School Bus Pre Trip Inspection #1

Summary

The script provides a step-by-step guide to conducting a pre-trip safety inspection on a school bus, beginning with checking for leaks and damage on the exterior before entering the bus. Inside, the driver starts the engine and tests all lights, alarms, brakes, steering, and other critical components. They then thoroughly inspect the interior, seats, emergency exits, roof hatch, and heaters. Finally, after ensuring no issues, the driver completes a full walk-around, meticulously checking tires, lights, reflectors, fluid levels, and components underneath.

Takeaways

• 😀 A pre-trip inspection is mandatory before starting your route to ensure student safety
• 👀 Visually inspect the exterior and underside for leaks or damage
• ⚙️ Check fluid levels, belts, hoses under the hood
• 🚌 Test lights, signals, horn, wipers inside the bus before moving
• 🔧 Inspect wheels, tires, springs, shocks, mudflaps on all sides
• 🚦 Check brake components thoroughly for leaks or issues
• 🚪 Test all emergency exits and ensure they trigger alarm
• 💺 Check all seat cushions are secure
• 🧹 Inspect for cleanliness and loose parts inside
• 🛠 Final checks - heaters, switches before pull out

Q & A

What is the first thing the driver should check when starting the pre-trip inspection?

The first thing to check is under the bus for any visual leaks that could have happened overnight.

What parts of the steering should be checked inside the bus?

Inside the bus, check that the steering wheel is firm and not loose and test the horn.

What fluid levels need to be checked under the bus hood?

Check coolant, power steering, brake fluid and engine oil levels.

What critical components should be checked on the brake system?

Check brake lines thoroughly for any leaks and the brake pads from inside the wheels for wear.

How can the transmission fluid level be verified?

Pull out the transmission dipstick and check that the fluid is pink, indicating proper level.

What light checks should be done before moving the bus?

Test all exterior lights including hazards, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and flashing red lights.

What special test should be done for the brake lights?

Secure the brake pedal down with the ice scraper and check all brake lights from outside.

How are the emergency exit windows checked?

Open each emergency exit window 90 degrees and listen for the alarm buzzer to sound.

What is checked under the bus during the inspection?

Look for U-bolts, drive shaft, frame and differential for secure connection and no cracks.

Why must seat cushions be checked thoroughly?

Loose seat cushions can lead to a costly ticket if inspected, so each one must be secure.

Outlines

00:00

🚌 Starting the School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection

Michael Lawrence Southland, a professional school bus driver and trainer, introduces the essential pre-trip inspection process for Southland school bus drivers. The inspection is mandatory to ensure the safety of passengers and the driver. The process begins in front of the bus, checking for overnight leaks and visible damage. Inside the bus, checks include the booster brake, steering wheel, horn, and under the hood components like the fan belt, fan blades, hoses, wires, clamps, air filter, and windshield washer fluid. Critical checks on the exterior include the leaf spring, u-bolts, shock absorber, crossmember, brake lines, tire interior for bulges or cracks, and fluid levels such as coolant, power steering, brake fluid, oil, and transmission fluid. The comprehensive inspection ensures all parts are secure, without leaks or damage, preparing the bus for a safe route.

05:01

🔧 Completing the External Bus Inspection

The external inspection continues with checking all lights, including headlights, hazard lights, strobe, and brake lights, using an ice scraper to depress the brake pedal. The process includes verifying the operation of the door, stop arm, and cross arm, along with ensuring the steps, handrails, and step light are secure and clean. The driver checks the tire pressure, spring condition, mud flaps, tread depth, exterior wall, rim, lug nuts, and hub cap for any damage or leaks. Additionally, the crossover mirror, mirrors, windows, battery compartment, and wiring compartment are inspected for security and cleanliness. The comprehensive check covers the entire bus exterior, ensuring all parts are functioning correctly and safely before departure.

10:04

🚸 Finalizing the Pre-Trip Inspection

The final phase of the pre-trip inspection focuses on ensuring the bus's underside and rear components are thoroughly checked. This includes inspecting the u-hangers, drive shaft, frame, tires, leaf springs, mud flaps, brake lines, shock absorbers, and the exhaust system for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks. The inspection also covers the interior tire conditions, differential, and all lights and signals at the rear of the bus to ensure they are functioning properly. The driver checks for any leaks on the bus floor, the condition of the exhaust system, and the security of the fuel cap. This meticulous inspection ensures the bus is in optimal condition, highlighting the commitment to safety before starting the route.

15:07

🛠 Interior Inspection and Light Checks

After completing the exterior inspection, the driver moves to interior checks and final light operations. This includes turning off the hazards, alternating reds, brake lights, and strobe light, and checking the left signal and yellow flashes. The interior inspection covers seat backs, emergency exits, seat cushions, ceiling rivets, and the roof hatch to ensure safety and compliance. The driver also checks for cleanliness and housekeeping, ensuring the bus is ready for passengers. This comprehensive interior review, coupled with the careful examination of signal operations, finalizes the pre-trip inspection, ensuring every aspect of the bus is safe, secure, and ready for operation.

Keywords

💡Pre-trip inspection

A pre-trip inspection refers to checking over the vehicle before departing to ensure it is safe to operate. It is a mandatory and important responsibility for professional school bus drivers. The video details each step of the inspection process.

💡Brake system

The brake system of the bus, including the brake lines, brake fluid levels, and brake pedal operation are critical safety components that are thoroughly checked in the pre-trip inspection.

💡Lights

The video instructs checking all the exterior and interior lights of the bus, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and alternating red lights. Proper functioning confirms they can safely alert other drivers and traffic.

💡Tires

Assessing tire tread depth, pressure, exterior sidewalls, rims, and area around the tires is highlighted for detecting any issues that could lead to blowouts or other hazards while driving.

💡Fluid levels

Fluids checked include engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid to avoid leaks or inadequate levels that could cause mechanical breakdowns.

💡Emergency exits

The video directs opening and testing all emergency exit doors and windows to confirm working alarms and ease of access in an evacuation.

💡Seat belts

Inspecting seat cushions and seat belts for every passenger seat is emphasized to ensure restraint systems will function properly in an accident to minimize injuries.

💡Cleanliness

Maintaining cleanliness of the bus interior is inspected to provide sanitary conditions for transporting students.

💡Mechanical components

Numerous mechanical elements like the steering system, suspension, exhaust system, drive shaft, and more are reviewed to detect any damage, leaks, loose connections or other defects.

💡Documentation

The inspection includes checking for valid registration stickers, vehicle licenses, operating permits, and other documentation required to legally and safely operate the school bus.

Highlights

A pre trip inspection is mandatory and it's your first responsibility before starting your route

Check under the bus for any visual leaks that could have happened overnight

Check your steering wheel, horn, fan belt, fan blades, hoses, wires, air filter, brake lines, tires, fluids

Start the bus, check the glow plug light goes off before starting

Turn on lights and signals, check in mirrors that they are working

Visually inspect the exterior of the bus thoroughly, top to bottom, left to right

Look under bus to check frame, drive shaft, U-bolts, shocks, brake lines, tires

Check emergency exits open 90 degrees and buzzers sound

Ensure seat cushions are secure - violations result in large fines

Inspect ceiling and roof hatch for issues

Check all switches and heaters are working properly

Conduct thorough interior housekeeping inspection

Pre-trip inspection checklist ensures safe student transport

Methodical exterior and interior review vital before routes

Attention to detail with bus systems prevents issues en route

Transcripts

hi I'm Michael Lawrence Southland

trainer and driver today we are going to

review how to conduct a pre-trip

inspection on your school bus as a

professional southland school bus driver

a pre trip inspection is mandatory and

it's your first responsibility before

starting your route remember our goal is

to transport our passengers and

ourselves safely home a school bus is

the large vehicle so where do you begin

your pre trip inspection you begin right

here in front of the school bus okay

first things first in the morning you're

going to be checking under the bus for

any visual leaks that could have

happened overnight you're going to check

for any damage on the front of the bus

visually and then they're going to go

into the bus and do the next steps once

you sit in your seat you're going to be

checking your booster brake you're going

to press it three times make sure that

works and then check your steering wheel

make sure it's nice and firm it's not

loose and check your horn

using your horn may not be permitted in

certain yards so check with your yard

supervisor they're going to take your

tissue paper you're going to undo the

hood the latches here

again make sure you don't hurt your back

you want to check the fan belt make sure

no cracks on it visually you want to

check the fan and make sure it's not

missing any blades you're checking your

hoses there are no cracks in them your

wires and all the clamps that are in

place your air filter it's nice and

clean and your windshield washer fluid

container which is right there they're

going to check the leaf spring the

u-bolts the shock absorber for any leaks

the crossmember you're going to check

your brake lines which is very critical

in this case make sure there are no

leaks as well as also the inside of the

tire for any bulges or cracks and you're

going to check the other side

on this side here you're going to check

your other fluids we'll start with the

coolant the level is nice and high there

so you don't have to worry you're

checking your power-steering level it's

on the max which is good you're checking

your brake fluid level as well and then

you're going to check your oil you want

to make sure it's minimum or maximum so

maximum is right there so we are fine

right now this is your transmission

fluid dipstick you're going to pull it

up and all you're making sure is it's

nice and pink as you know then there is

fluid in the transmission and then put

it back

and now you're going to do the

inspection of the engine from this side

all your wires are connected and secured

your hoses are secured as well your caps

are all on nice and tight also you're

going to check your leaf springs on this

side the you clamps the steering wheel

mechanism make sure it turns and it's

connected you're going to check the

inside of the tire your brake line make

sure the no leaks around the brake line

and once that's done and you're

satisfied you're going to be closing the

hood nice and gentle without hurting

your back you're going to secure the

hood by the latches

now that you're sitting down you're

going to be starting up the bus you're

going to make sure the glow plug goes

off as you can see once it goes off you

can start your bus

and then you're going to close the door

make sure the doors closed as now you

would want to turn on your alternating

flashers so you can check them now in

the crossover mirrors make sure they are

working you're going to turn on your

headlights

they're going to turn on your hazard

lights you're going to turn on the

strobe and you're going to turn on the

brake lights so in this case we're going

to be using our eye scraper you're going

to be securing it to the brake pedal

depressing the brake pedal and securing

it to the seat I'm going to move out

from the way and you can see how it's

done

now that all your lights are on you're

going to be to opening the door and

making sure your alternating reds come

on your stop arm is out and your cross

arm is out as well

right now we are going to be checking

the steps the hand rails which are

secured your step four light your steps

are clean and of course the broom

there's one on every bus it is an

important tool and an important part of

your pre-trip so don't lose it you're

going to close the door and make sure

the seal works we're going to be

checking your mirror it's secured and

clean and then you're going to do the

tire inspection you're going to check

the tire pressure the springs front and

by then you're going to check the mud

flap you're also going to be checking

the tread depth of the tire the exterior

wall of the tire for any bulges or

cracks you're also going to be checking

the rim for any cracks also you're going

to be checking the lug nuts make sure

they are secured and you can't see any

shiny material also the hub cap for any

leaks as well as also the valve stem and

cover now we are going to check a

crossover mirror make sure that is

secured you're going to push the

cross-arm make sure it comes out nice

and slow and while you stand in front of

the bus you're going to start from top

to bottom left to right so you start

right on top of the bus is the answer

you have three clearance lights the

school bus sign is nice and visible you

have your alternating red your

windshield is nice and clean

and there are no cracks on it your

wipers are good your hazards are good

your headlights are working as well as

your pick plane and now that the bus is

running you would like to go under the

bus to make sure there are no leaks

you're going to proceed this side make

sure the cross arm works

make sure the cross mirror is working

and it's not it's it's secure and in

place you're going to check the tire

pressure leave Springs front and back

you want to make sure you don't hear any

clanging noise check the mud flap you're

going to be checking the tread depth the

exterior wall of the tire for any bulges

or cracks the rim as well for any cracks

your lug nuts make sure they're secured

tight and you can't see any shiny

material around also the hub cap for any

leaks as well as you will check your

valve stem and cover while you're

proceeding this side we are going to

check the mirror it's secured the

driver's window opens and closes you're

going to push the stop arm and make sure

it comes out checking the lights that

they are working on it you're going to

open the battery compartment you're

going to make sure it is secured

and check the terminals for any

corrosion so they should be clean and

secure you're going to open the wiring

compartment of the fuses make sure

everything is intact and there's no

loose wires in there they're going to do

a quick visual inspection of the bus for

any damage

make sure your hazards working and then

you check the reflective tape on all

sides of the bus as well as your

clearance lights on top of the bus now

you're going to look under the bus

underneath the bus you're going to be

looking at the four you hangers you got

one two three and four which is all the

way there and they're intact also you

want to make sure your drive shaft is

connected and it's not loose as well at

the same time you're checking the frame

of the bus just visually inspecting it

for any cracks your going to go down and

check the inside tie on the other side

for any bulges or cracks and the

differential as well as also now you're

going to check your tire pressure on

this side your leaf springs front and

back as well you're checking for any

rocks in between the tires and you're

checking your mud flap you're going to

be checking the tread depth on both the

tires you're checking the exterior wall

for any bulges or cracks the rim

condition no cracks on it all your lug

nuts are secured the hub there are no

leaks around it then you're checking

your valve stem which is right there

which is for one and the other one would

be in there and while you're at the back

here you're going to lift the mud flap

you're checking the brake line on the

inside of the tire there they're no

leeks as well as your checking the

inside of the tire for any bulges or

cracks from this side as well as your

also checking your shock absorber to

make sure there are no leaks

check the visually check the damage for

this side you're going to make sure the

lights are working up top and down and

then you're going to go here and make

sure the strobe works once you're sure

it's working you're going to proceed

here make sure your three clearance

lights works your school bus sign is

visible the alternating reds are visible

your brake lights are working as well

all four as you remember you have

secured the brake with the snow broom

your hazard lights are working you're

making sure the license plate light is

on the fleet sticker is on and it has a

license plate you're going to open the

door at this point and make sure there

are no leaks on the floor that could

have occurred from the heaters the

buzzer is going off as well as you feel

around the door is good as you do not

need exhaust fumes going into the bus

you're going to close the door and make

sure the tailpipe is secured you're

going to proceed to this side of the bus

make sure your lights are working your

clearance lights make sure there's no

damage on this side of the bus as well

and when you come to the rear wheel

you're going to bend down pull this mud

flap at the back we're going to be

checking the brake lines now on the

opposite tie on the opposite side of the

rear tire and there are no leaks around

it as well as also you're checking the

inside tire for any bulges or cracks and

you're checking your shock absorbers

well on the opposite side to make sure

there are no leaks so checking your mud

flap you're going to be checking your

Springs

tire pressure and you want to check for

any rocks in between your tires you're

going to be checking the tread depth the

exterior wall of the tire for any bulges

or cracks the inside the rim of the

making sure no cracks on it you're

checking your lug nuts to make sure they

are firm we're checking the hub for any

leaks and the valve stem which is one

and you have the other one which is

right across while you proceed you're

making sure again no damage on the

center of the bus you're going to check

your light on top make sure that's

working as well as now you're going to

check under the bus on this side for the

exhaust pipe that's your exhaust pipe is

secure and there are no exhaust leaks

and while you come here you're making

sure your hazard light is working as

well you're going to make sure your fuel

cap is nice and secure

you're going to proceed now into the bus

now that we have completed our exterior

inspection we are going to be turning

off a few sets of lights we are going to

start with the hazards you're also going

to cancel the alternating reds at this

point you can do that by closing the

door you're also going to cancel your

brake lights

and then you're going to cancel your

strobe light and you're going to

activate your left signal you make sure

it's working in the front when you see

it in the crossover mirror and if you

look into the side mirror you can see it

working on the side you're now going to

activate your alternating flashes the

yellow flashes so when you turn it on

you can see it operating on both sides

of the bus through the crossover mirror

I'm going to be checking the interior of

the bus at this point I'm going to check

the seat backs so check it and then

you're going to check the emergency exit

window and open it 90 degrees and make

sure the buzzer goes off secure it we

got one more emergency exit this side 90

degrees and the buzzer goes off as well

you're going to continue with the seat

and we have another emergency exit so 90

degrees as well as the buzzer goes off

and we have one more this side

opens 90 degrees and the buzzer goes off

we're going to continue with the

seatbacks at this point at the back

we're going to be opening the door and

making sure our lights are working which

would be our taillights your left signal

the alternating amber on both sides as

well as your taillights on this side

you're going to close the door and

you're going to go forward you're going

to check your seat cushions this is very

important as should you get stopped and

one seat is loose and DRT would give you

a $1,200 ticket so you want to make sure

these seat cushions are secure then

you're going to switch the signal over

to the right we are going to check the

ceiling of the bus for any loose rivets

make sure you don't have any loose

rivets as well as the roof hatch you

want to make sure the buzzer goes off

you're going to check the ceiling again

for any loose rivets when you go back

you're going to open the door

and at this point make sure your right

signal works I'm going to close the door

and while you come forward you're going

to be checking for housekeeping and

making sure the bus is nice and clean

when you come back down you're going to

check all the switches we are going to

check our heaters at this point midship

heater