(a) In addition to NFPA 52 §9.12.1.2, vehicle
fuel containers on school buses, mass transit vehicles, and other
public transportation vehicles shall be installed on the underside
of the vehicle, except as specified in subsection (c) of this section.
Fuel containers on special transit vehicles shall be installed in
a location which will not interfere with vehicle operation.
(b) Fuel supply containers shall be connected or mounted
to comply with the following specifications:
(1) Container brackets shall be secured to the vehicle
body, bed, or frame with bolts, lock washers and nuts, or self-locking
nuts of a size and strength capable of withstanding a static force
in any direction of eight times the weight of a full container for
vehicles with gross vehicle weights of 19,500 pounds or less, and
four times the weight of a full container for vehicles with gross
vehicle weights of 19,501 pounds or more. Mounting brackets shall
be marked with the manufacturer's name or logo. If self-locking nuts
are installed, they shall not be reused once they are removed.
(2) Containers shall be secured to a school bus, mass
transit, or special transit vehicle frame excluding the floor by container
fastenings or mounting brackets described in paragraph (1) of this
subsection. The fastenings or brackets shall be secured to the frame,
backing plates, or other supporting structure without compromising
the strength of that structure.
(c) Roof-mounted containers are allowed if the vehicle
was originally designed and manufactured to have roof-mounted containers
or if the original manufacturer approves the design of the structure
mounting. Vehicles shall not be modified to have roof-mounted containers.
(d) If necessary, a plumbing chamber door shall be
provided in the sidewall of the school bus, mass transit, or special
transit vehicle to allow for easy access for filling or securing the
service valve in the event of an emergency. The plumbing chamber door
shall be hinged and latched, but not locked.
|