AIR BRAKE PRE-TRIP Manual 2024
Trainer
Julissa Barreto
Keisha Gathers
Cristian
Jenna Mileski Safety Manager
New London
4/30/2024
De La Cruz
Grab wheel chocks and place chocks on rear outer wheel on passenger side.
THEN GO TO THE FRONT
• Check the inspection sticker is visible and up to date.
• Check if that is not leaning left or right,
• No visible damage and no leaks under the bus
• Then open the hood, first passenger side and then driver side.
GO TO THE DRIVER SIDE
• Check the WIPER BLADE is secure.
• Fusel boxes, Wires, and houses are not leaking or damaging.
• Oil and Transmission dipstick secure.
• Power Steering fluid above the minimum
• Steering shaft (bar), Power Steering box no damage
• Pitman Arm, drag link not broken or missing.
• Leaf springs, brackets and U bolt are not damaged or missing.
• Shock absorber is not damaged or leaking.
• Air Chamber, Hoses and ABS sensor not broken, missing or damage.
• Slack Adjuster pin is in, cannot pull more than 1 inch to play.
THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND AIR COMPRESSOR ARE GEAR DRIVEN
DRIVER SIDE TIRE
• The inner wall of the tire has no cracks or bubbles.
• If I could check my brake pads, they should be no less than one-fourth”1/4.
• The rim is in one piece, no weld, no dents.
• Tread depth no less than 4/32 inch no retreads Tire wall no cracks, bubbles or damage.
• Lug Nuts are secure, no rust or shiny, touch all Lug Nuts with both hands
• Hub Nut is secure with no leaks.
• Valve Steam secure, I will check the air pressure of all six (6) tires with a pressure Gauge.
• Mud Flap secure.
GO THE PASSENGER SIDE
PASSENGER SIDE
• Wiper Blade secure.
• Coolant is above the minimum.
• Alternator is secure and in place.
• Serpentine Belt is secure and no more the ¾ inch play.
ALTERNATOR AND WATER PUMP ARE BELT DRIVEN.
• Leaf springs, brackets, and U bolt are not broken or missing.
• Shock absorbers are not damaging or leaking.
• Air chamber, hoses and ABS sensor not broken missing or damaged.
• Slack adjuster pin is in, cannot pull more than 1-inch play.
• Windshield washer fluid above the Minimum
PASSENGER SIDE TIRE
• The inner wall of the tire has no cracks or bubbles.
• If I could check my brake pads, they should be no less than one-fourth” (1/4).
• Tread depth no less than 4/32 seconds no retreads.
• The rim is in one piece, no weld.
• Tire wall no cracks or bubbles.
• Rim is in one piece, no welds, no dents.
• Lug Nuts secure, no rust or shinny (touch all Lug Nuts)
• Hub Nut is secure with no leaks.
THE HOOD AND LATCH IT*******
• Service door opens and closes freely,
• kick out windows and gasket are good no dry rot.
• Stairs free of debris and secure
• Handrail is secure.
• Put the key and turn left, (Accessory) before the alarm sounds.
• Secure the door and close the door.
• Check 3 reflective triangles are secure.
• First aid and body fluid kit secure
• Fire extinguisher secure, needle in green fully charge and pin is in
• Garbage Can, Radio, secure.
• Windshield glass and seals intact no defect or glazing.
CHECK DVIR BOOK, INSURE BEFORE
• CHECKS CURRENT DAY AND ADY BEFORE (1 1/2 DAYS TOTAL)
• Look for any reported defects, if there are any, check for the mechanic signature.
• Check that registration is up to date and the last 6 digits match the VIN NUMBER
• Check for 3 spare fuses and the accident kit
• Touch everything: Camera, student mirror, fans, theft mate and say secure.
• SEAT DOWN AND SAY IT.
• Seat and Mirror are adjusted to me.
• Seat belts is secure and latched properly (put on)
• Driver windows open and close freely Open driver window
MOVE THE KEY TO THE RUN POSITION AND CHECK FOR ABS WARNING LIGHTS AND WAIT FOR YOUR NEEDLES TO SETTLE DOWN.
*Air tank will fill when is lower the 100 PSI (recommend leave your bus between 90-100 PIS and fill the tank.
1. Check air is Lower 100 PSI.
2. If you have 100 PSI or lower, start the engine and wait until the governor reset.
3. If you have more than 101 PSI, press the service brake until goes lower the 100.
4. NEEDS FULL AIR TANK TO DO YOUR AIR BRAKE TEST (130 PSI)
AIR BRAKE TEST
PUT THE KEY TO THE RIGHT POSITION
a. Wait for the needle to settle down, ABS lights off.
b. Press service brake and Release parking brake then release service brake.
c. Let your bus settle down on the chocks.
d. After Initial loss left foot firmly on service brake for 1 minute, look at time, watch your PSI gauge and listen through the window for any air loss.
e. Make sure you did not lose more the 3 PSI in 1 Minute
f. Say to the inspector you did not lose more than 3 PSI and 1 Minute.
LOWER AIR ALARM WARNING
• Pump the service brake waiting for WARNING ALARM and lights show in your panel between 60 and 75 PSI.
SPRING BRAKE TESTING
• Keep pumping the service Brake till the brake engages between 20-40 PSI.
• Spring brake (Parking and Emergency) engage around 20-40.
• Start the bus and refill the air tanks (High Idling)
• Warning alarm when off around between 60-75
GAUGES
Check all your Gauges while you are waiting.
• Water no more than 210
• Oil between 20 and 80
• Voltmeter between 12-15
• Diesel more the half a tank
• DEF more than 2-inch green bars.
• RPM showing
• MPH I will check when I am driving.
• waiting for the valve relief around 120-130 PSI say when happen.
When the valve is relieved, turn off the bus, put the key in accessory go to the back and press the red button.
Then take the key and go out and get the chocks. Place them under the seat behind the driver Seat.
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH TEST
(Next steps are consecutives)
Sit and put the seatbelt on, put the key in run position and wait for the light and ABS light settle down, Pressing the service brake shift from NEUTRAL TO DRIVE and try to start the bus, then say the bus did not start, shift back to neutral, start the engine and said Neutral Safety Switch is working. (Foot on service brake firm)
PARKING BRAKE TEST
Bus is on from the neutral safety switch Step.
1) Foot firm on service brake
2) Shift to lower Gear (L)
3) Accelerate to 1100 RPM in 5 seconds.
4) Put foot on service brake.
5) The bus did not move, and the parking brake is working.
SERVICE BRAKE TEST
• Bus is on for the Parking Brake Test and Transmission is in lower gear. Please check all the zones before moving.
• Release parking brake.
• Pull forward 6 to 8 feet at 5 MPH and gently but firmly apply the service brake.
• say “Service brake holds.”
• Check the bus stop properly, not pulling to the left or right.
• The steering wheel no more the 2-inch play.
TRANSMISSION TEST
• Steel foot on brake shift from lower gear to Reverse one by one slowly.
• Listen for any unusual or funny noise.
• in reverse listen for baking alarm and say it is working (Driver window must be open)
• Beep twice and say the Horn works.
• Check your zone and start baking up when you get to your stating point stop.
• Secure your bus (parking brake, transmission in neutral on and TURN BUS OFF REALLY QUICK TO THE LEFT)
THIS IS CONCLUDE MY AIR BRAKE TEST
SWITCHES PANEL
Turn them on and off and say THEY ARE WORKING
• Light Interior 6 and driver dome all working.
• Heater (Low, Hi, Off), Fans (low/ hi, off), Heater pump.
• Defrost mirror check with weather.
• Master Switch on, and Amber check Elmo and crossover mirror (leave them activated)
• Directional left and right check panel and crossover mirror.
• Hazards (leave them activated).
• Wiper and washer.
• High and low beam, check dash and crossover
BE SURE AMBER AND HAZARDS ARE ONE BEFORE LEAVE THE SEAT.
Stand up and face the back of the bus.
INTERIOR
• Ceiling Panel nothing hanging.
• The aisle is free of debris.
• Mat and Metal strip are secure.
• The Emergency exits Clearly labeled, 4 windows, 2 roof hatch and emergency door.
• I am going to check they open freely and buzzer sound.
• Check 5 windows stop are in place.
• I am going to check seat bottoms to make sure they are secure.
• Touch Camera, Head Bumper, kick out windows and them and say it’s Secure.
• Emergency Door open and check Amber and Hazard say is working.
OPEN ALL EMERGENCY EXIT UNLESS THE INSPECTOR TELLS YOU OTHERWISE
When back form checking the interior sit DOWN, put the left directional check on dash, check ELMO.
Let the inspector know, you are going out to check the exterior.
EXTERIOR BUS
• Check the step light is on
• DEF tap is secure.
• Hood latch secure (Both side)
• Mud flap (both side) secure.
• Mechanical Step Secure (Both side).
• Clearance light on looks intact (front).
• Right crossovers mirror secure (both side)
• Crossing gate secure.
• Antenna looks secure.
• 3 clearance light on look secure.
• SOS light on Looks secure
• School Bus Name is in tack around reflection tape.
• License plate, bumper secure.
• No fresh leaks under the bus.
• Left directional working
• Battery door open label, no corrosion, secure
• Stop sign light working, wire secure.
LEFT SIDE BUS
Step a few feet away and check for visible damage.
• Clearance light on, proper color (amber and red)
• Emergency windows Cleary marked with reflective tape.
• Reflectors secure no damage
• School name
• Company phone number
• Bus ID
• DOT number
UNDER THE BUS
▪ Air Tanks are secure, not leaking.
▪ Transmission, Drive Shaft and Differential all ensure no damage or leaking.
▪ The frame appears intact, nothing hanging or broken
▪ Leaf Spring and Bracket are secure, no damage.
▪ Nothing between Dual Tires
LEAF REAR DUAL
▪ Leaf Spring, Bracket and U bolt at the center not broken or missing.
▪ Tread Depth No less than 2/32
▪ Tire wall no crack or bubble
▪ Rim in one piece, no welds no dents.
▪ Lug nuts secure, no rush or shiny
▪ Hub Nuts secures no leaks.
▪ Valve steam secure.
▪ Mud Flap secure.
BACK OF THE BUS
▪ 3 Clearance light on and cover looks secure.
▪ SOS Light on and visible
▪ Emergency doors are clearly labeled with reflective tape.
▪ Left directional working and cover secure.
▪ Taillight on and cover secure.
▪ License plate secure light on
▪ 2 reflectors secure
▪ Open the emergency door, open freely and lock.
▪ No Gasket dry rot or damage and secure
▪ Buzzer sound
▪ Rear heater no leaks or debris.
▪ No metal sharps and close the door.
▪ Bumper secure
▪ Tail pipe secure, no more the 2 inches from bumper
▪ Under the bus check differential, no leaking or damage
▪ Fuel tank not broken, damage or leaking.
**** Ask the inspector to help you check the reverse and brake light, then go inside the bus, sit down put the seat belt, close the service door, and start the bus, shift to reverse with foot firm on brake (DO NOT MOVE YOUR BUS) after 10-15 seconds, shift back to neutral and shutdown your bus; put the right directional, low beam and go back
****** ask the inspector is the light is working
▪ Check the right directional working when you get to the back.
RIGHT SIDE BUS
Step a few feet away and check for visible damage.
• Clearance light on, proper color (amber and red)
• Emergency windows were clearly marked with reflective tape.
• Reflectors secure no damage
• School name
• Company phone number.
• Bus ID
• DOT number
• BUS CAPACITY (only in passenger site)
• Fuel doors open freely and label, cap is secure.
• FUEL TPE
RIGTH REAR DUAL
▪ Leaf Spring, Bracket and U bolt at the center no broken or missing.
▪ Tread Depth No less than 2/32
▪ Tire wall no crack or bubble
▪ Rim in one piece, no welds no dents.
▪ Lug nuts are secure, not rusty or shinny.
▪ Hub Nuts secures no leaks.
▪ Valve steam secure.
▪ Mud Flap secure.
***AT THE END OF MY DAY, I’M GOING TO DO MY CHILD CHECK, HANG MY SIGN, DO MY POST-TRIP, FILL A DVIR BOOK OR USE THE ZONAR, TAKE THE KEY AND BRING IT TO THE OFFICE***
THAT CONCLUDES MY PRE-TRIP
Student Load
AT 200 feet before from the student pick up:
• Activate your Amber, Check ELMO is working.
• Check traffic slowing with you.
• Counts the students when you approach 1,2,3,4
• Stop 10 feet away from the students.
• Run your reds (SOS)
• Secure your bus (parking brake, shift to neutral)
• Foot on service brake, hand on the horn.
• Check traffic is stopping all around.
• check Elmo, danger zone, check traffic again.
• When it is secure nod student to cross, and count them as they cross, 1,2,3,4 in the middle of the bus
• when pass right crossover Mirror Open the door and count them as the get in 1,2,3,4
• When the last student passes your shoulder, Check for late comers, check Traffic still stopped, Check ELMO is working.
• Check students are seated.
• Unsecure your Bus, shift to Drive, release parking brake and be ready to drive.
• Check for late comers one more time, Close the door.
• Put left directional and start 5 second Crawl starting with the right Crossover (right to Left) 1-2-3-4-5 Looking for: Late comers, See big picture.
• Check the left West Coast mirror when it is safe to pull into traffic.
**Look for the BIG picture, before you move your bus. precaution is always welcome***Always Check for late comers it can save a life**
Student Unload
At 200 feet before from the student stop:
• Activate your Amber, Check ELMO is working.
• Check traffic slowing with you.
• Check students are seated looking in the student mirror.
• Stop 10 feet away from the stop.
• Active your SOS (red light), Check ELMO is working.
• Secure your Bus, parking brake, shift to neutral.
• Foot on brake firmly, hand on horn
• Check traffic is stopped all around and Students seated.
• when the students approach let them know to step away 10 feet from the Bus in a safety zone and wait for you to nod
• Open the door and count students getting off (1,2,3,4)
• Check Traffic still stopped, ELMO working, danger zone.
• When it is secure nod students to cross, and count them (1,2,3,4) in the middle and (12-3-4) in the safety zone, OR CURVE
• Check for returning students, check for traffic still stopped, check ELMO.
• Unsecure your bus, put in drive and release the Parking Brake
• Check Students are seated and check again for returning students.
• Close the door and put the left directional on
• Start 5 second Crawl starting with the right Crossover (right to Left) 1-2-3-4-5 Looking for: Late comers, See big picture.
• Check left West Coast mirror when it is safe pull into traffic.
**Look for the BIG picture, before you move your bus. precaution is always welcome****Always Checking for returning students it can save a life**
Railroad Crossing
200 feet before railroad crossing
• Activate your hazards.
• Deactivate your master switch (You will open the door)
• Turn off noise equipment, Radio, fans, etc.
• Request silence
Stop between 15-50 feet before the first track.
• Secure your Bus (parking brake and neutral)
• Foot firmly on brake
• Open driver window Look and listen to the left.
• open the door and look and listen to the right.
The looking at from and checks for:
• Bells off, gates up, no whistle, no light, tracks.
• Check for safety gap (2 bus length)
• Shift to lower gear, release parking brake.
• Look and listen to the left.
• look and listen to the right.
• Close the door.
• Check for Bells, gates, whistle, light.
• Check if you still have a safely gap (2 bus length)
• Check no traffic is passing you by and go with no hesitation.
• 15 feet After your bus passes the last track. (Check your flat left Mirror)
1. Shift to drive.
2. Activate Master Switch (Need to be activated)
3. Turn off hazard.
**Never ignore active warnings at crossings. Trains will arrive at a crossing faster than you anticipate, if you get distracted, start over***
