Md. Code Regs. 11.19.02.38

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 11.19.02.38 - Vehicles for Transporting Special Needs Children

A. Vehicles constructed for transporting special needs children shall comply with minimum standards for school vehicles, but because of the use of specialized equipment, certain modifications in these minimum standards may be made.

B. Special Service Doors.

(1) A special single door opening, if provided, shall be located on the right side of the vehicle, far enough to the rear to prevent the open door from obstructing the front right service door. The lift door opening shall accommodate the lift provided.

(2) The header over the door area shall be padded.

(3) Unless the special door obstructs the service door when open, it shall be hinged at the forward side.

(4) If dual doors are used, the doors shall be approximately equal in width and hinged to the side of the vehicle. Each panel shall open outward, and the forward panel shall be provided with an overlapping flange to close the space where the door panels meet. A weather seal shall be provided to close all door edges.

(5) A two-point fastening device, which shall be a slide bar or rod, cam activated, and fastened to the header and floor or jamb, shall be used for single doors. If there are double doors, the front door shall have a three-point fastening device, which shall be a slide bar or rod, cam activated, and fastened to the header, floor, and rear door. The rear door shall have at least a one-point fastening device to the header.

(6) Doors shall:

(a) Be manually operated.

(b) Be equipped with a device that will activate an audible signal in the driver's compartment when the door is not closed securely. The signal shall deactivate when the door is fully opened. When the door is closed, the device shall be automatically reset. A visible signal may be installed in addition to the audible signal.

(c) Contain a window aligned with the lower line of other windows of the vehicle and approximately the same size as other vehicle windows.

(7) Between the special service door and the service door, there shall be at least one standard size window.

(8) When ramps are used, door panels shall extend below the floor line and cover the ramp container opening.

(9) Door posts and headers shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to that of other doors.

(10) A light shall be placed inside the vehicle to provide light in the area of the special service door, and shall be operated from the door area.

C. All aisles leading to the emergency door or doors and lift door from the wheelchair area shall be a minimum of 30 inches to permit passage of wheelchairs.

D. Ramp.

(1) If a ramp is used, it shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to support a minimum of 600 pounds. It shall be equipped with a protective flange on each side to keep a wheelchair on the ramp.

(2) The floor of the ramp shall be of nonskid material.

(3) If the ramp is hinged, it shall be designed to prevent injury to the ramp operator.

(4) A dustproof and waterproof enclosed container shall be provided if the ramp is stored under the floor.

(5) The ramp shall be:

(a) Of an appropriate weight and equipped with handles to permit one person to put the ramp in place and return it to the storage place.

(b) Connected to the vehicle at floor level so as to permit each access of a wheelchair to the floor of the vehicle. When in place, provisions shall be made to secure the ramp to the side of the vehicle without danger of detachment.

(c) At least 88 inches long, and the width of the ramp shall conform to the width of the door opening at floor level.

E. Power Lift (Elevator and Fold-up Platform).

(1) If a power lift is used, it shall have a minimum of 600 pounds working capacity. The power lift shall have the capability of power up.

(2) The power lift platform shall be at least 26 inches wide and 40 inches long, including guard panels or rails.

(3) The power lift platform surface shall be of nonskid material.

(4) A self-adjusting steel or equivalent ramp shall be attached to the lift platform and equipped with a skid-resistant surface and safety stop at both ends of the platform.

(5) The power lift unit shall be:

(a) Controlled from a panel within the vehicle;

(b) Adjacent to the lift; and

(c) Capable of operation by an attendant standing upon the lift when the lift is in any position.

(6) A device shall be installed which shall be used to prevent operation of the lift until the doors are opened.

(7) Optional Manual Operation. Manual operation shall be provided to raise the lift in the event of power failure.

F. Wheelchairs. Forward-facing wheelchairs shall be secured by a four-point fastening system.

G. Grab handles may be provided on each side of the front service doors.

Md. Code Regs. 11.19.02.38

Regulations .38 adopted effective June 1, 1987 (14:11 Md. R. 1261)
Regulation .38 amended effective June 27, 1988 (15:13 Md. R. 1557); January 8, 1990 (16:26 Md. R. 2795)
Regulation .38B amended effective April 1, 1991 (18:6 Md. R. 687)
Regulation .38B amended effective June 20, 2005 (32:12 Md. R. 1047)