be of prime commercial quality steel of at least 14 gauge or other metal at least equal in strength to 14 gauge prime commercial quality steel.

(2) The floor shall be flat from front to back and from side to side, except in wheel housing, toe board, driver's seat platform, and fuel fill locations.

(3) Humps in the floor may not have sharp corners and shall be located in areas that will not impede student movement.

(4) Flat floor vehicles may have a step on the aisle, which shall be marked with white nose edging with "Watch Your Step" printed underneath the white nose edging.

B. The inside body height shall be a minimum of 72 inches, measured metal to metal, at any point on the longitudinal centerline from the front vertical bow to the rear vertical bow.

C. The vehicle body shall be thermally insulated between the inner and outer panels, ceiling, roof, and walls with proper material to deaden sound and to reduce vibrations to a minimum.

D. Projections and Exposed Edges.

(1) The interior of the vehicle, including the ceiling, shall be free of all projections except those required for the installation of equipment approved by the Administration.

(2) An inner liner shall be provided on the ceiling and walls.

(3) Rearward components shall be lapped over forward components to reduce the likelihood of injury from exposed edges.

(4) Exposed edges shall be beaded, hemmed, or flanged.

E. Interior trim panels from the bottom of the window line to the seat rail shall be unpainted, embossed, aluminized steel.

F. Construction shall provide a reasonably dustproof, weathertight, and fume-proof unit. Openings between the chassis and passenger compartment shall be sealed to prevent fumes or exhaust gas from entering the bus body.

G. The body shall be designed and built to provide impact and penetration resistance into the passenger compartment.

H. Storage Compartment. A metal container of adequate strength and capacity for the storage of tire chains or tow chains and tools for minor emergency repairs may be provided. The storage container may be located either inside or outside the passenger compartment. If inside, it shall have a cover (a seat cushion may serve for this purpose) and be fastened to the floor of the vehicle.

I. Ventilation. The body shall be equipped with a suitable, controlled ventilating system of sufficient capacity to maintain a proper quantity of air under operating conditions without the opening of windows except in extremely warm weather. A static type exhaust roof ventilator is required. It shall be nonclosable and may be incorporated into the roof vent or emergency exit.

J. Mounting-Body-on-Chassis Type Buses.

(1) The chassis frame shall extend to the rear edge of the rear body cross member. In a body-on-chassis type of school vehicle, the body shall be attached to the chassis frame in a manner which prevents shifting or separation of the body from the chassis under severe impact. Alteration in the length of the frame may be made only behind the rear hangers of the rear springs and may not be for the purpose of extending the wheel base. The alterations may be made only if designed and guaranteed either by the original chassis manufacturer or by the company installing the school vehicle body.

(2) The body front shall be attached and sealed to the chassis cowl in a manner which prevents the entry of water, dust, or fumes through the joint between the chassis cowl and the body.

(3) Body holddown clamps shall be positive clamp, not spring type.

(4) Insulating material shall be placed at all contact points between the body and chassis frame. Insulating material shall be approximately 1/4 inch thick, of automobile sidewall tire quality, and attached to the chassis frame or body member so as not to move under severe operating conditions.