Sec.14-275b-141. Interior construction

(a) All interior surfaces of a vehicle shall be free from sharp edges and protruding surfaces presenting a hazard to occupants. Any fiberglass materials added to vehicles shall be covered with a smooth or cushioning interior liner so that no fiberglass strands are visible or protruding. Ceiling and walls must be constructed or reinforced to withstand a static pull of at least three thousand (3000) pounds and floors must be constructed to withstand a static pull of at least five thousand (5000) pounds at restraint attachment points.

(b) Insulation shall be added to the vehicle as needed to maintain the temperature level in the interior of the vehicle within acceptable limits in all weather conditions that may reasonably be encountered.

(c) Lighting within the vehicle shall comply with Section 14-275c-30 (a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(d) Flooring within the vehicle shall adequately support the weight of occupants up to the manufacturer's recommended weight limit. Floor covering shall be skid resistant and fire resistant, and shall be securely bonded to the floor.

(e) In class HS vehicles, air conditioning shall be provided if requested by the local or regional board of education, and if provided shall maintain acceptable interior temperature and airflow while the vehicle is stationary.

(f) In class HB, HV and HP vehicles, air conditioning shall be provided whenever the ambient outside temperature exceeds 74°F. The equipment shall comply with the requirements of Section 14-106 of the General Statutes.

(g) Any auxiliary equipment extending into the interior of the vehicle shall be configured, mounted and/or protected to minimize the potential for injuries to occupants of the vehicle at all times.

(h) Any modifications to the vehicle from its manufactured configuration to create or enlarge door openings shall include headers, framing and/or other structural reinforcements attached to the original structure. Any such modifications shall be attached such that there shall be no reduction in structural strength of the vehicle from the original manufactured vehicle. All class HS vehicles shall also have seat and floor level rub rails attached to any such structural reinforcements or their necessary extensions.

(i) Emergency equipment shall comply with Section 14-275c-30, subsections (b), (c), and (d), of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, except that items (5) and (6) of subsection (c) are not required, and the flashlight of item (9) of subsection (c) shall be of a size that has at least two (2) size "D" batteries.

(1) A belt cutter shall be carried for use in emergencies. It shall be designed to eliminate the possibility of the operator or others being cut during use, and shall be secured in the first aid kit or other easily accessible compartment.

(2) A body fluids clean-up kit shall be provided, the contents of which shall include, but not be limited to, latex gloves, absorbent material, disinfectant, a scoop, plastic bags and ties.

(3) A fire blanket may be carried for emergency purposes, including evacuation.

(j) When fully loaded with passengers, equipment or both, the GVWR and the gross axle weight rating of a vehicle as determined by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.

(k) In all vehicles there shall be a heater operable when the ambient temperature is below 70°F and having sufficient capacity to maintain the vehicle interior at a comfortable temperature when the ambient temperature is 0°F.

(Effective December 18, 1992)