Inspection Procedures for COVID-19 Related Equipment

Section 443.50  Inspection Procedures for COVID-19 Related Equipment Personal protective equipment and COVID-19 related signage may be installed on any vehicle covered by this Part.  If installed, the equipment and signage shall be inspected according to this Section. a)         Hand Sanitizer Dispenser PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS: Dispenser must be securely installed in the driver/entry area, either behind the handrail or just to the right of the driver on the vertical portion of the dash in a location where hand sanitizer cannot drip or leak onto the entryway or passenger walkway.  The dispenser must not be mounted as to cause a catch point to passengers as they enter or exit the bus. Dispenser must be labeled with the words "sanitizer" or "hand sanitizer". REJECT VEHICLE IF: Dispenser is not securely installed in the driver/entry area, either behind the handrail or just to the right of the driver on the vertical portion of the dash. Dispenser is installed in a location where it drips or leaks onto the entryway or passenger walkway. Dispenser is mounted in a way to cause a catch point to passengers as they enter or exit the bus. Required label is missing. b)         Driver Protective Barrier PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS: A driver protective barrier panel may be installed directly behind the driver.  The panel must be mounted to the wall of the bus as flush as practicable.  If installed, the passenger seat directly behind the driver must be rendered inoperative (this can be accomplished by removing the lower seat cushion) to comply with FMVSS 571.222.  If the lower seat cushion is removed, all exposed seat frame must be padded in compliance with FMVSS 571.302.  The panel shall be constructed of clear material compliant with FMVSS 571.302, such as polycarbonate. The end of the barrier panel exposed to the passenger compartment shall be secured to a padded stanchion extending from the floor to the ceiling.  The stanchion shall be attached to the roof bow or a reinforced panel in the ceiling and a solid connection point on the floor.  The barrier panel shall be in compliance with FMVSS 571.302 and FMVSS 571.222 REJECT VEHICLE IF: The barrier is installed in a location other than directly behind the driver or not flush to the wall of the bus.  The passenger seat directly behind the driver is operative with a barrier installed or the lower seat cushion has been removed with padding installed that is not in compliance with FMVSS 571.302.  Barrier is not constructed, secured, or padded in compliance with FMVSS 571.222 and 571.302. c)         COVID-19 Related Lettering/Signage PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS: Lettering/signage that relates to COVID-19 (e.g., assigned seating for students, social distancing, face coverings, guidelines adopted by the bus operator, etc.) may be installed on the interior of the bus.  The lettering may be installed on the forward face of seat backs or seat cushions, ceiling, or bulkhead and cannot interfere with other required lettering. REJECT VEHICLE IF: Lettering or signage is installed on the exterior of the bus or in a place other than the forward face of seat backs or seat cushions, ceiling, or bulkhead. Lettering or signage obstructs other required lettering.