Section 301.16. Emergency exit.

 

(1)  Every HSV with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds shall be provided with emergency exits that comply with 49 CFR 571.217 , bus emergency exits and window retention and release, and the following requirements:

(a)

1. The door shall be devised so as to be opened from the inside and outside.

2. The aisle to the emergency door shall be kept clear of obstructions.

(b) There may not be any steps leading to the emergency door.

(c) The upper and lower portion of the central rear emergency door shall be equipped with approved safety glass, the exposed area of which shall be not less than 400 square inches in the upper portion and not less than 280 square inches in the lower portion. The left side emergency door shall be equipped with safety glass in the upper portion and lower portion shall be of at least the same gauge metal as the body. The emergency door shall be hinged on the right side if it is in the rear of the bus and on the front side if it is in the left side and shall open only outward. Control from the driver's seat may not be permitted.

(d) The emergency door shall be equipped with a slide bar, cam-operated latch which shall have a minimum stroke of one inch. The latch shall be equipped with a suitable electric plunger-type switch connected with a distinctive audible signal, automatically operated which shall clearly indicate the unlatching of this door. A cutoff switch may not be installed in the circuit. The switch shall be enclosed in a metal case and wires leading from the switch shall be concealed in the body. The switch shall be so installed that the plunger contacts the farthest edge of the slide bar in such a manner that any movement of the slide bar shall immediately close the circuit and activate the signal. The door latch shall be equipped with an interior handle which shall be capable of quick release but shall be protected against accidental release. It shall lift up to release the latch. The outside handle shall be so constructed as to minimize hitching and shall be a nondetachable device.

(e) If locks are installed on the emergency door they shall include a device to prevent the activating of the starter mechanism of the vehicle engine while any door is locked. An audio alarm shall indicate to the driver when any door lock is in the locked position while the ignition switch is in the "on" position.

(f) A rear emergency window at least 16 inches in height and as wide as practicable shall be provided in any HSV where the emergency door is not in the rear. The rear window shall be designed so as to be opened from either the inside or the outside. It shall be hinged at the top and designed to prevent accidental closing in an emergency. A positive latch on the inside shall provide for quick release but offer protection against accidental release. The outside handle shall be nondetachable and designed to minimize hitching.

1. The inside of each emergency window or door shall have the designation "Emergency Exit." Concise operating instructions shall be located within 6 inches of the release mechanism. The outside of the emergency door shall be clearly marked "Emergency Door" or "Emergency Exit" in letters 2 inches high at the top of the door. An arrow at least 6 inches long and 3/4 inch in width indicating the direction the release mechanism should be turned to open the door shall be painted in contrasting or conspicuous colors. The outside of the emergency window shall be labeled "Emergency Exit" in letters at least 2 inches high directly above the window.

2. A distinctive audible signal, automatically operated shall clearly indicate to the driver the unlatching of any emergency window and no cutoff switch may be installed in the circuit.

(g) The area on the inside above the emergency door shall be covered with padding at least 2 inches high to within 2 inches of each side of the door opening.

(2)  Each HSV of 10,000 pounds or less GVWR need not have a specific emergency exit providing there are 2 separate openings where persons could exit the vehicle under normal circumstances.

(3)  All doors shall be capable of being opened easily from the inside and outside including the rear door of a van.

(4)  Motor buses used as an HSV shall have emergency exits that conform to the requirements under 49 CFR 393.61 , 393.62 , 393.63 and 393.92 and the applicable standards under 49 CFR 571.217 .

Cr. Register, March, 1982, No. 315 , eff. 4-1-82; am. (1) (intro.), (b) to (d), (f) 2., (2) and (3), cr. (4), Register, April, 1997, No. 496 , eff. 5-1-97.