Recommended Specifications for your bus.

The following information is provided as recommended language for developing your procurement specifications. The information can be printed or saved to your computer for further modification. Bolded items are critical and need to be included as a minimum in your bid specifications. Note that seat dimensions and options must be modified for your specific seat choice. For questions or further information, please call 1-877-BUSSEAT or contact us online.

SafeGuard Seat With Lap & Shoulder Belts

A. Passenger Seats

  1. All seats shall be IMMI SafeGuard Seats or approved equivalent.
  2. All seats shall comply with all requirements of FMVSS No. 222 and FMVSS No. 210 when installed in a school bus. School bus design capacities shall be in accordance with 49 CFR, Part 571.3 and FMVSS No. 222.
  3. All seats shall comply with all passenger seating requirements set by State specifications.
  4. Each seat leg shall be secured to the floor by a minimum of three (3) Grade 8 bolts, washers and nuts. Flange-head nuts may be used in lieu of nuts and washers, or seats may be track-mounted in conformance with FMVSS No. 222. If track seating is installed, the manufacturer shall supply minimum and maximum seat spacing dimensions (applicable to the bus) which comply with FMVSS No. 222. This information shall be on a label permanently affixed to the bus.
  5. All seat frames attached to the seat rail shall be fastened with a minimum of three (3) Grade 8 bolts. The bolts shall be secured with washers and nuts, or with flange-head nuts.
  6. Seat Design.
    a. All seats shall be constructed so that seat back front surface contains a pivotable and removable front module for service access. Front Module shall be interchangeable to allow for full replacement or for upgrading to optional versions such as with LATCH bars and/or Integrated Child Seat modules.

    b. The seat assembly as installed in the bus shall comply with all requirements of FMVSS 222, and FMVSS 210. The seat shall be manufactured such that the same seat can be tested under 210 loading and then be re-tested under the 222 loading.
  7. Seat Frame Construction
    a. All steel frame weld joints are to be robust fillet weld type.
    b. All visually exposed metal on the seat shall be highly durable black powder coated steel. Standard paint operation not acceptable.
    c. All seat back panels are to be of a durable polyethylene twin sheet construction for extra energy absorption capabilities.
  8. Seat covering.
    a. Seats shall be covered with (select one of the following):
          i. School bus standard OEM grade 42 oz vinyl
          ii. School bus fire block grade vinyl
          iii. School bus “Kevlar” grade vinyl
          iv. Grade Level 3 transit quality “Fresh Medley” Cloth covering

    b. Upholstery and foam shall meet FMVSS 302.
    c. Outer seat cover shall be interchangeable without removing lap and shoulder belts if so equipped.
    d. Seat back outer seat cover and center module seat cover shall not be attached with staples. Velcro and J-hooks are preferred means of attachment.
  9. Seat belt systems. Seats are to be supplied with (select one of the following restraint system options):
    a. Type II three-point Lap and Shoulder belts (Required in California)
    i. The seatbelt assemblies shall comply with all requirements of FMVSS209.
    ii. The seat belts shall be provided across the operator’s lap and diagonally across the passenger’s chest. Each passenger shall be able to use both belts by connecting a single buckle. The belts shall be fastened to the seat.
    iii. Seat belts shall be automatically retracted by dual sensing, emergency locking retractors
    iv. All wall seating positions must have buckle located on the inboard side of the passenger.
    v. The shoulder portion of the seat belts shall be height to accommodate a child of 40 pound and a minimum height of 40” through an adult. Graphical symbols shall indicate any adjusting devices.
    vi. Seat belt assemblies shall be interchangeable without removing the outer cover.

    b. Type I two-point lap belts (Required in NY, NJ, and FL and all buses under 10,000 lb.)
    i. The seatbelt assemblies shall comply with all requirements of FMVSS209.
    ii. The seat belts shall be color keyed to match pairs.
    iii. Adjustment shall be by manual means only.

    c. No restraints
    i. Seat frames shall be belt ready for future installation of restraints. Belt ready frame shall include provisions for lap belts and lap and shoulder belt attachment to a pivotable and removable seat back center module.
  10. Seat Placement.
    a. Seats shall be spaced between a minimum of 28 ¾” seat pitch and a maximum of 34 ¾” seat pitch.
    b. Seats shall not be located in positions near emergency exits that will render the bus not compliant with FMVSS 222.

B. Integrated Child Seat Option.

  1. The integrated child seat shall comply with all requirements of FMVSS213.
  2. The cushion shall be a double fold-down design that does not extend under the child’s legs when in use.
  3. The restraint shall be a 5-point restraint system with single buckle release. The straps must be adjustable to fit small children (22-85 lbs. and up to 49").
  4. Adjustment of the straps must be manual. Automatic retraction of belts into the seat is not acceptable.
  5. Service access to back side of integrated child seat must be accomplished without need to remove seat back cover.

C. LATCH Bars Option.

  1. The seat with LATCH bars as installed in the bus shall comply with all requirements of FMVSS225. Latch bars shall provide a permanent, secure attachment point for installation of rear- or forward-facing child car seats.
  2. LATCH bars are to be welded to the center module frame.
  3. LATCH bars must be accessible to both SafeGuard connectors and conventional snap hook connectors.
  4. LATCH option shall also include a tongue at front upper portion of seat for securement of an Upper Torso Control Device. A single tongue is required per set of LATCH bars.

D. Upper Torso Control Device Option.

  1. Device is a detachable upper torso stability strap suitable for individuals over 40lbs. with special physical needs or behavioral control requirements. This device must be used in addition to the Type II lap and shoulder belt.
  2. The strap shall be provided diagonally across the passenger’s chest in the opposite direction of the shoulder portion of the Type II seatbelt. Strap shall fully adjust for appropriate fit and comfort.
  3. Each passenger shall be secured with the stability strap by connecting a single buckle at the upper portion of the seat back and with both LATCH bars at the lower portion of the seat back.