Sample Guidelines from Portland's Public Schools:
In recently published studies regarding how school buses operate, diesel engine fumes in the bus cabin as well as in the outdoor air have been found to be a health hazard to children and employees. While there is debate about acceptable levels and what technologies might alleviate the problem, idling of buses has been identified as a particular cause of the problem.
As a result of these findings and an announcement from the EPA about the serious health hazards from diesel exhaust, our school system is implementing the following policy immediately.
Loading Students: All school buses are prohibited from idling when students are being loaded (does not apply to route stops). When arriving at a school to load students, the driver should see to it that all windows are closed and the engine is shut off. Roof vents can remain open. When loading students, safety lights should be activated without the bus running. The engine shall not be turned on until such time as all students are loaded and the door is securely closed. Windows may not be opened until the vehicle is in motion and has cleared the immediate proximity of the school.
Should you be queued in a line with other buses, no bus driver shall start the engine until all buses are ready to leave. The lead bus in the queue should control movement at all times and other drivers should await the word that buses are ready to move before starting engines.
Should a bus become delayed an excessive amount of time, due to a problem with a student, breakdown, etc. buses are free to maneuver around the vehicle and leave the area at the drivers discretion. The delayed bus should make sure windows and doors are closed while other buses depart. Buses should make sure windows and doors are closed while other buses depart. Buses such as special education buses (who may be ready to leave a school earlier than large route buses) are free to leave anytime after the bus is loaded.
EXCEPTION TO THIS POLICY: Buses will be allowed to idle at schools anytime the temperature falls below 20 degrees, driving windows need defrosting, or an emergency situation dictates.
BUS STORAGE YARD: Drivers are prohibited from idling buses in excess of ten minutes. Please shut your bus off when you enter the storage facility. On cold mornings when condensation has frosted windows and extra time is needed to defrost them, drivers will be allowed up to a half-hour idling time in the yard.
Maine DEP would like to recognize all school districts and Transportation Directors that adopt a no-idling policy. Send us a copy of your guidelines to have your name added to the "Doing My Share for Clean Air" list.
