National Academies Press: OpenBook

A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices (2005)

Chapter: Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use

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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 2 - Reference Materials and Web Board Use." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2005. A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13562.
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Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.

7CHAPTER 2 REFERENCE MATERIALS AND WEB BOARD USE OVERVIEW This chapter offers guidance on a wide range of subjects to address in preparation for writing the actual practice. The chapter begins with a primer on legal considerations, which all Guidebook users are strongly urged to read. The chapter continues by explaining how to locate essential background material, such as manufacturer’s manuals and other publica- tions, by using the Internet-based Web Board or more tradi- tional means. It then describes how to prioritize the collected material, include any local conditions that may affect the practice, develop standard repair times, and integrate prac- tices with your training program. The chapter concludes with an overview of regulatory and safety issues. Although the material is extensive, you can use it as you would any refer- ence document by reading the chapter in its entirety or by using the table of contents to locate material of particular interest and need. PART 1: LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS Overview Virtually every human activity involves legal considera- tions. Developing and sharing maintenance practices is no different. As part of this project, a law firm was consulted with regard to some of the legal issues involved. The firm was asked to provide examples of clauses and disclaimers that can be used when sharing practices with others. The primer prepared by the legal team is included in its entirety as Appendix A. This section summarizes and simplifies the material to offer a quick reference. Complex legal informa- tion provided here cannot take the place of a licensed and competent attorney who is familiar with the particular laws of your jurisdiction and the particular laws, rules, policies, and guidelines that govern behavior within the scope of your duties.1 A review of legal issues should not dissuade you from developing or sharing practices, but serves as a foun- dation to help you develop and share maintenance practices without violating the rights of others. Intellectual Property Loosely defined, intellectual property is an asset derived from the work of a person’s intellect or mind that can be protected by federal and state law. The Founding Fathers rec- ognized the importance of protecting original ideas, as evidenced in the U.S. Constitution, which grants authors and inventors exclusive right to their material for a certain period of time. There are basically four types of intellectual property: copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Copyrights have the most significance to this project. Copyrights Protecting copyrights is the most important intellectual property consideration that agencies face when developing and sharing written maintenance practices. A copyright is defined as a work of authorship that is original and fixed in a tangible medium of expression, such as in a repair manual, computer document, or DVD. Copyrights are automatically protected; there is no legal requirement to file with the U. S. Copyright Office (at the Library of Congress). Examples of material protected by copyrights include, but are not limited to, literary works; computer programs (including databases and operating systems); pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; audiovisual works; sound recordings; architectural works; agency practices; and original equipment manufac- turer (OEM) manuals. It is important to understand that copyrights protect the manner in which an idea or piece of information is conveyed, but not the idea or information itself. For example, when using copyrighted instructions as a reference for developing a practice on replacing brake linings, the words chosen are protected. However, the information (i.e., the procedures) on how to replace the brake linings is not. Original works of authorship do not have to be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office to be protected because copy- right law automatically protects any original material, including a maintenance practice or manual, once it is in a fixed format (e.g., printed in hard copy or saved on a com- puter’s hard drive or CD). However, some people formally register their copyrighted material as an extra measure to dis- suade misuse. To determine if material is formally registered 1 No attorney-client relationship exists between the reader and the law firm that was consulted for this project, its members, employees, affiliates, or assigns.

with the U.S. Copyright Office, look for a notation normally found within the first few pages of a work of authorship or affixed to the medium in some obvious manner, such as the copyright page of a book, manual, or other reference document. When using the intellectual property of another, “giving credit where credit is due” is the best general rule. Credit for the material is given to the owners by citing the source and, if appropriate, by using text-editing devices such as inden- tions and quotation marks to show ownership by another. Acknowledgment of sources can be made in a footnote or directly in the body of the maintenance practice. If you plan to use a photograph, chart, or other graphic illustration developed by another in your practice, a letter requesting permission to do so is normally appropriate. Like- wise, if you plan to use large amounts of material (i.e., a full page or more of text) taken from a manual or other reference source, permission from the author and/or publisher is required. It is strongly recommended that you cite your sources so readers will not be misled into thinking that the information originated with you or your agency. In general, there are three basic conditions under which you can use the material of another without requesting and receiving permission from the author or publisher: 1. The idea, not the expression, is used. Paraphrasing information is fine as long as you do not copy the orig- inal material word for word. 2. The material is in the “public domain” and so does not enjoy copyright protection. This condition per- tains to copyrighted material that is no longer or never was covered by copyright. In some cases, the author or publisher may have given express permission for use of the material by the public. 3. The use falls under “fair use” doctrine. Fair use doctrine allows for limited public use of copyrighted material without the danger of infringement. The fac- tors to consider regarding this project and fair use is whether the use is strictly for an educational, noncom- mercial use; how much of the original material is used; whether the original material is fiction or nonfiction; and whether your use unfairly uses the original work. In the case of maintenance practices to be shared with other agencies, the fair use doctrine applies because there is no intention to sell the maintenance practice, it is a nonfictional work, and the bulk of the text will be original in nature. When none of the above three conditions apply, you must request and receive permission from the author or publisher. Use the sample letter found as part of Appendix A as an example of how to ask the owner of intellectual property for permission to use their material. The following notations can be used to protect your own intellectual property if required: 8 • The copyright notice (“©”), • The year of publication (not year of inception), • The name of the copyright owner (not necessarily the author), and • Contact information (e.g., © 2005, Center City Transit, Center City, CT). These notations give public notice and can dissuade users against improper use. Appendix A includes other examples of ways to identify and apply copyright notations. Patents A patent is a right given by the federal government to exclude anyone other than the owner of the patent from mak- ing, using, or selling an invention as described and claimed in the patent. Any invention with a registered patent will normally have an inscription, such as U.S. Pat. Reg. No. 00000000. In some cases, this information is located on packaging or other labeling that accompanies the invention. If it is necessary to reference a patent held by another when developing a maintenance practice, you are allowed to discuss, reference, explain, and compare any informa- tion within the patent. However, you cannot use the tech- nology disclosed in the patent without first obtaining per- mission (i.e., a license) from the patent owner. For example, if you purchase a patented tool to remove cylin- der heads on a specific engine, you can use the tool, refer- ence it in your practice, and describe how it functions. You cannot, however, use information contained in the patent to reproduce the tool without first obtaining a license. If you or your agency patents an invention, you must cite the patent registration number at a minimum the first time the invention is referred to. Trademarks A trademark is defined as a word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination of these things, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others. In some cases, trademark owners who provide only services use the specific term “service mark” instead of the general term “trademark,” but there is no legal distinction between the two; thus, service marks receive the same protection as other trademarks. Trademark registrations can be renewed indefinitely and may last forever as long as the trademark is continually used in commerce to identify the specified goods or services. If you use the registered trademarks of others in your prac- tice, you may want to place the “®” symbol after the trade- mark (i.e., the ACME Engine Company®). If your agency needs to create and protect its own trademarks, you can do so by using “®” for registered trademarks, “™” for unregistered

trademarks, or “SM” for unregistered service marks (i.e., unregistered trademarks for services). Trade Secrets A trade secret is defined as a piece of information or a process that derives economic value from not being gener- ally known and from not being readily ascertainable. In other words, a trade secret protects valuable, nonpublic information from being disclosed. There is no particular way to notify the public whether a trade secret exists. Therefore, you are not liable if you independently discover or even knowingly “reverse engineer” a trade secret of another. The moment a trade secret is disclosed by some- one, trade secret rights are lost. To be held liable for a trade secret infringement, you must violate a confidentiality agreement or steal the secret. If you or your agency has developed information that you believe should be protected by trade secret laws, you need to work closely with an attor- ney to maintain the level of secrecy necessary. Remember, once information is published (i.e., in a practice), it is no longer a trade secret. Consequences of Not Protecting Intellectual Property When using reference material to develop practices, you are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the intellec- tual property of another. Simply put, it is unlawful to present a creative endeavor (i.e., patent, trademark, or copyright) of another as your own. Examples and Clauses Appendix A includes a variety of examples and clauses that you may use (permission to use is granted) or modify as needed when developing and sharing maintenance practices. Included are: • An example of a letter to request permission to use resources, • Disclaimers to use when sharing practices with others to forewarn them that the agency providing the information is not liable for the information or any consequences that may follow from the use of the information, and • An indemnity example to hold your agency harmless from any claim made by any third party due to or arising out of using your practice. Web Board Disclaimer Any practice posted on the TRB Web Board is subject to the following disclaimer, which is included on the Web 9 Board site: Those downloading practices from the TRB Web Board do so with the understanding that: The information contained in the published content is pro- vided as a service to the bus transit community, and does not constitute advice. Every attempt was made to provide qual- ity information for the purposes outlined for this project, but we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the content. Mainte- nance advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each agency. Because bus maintenance practices can change without notice, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent mechanics and/or maintenance crews. If agencies desire, they can add this or another disclaimer to any practice posted on the Web Board. The practice for- mat presented in Chapter 4 has a section for including any disclaimer that your agency deems appropriate. PART 2: REFERENCE MATERIAL Overview In addition to your agency’s collective knowledge and experiences, you will need to consider reference material from outside sources. Otherwise, you may be perpetuating poor and inefficient practices as a tradition. The “we’ve been doing it that way for years” method may not be the best and in fact may be incorrect or in direct violation of a regulation! Manufacturers’ manuals serve as the primary reference source because of the inherent understanding OEMs have of their own products. Other essential reference materials include practices developed by other agencies; standards and RPs developed by APTA, the trucking industry, and other professional organizations; and federal and local regulatory compliance material. This section describes how essential reference material can be located using the TRB Web Board or more traditional means (e.g., phone or mail). Because the Web Board can be used to locate reference material, including practices devel- oped by other agencies, instructions for using the Web Board are provided below. Using the Web Board Background TRB sponsors several Web Boards for sharing informa- tion. Of particular interest to maintenance personnel is the Transit Fleet Maintenance Committee’s Web Board located at http://webboard.trb.org/~A1E16/login. It contains several bus maintenance–related categories (called “conferences”) to help agencies exchange information on several subjects. It also includes a direct link to the Maintenance Practices Web Board established as part of this project to develop and share bus maintenance practices. Other conferences are dedicated

to small-city, rural, and intercity agencies; general bus fleet maintenance; maintenance facilities; clean air technology; EPA emission standards; mechanic certification; training; and others. After logging into the Web Board (login instruc- tions are provided below), agencies can read existing messages posted under a variety of headings to obtain infor- mation or post messages to provide information of benefit to others. Maintenance Practices Web Board TRB’s Bus Maintenance Practices Web Board was created as a Guidebook companion to help agencies locate reference material, develop practices, and share practices with others. The Web Board contains an electronic version of this Guidebook and the MS Word template, both of which can be downloaded from that site. A hard copy of the template instructions and the template itself are included as Appen- dix B and Appendix C, respectively. The template includes links to reference sections of the Guidebook that contain website addresses that you can input to your web browser, allowing you to review reference mate- rial in one “window” while composing your practice in another. For those without Internet access, sufficient contact information is provided in this chapter to obtain reference materials using traditional means (e.g., telephoning and writ- ing for materials). Login Information. As with all TRB Web Boards, agen- cies will need to formally log in. To log in, you must register as a user of the Transit Fleet Maintenance Com- mittee’s Web Board located at http://webboard.trb.org/ ~A1E16/login. To register, click on “New User,” read the “New User Information” material, and complete the regis- tration form. You can also enter the site as a “Guest,” but then conferences are limited to read-only access. (Existing users of the Transit Fleet Maintenance Committee’s Web Board already have access to this site and do not need to register again). To enter the Maintenance Practices Web Board, click on the “Maintenance Practices Web Board” conference. A “Use this link for access” message will appear. Click on it, then click on the “http://webboard.trb.org/~E5/login” address that appears in the column to the right, which will take you directly to the Maintenance Practices Web Board. Structure. The Maintenance Practices Web Board includes the following major conferences, although this structure may change over time as the Web Board grows and develops: • Instructions for Using This Site. Or use the “Help” feature. 10 • Legal Disclaimer. Applies to all users of the Web Board. • Guidebook Download. Also includes the MS Word template and instructions. • Posting and Downloading Existing Agency Practices. General instructions for: – Downloading existing agency practices (there are 13 heading groups). – Uploading practices. – Compressing file size. – Protocol for naming practices (with title sequence for cataloging purposes). • Locating Other Reference Materials. General instruc- tions for locating: – Bus and Component OEM Manuals and Bulletins. – TMC Practices Assembled for APTA. – Other ATA/TMC Trucking Publications. – SAE Publications. – TRB Publications. – APTA Publications. – CTAA Publications. – Other materials. It is important to note that the only materials download- able from the Maintenance Practices Web Board are the agency practices posted there, the Guidebook itself, and the MS Word template. All other reference materials must be obtained by using the Internet addresses provided. You can also upload (i.e., contribute) any practice to the Web Board regardless of whether it was developed from the Guidebook. A sequence to titling the practice found in Chapter 5 must be followed for cataloging purposes. Obtaining Reference Material Overview The various sections below summarize reference materi- als provided by various sources followed by instructions on how to obtain the materials. Agencies can use the Internet addresses or the mail/telephone contact information provided below to request material. Before using any reference mate- rials, however, it is strongly recommended that you read Part 1, Legal Considerations, at the beginning of this chapter and Appendix A. Existing Agency Practices Existing agency practices can be a valuable source for refer- ence material because they were developed by agencies that operate similar equipment. Several agencies have posted their practices on the TRB Maintenance Practices Web Board, which can be downloaded as described above. Those without Internet access will not be able to obtain these practices.

Bus and Component OEM Manuals Overview. Bus and major component manufacturers support their products through a variety of maintenance- and repair- related materials, which serve as the foundation for develop- ing agency-specific maintenance practices for two important reasons. First, the materials represent the official procedures developed and authorized by the OEM, the company that actually produced the product. Second, following factory- authorized procedures is usually required to maintain war- ranty coverage and to receive reimbursement for any product defects. In a perfect world, bus manufacturers would supply man- uals that could be used “as is” to guide agencies through repair and maintenance tasks. The reality is that tailoring repair and maintenance procedures to match the actual vehi- cle produced and specific agency conditions is the exception, not the rule. Larger agencies typically have more success in getting OEMs to tailor their maintenance materials, while those with fewer resources must make due with available materials. An inherent problem with producing “tailor made” proce- dures is that so many of the components used in buses are produced by a variety of vendors, making it difficult to accu- rately reflect the specific vehicle produced for a given agency. Another problem is that bus manufacturers often supplement their own procedures with material produced by component suppliers. As a result, a “gap” often exists where the bus manufacturer–developed procedures leave off and the component-specific procedures begin. In other cases, bus OEMs simply use a single procedure to describe similar components supplied by many vendors, and this procedure may not reflect the actual component installed. The incomplete nature of OEM manuals strengthens the need for agencies to “fill in the missing pieces” and develop their own practices. Although generic at times, the bulk of information provided by bus OEMs is sufficient as a starting point to develop agency-specific practices. Types of OEM Manuals. Typical manuals supplied by bus OEMs include: • Operator’s manuals, which provide instructions on how to operate the bus. • Parts manuals, which list and describe the various replacement parts used in the bus. • Schematics, which show connections and interrelation- ships of the many electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems and subsystems to facilitate troubleshooting and testing. • Service and maintenance manuals, which typically contain information on routine maintenance tasks and recommended service intervals for engine and trans- mission oil changes, filter changes, brake adjustments, lubrication of other systems, and periodic inspections. 11 • System, subsystem, and component troubleshooting procedures, including test values. • Component removal and replacement procedures. • Component disassembly, overhauls, re-assembly, and test procedures, which are typically provided by suppli- ers to the bus manufacturer. Formats. OEM publications are typically provided in two formats: printed paper (either bound or loose leaf) and electronic media, such as CDs. Some OEMs supply videos showing specific maintenance procedures, but they tend to be more generic due to their high production costs. The drawbacks of paper media are well known and include the difficulty to distribute, change, update, and discard infor- mation. CDs contain all the information found in printed manuals, but in a much smaller package. In addition to their durability and low cost, CDs are easy to revise by bus manufacturers and can be distributed more easily than bulky paper manuals. Additionally, material contained on CDs can be downloaded electronically by agencies for easy distribu- tion to satellite garage facilities. CDs also have the ability to be integrated as source documents in an agency’s overall maintenance information system (MIS). A significant advantage of integrating main- tenance manual material with an MIS is the ease with which information is changed to suit agency requirements or updated to reflect changing technology and procedures. Standard OEM Repair Times. In addition to producing repair and parts manuals, most OEMs develop standard repair times for common tasks as a basis for determining warranty reimbursement. Most of these times pertain to “remove and replace” procedures, although some OEMs, especially those manufacturing major components, have standard repair times for specific rebuilding procedures. When using bus OEM times in practices, agencies should be aware that the times may not be realistic ones because many are developed as part of the manufacturing process, which may not be applicable to a fully assembled component or bus. Additional information on developing time standards is found in Part 5 below. Contact Information. The first place to obtain vehicle- related manuals and information is through the bus OEMs. They are the entity contracted to build and deliver the bus and the party responsible for providing maintenance manuals, even though many subsystems and components (e.g., engines, transmissions, axles, and radios) are provided by others. If adequate material is not available from that source, or information is required for non–vehicle-specific equip- ment (e.g., bus washers or facility equipment), then the sub- systems or component supplier/vendor should be contacted directly. Agencies are strongly urged to obtain OEM maintenance/ repair manuals and standard repair times (even if worker time

is not monitored) as part of the overall bus procurement. Agencies should specify OEM material in both hard-copy and electronic formats (e.g., CDs) in varying quantities depending on the number of satellite facilities, the number of maintenance personnel, and whether or not the manuals will also be used for training purposes. CDs, however, require that maintenance personnel have access to a laptop or personal computer, which could also be obtained as part of the overall bus procurement. Requests for manuals and other material should include a requirement that the mate- rial be updated by the OEM throughout the vehicle’s useful life. Several methods can be used to obtain manuals on equip- ment you already have. Begin by contacting the service rep- resentative of the bus or product. If you don’t know who the service representative is, you can get a listing of most suppli- ers through APTA’s Catalog of Member Products and Ser- vices (COMPS). Although only APTA members are included on the list, the service is available to both members and non- members free of charge. Those without Internet access can contact APTA’s Information Center (see the “APTA” section below for details) and they will print a list of suppliers in a given area and mail it to you. Otherwise, go to the APTA web- site at www.apta.com, click on “Research and Statistics” or “E-Business” and then on “COMPS” for an alphabetical list- ing of transit-related products and services. The listing includes the contact information (i.e., address, phone, and email) for each supplier. Another method is to undertake a general Internet search for the specific company or product. Most bus and component OEMs have websites. Some pro- vide open access to manuals, repair times, service bulletins, and other information on their websites. Some require pass- words to enter their sites, while others offer printed material in various languages. Most OEMs copyright their service manuals and have some type of disclaimer regarding application of the information contained in them. See Part 1, Legal Considerations, at the beginning of this chapter and Appendix A for information on using copyrighted material. Recommendations. Since OEM manuals are essential to every maintenance practice, it is highly recommended that agencies: • Request that bus and component OEMs improve the dissemination of technical information by placing main- tenance information and standard repair times on their websites. These requirements can be made through the bus procurement process. • Be more specific in bus procurements regarding the type and content of written practices required from the bus OEM. • Provide more convenient access to OEM manuals by maintenance personnel. • Maintain up-to-date OEM information in your agency’s MIS systems. 12 • Provide OEMs with any Intelligent Transportation Sys- tem (ITS) and/or MIS interface issues that they need to be aware of when providing electronic documentation. Trucking Industry Publications Background. The American Trucking Association (ATA) represents the interests of the trucking industry. The Truck Maintenance Council (TMC), one of the ATA’s councils, provides maintenance and technology support to the trucking industry and develops a series of RPs. Much of the equipment used by the trucking industry is similar to that used in transit buses, with many components and suppliers common to both. As a result, much can be learned from TMC programs with respect to maintenance practices. When researching TMC practices, however, keep in mind that TMC RPs reflect a consensus of its members and may not be appropriate for all transit bus applications. Truck RPs Assembled for Transit. In one trucking pro- gram of particular interest, the TMC, under contract to APTA, identified and assembled a collection of trucking RPs closely applicable to transit buses. This collection of nearly 100 RPs, entitled “Recommended Maintenance Practices for Transit Buses,” was reviewed and endorsed by APTA’s Bus Equipment and Maintenance Committee. Material contained in this collection of off-the-shelf RPs is essential to the library of resources that agencies should consider when developing their own maintenance practices. Although the RPs were written for trucks, much of the material contained within the RPs can be applied to buses either directly or with some modification. More importantly, the procedures repre- sent the best thinking of an industry with vast experiences and resources. RPs contained in “Recommended Maintenance Practices for Transit Buses” are grouped under 10 ATA categories: S.1 Electrical and Instruments S.2 Tires & Wheels S.3 Engines S.4 Cab & Controls S.5 Fleet Maintenance Management S.6 Chassis S.8 Cost Control Methods S.11 Vehicle Energy Conservation S.12 Total Vehicle Electronics S.14 Light- and Medium-Duty As indicated by these categories, some of the nomencla- ture (e.g., Cab) is specific to trucks but can be applied to buses. For example, RP 311, Cold Weather Operation, provides information useful to agencies operating in cold climates. It includes recommendations for developing a cold weather operation maintenance checklist and provides

information on engine coolants and lubricants, batteries, and other cold-weather topics developed for trucks but also applicable to buses. Information on obtaining “Recom- mended Maintenance Practices for Transit Buses” is pro- vided below under the “APTA” heading. Other TMC Publications. In addition to those RPs for APTA, the ATA maintains and distributes a host of RPs in hard-copy format. The RPs are available to ATA members free of charge as part of their annual dues. Non–ATA members, however, can purchase hard copies of the RPs indi- vidually. A two-volume set of all TMC RPs is available to nonmembers at $195, while individual RPs are available to nonmembers at $25 each. Contact Information. Mail: ATC Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Association 2200 Mill Road Alexandria, VA 22314 Telephone: 703-838-1761 or 703-838-1763 E-mail: tmc@truckline.com Internet: A complete index of all TMC RPs, which includes a brief description of each RP, is available from the TMC’s website at www.truckline.com. To find the RPs, click on “TMC,” then on “Recommended Practices” in the right-hand column, and then on “Complete listing of all officially adopted RPs.” Society of Automotive Engineers Overview. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is a technical society dedicated to advancing mobility engi- neering. Publications include books, RPs, standards, and individually authored SAE papers. SAE standards are espe- cially helpful in that they are used throughout the world for various items such as fasteners, thread sizes, and material properties. Standards. Several SAE standards could be helpful refer- ences for transit systems developing specific maintenance practices. Examples include J2210, “Recovery/Recycling Equipment for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems,” and J2211, “Recommended Service Procedure for the Contain- ment of HFC-134a.” Others examples include SAE J1128 and J1292, which provide useful information on the mechan- ical properties of electrical wiring. 13 Locating SAE Publications. Individual SAE standards can be found using several methods. “The Ground Vehicle Stan- dards Index” offers a complete listing of thousands of Infor- mation Reports, RPs, J-Series Reports, and Handbook sup- plements. The current cost of this index is $36 for members and $45 for nonmembers. This index can serve as a valuable asset when attempting to locate specific SAE standards when preparing practices. Individual SAE standards are available at $59 each, either in hard-copy version (via postal services) or through an Internet-download process. From the SAE home page (see Internet address below) you can search for individual standards and obtain a summary of the standard, including the title, publication date, issuing committee, and scope. SAE technical papers can be purchased from the SAE via mail or downloaded at a current cost of about $10.00 each for SAE members or $12 each for nonmembers. The SAE Handbook, which contains all SAE standards, is published in a three-volume set in either hard-copy or CD format. The current fee is $450 for SAE members and $595 for nonmembers. SAE publications, including the SAE Handbook, can also be obtained through public libraries, universities, and APTA (see “Other Sources for SAE Publications” below for additional information). Contact Information. Mail: SAE Automotive Headquarters 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 1600 Troy, MI 48084 Telephone: 248-273-2455 E-mail: automotivehq@sae.org Internet: To find SAE standards, go to the SAE website at www.sae.org. Click on “Shop the SAE Store,” then “Standards,” and then browse under “Ground Vehicle.” Under “Repair & Service Operations,” for example, you will find SAE J2210 and J2211 refer- enced above. Under “Wiring” you can find J1128 and J1292, also referenced above. Another method is to use the search feature located on the home page. SAE papers can also be found at www.sae.org by clicking on “Papers,” then by browsing the “Ground Vehicle” area. For example, under “Maintenance and Operations,” you can find several useful papers, including #2001-01-2814, “Cooling System Develop- ment and Validation for the Urban Bus.” Other Sources for SAE Publications. SAE publications can also be found through other sources. The APTA

Information Center (see “APTA” below for contact infor- mation) maintains a recent copy of the SAE Handbook, as do many public libraries. Additionally, engineering and technical colleges and universities generally have the SAE Handbook and other SAE publications available for reference. TRB Overview. TRB is a valuable resource for locating reference material on a variety of transit topics, including bus mainte- nance and technology. A division of the National Research Council (NRC), which serves as an independent adviser to the federal government on scientific and technical questions of national importance, TRB promotes innovation, progress, sharing of information, and technical excellence. The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) is administered by TRB to develop near-term, practical solutions to problems fac- ing the transit industry. This Guidebook, for example, was developed under the TCRP program. TCRP topics selected for research are generated from transit agencies, standing volun- teer TRB committees, APTA committees, and others involved directly with the transit industry. In fact, the problem statement that formed the basis for this Guidebook was generated by the TRB Committee on Transit Fleet Maintenance. Of particular interest to developing maintenance practices are the TCRP reports and syntheses. Engineering of Vehicles and Equipment, Engineering of Facilities, and Maintenance are three research fields of special interest. One example is TCRP Report 29: Closing the Knowledge Gap for Transit Maintenance Employees: A Systems Ap- proach, which presents guidelines on evaluating and imple- menting strategies to improve maintenance workforce skills. Several agencies have distributed copies to their maintenance personnel, use the report as a basis for staff meetings, or use the document as a basic text for mainte- nance management training classes. Other TCRP publications of interest to maintenance practices include: • TCRP Synthesis 1: Safe Operating Procedures for Alternative Fuel Buses • TCRP Synthesis 7: Regulatory Impacts of Design and Retrofit of Bus Maintenance Facilities • TCRP Synthesis 9: Waste Control Practices at Bus Maintenance Facilities • TCRP Synthesis 12: Transit Bus Service Line and Cleaning Functions • TCRP Synthesis 22: Monitoring Bus Maintenance Performance • TCRP Synthesis 44: Training for On-Board Bus Electronics • TCRP Synthesis 54: Maintenance Productivity Practices 14 • TCRP Synthesis 58: Emergency Response Procedures for Natural Gas Transit Vehicles • TCRP Report 43: Understanding and Applying Advanced On-Board Bus Electronics • TCRP Report 96: Determining Training for New Technologies: A Decision Game and Facilitation Guide Contact Information. Mail: Keck Center of the National Academies Transportation Research Board 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Telephone: 202-334-2934 Internet: The TRB website at www.trb.org is a valuable resource for locating material on all research topics. From the TRB website, click on “Publications” to find a catalog of TRB publications, TCRP project reports, the Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS) database, and many other reports and links to TRB’s extensive research databases. You can also use the search function or click on the “TRB Bookstore” to find information on how to obtain published research reports. In addition, www.tcrponline.org will take you directly to a TCRP dissemination site that is main- tained by APTA on behalf of the TCRP and contains all of the TCRP publications, including those listed above. Once at the site, you can use the search func- tion or choose from general topics. The “Publica- tions” section of the TCRP site includes two cate- gories of special interest: Bus Transit—Maintenance, and Bus Transit—Technology. Both categories con- tain the various TCRP reports and syntheses available. These publications can be ordered from APTA at www.tcrponline.org. APTA Overview. APTA is a nonprofit international association of over 1,500 public and private member organizations, includ- ing transit systems; planning, design, construction, and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; transit associations; and state departments of transportation. Over 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA members. Recommended Maintenance Practices for Transit Buses. Several APTA activities and publications can be of assis- tance to agencies in developing maintenance practices. As

mentioned above under “TMC,” APTA worked with the TMC to publish “Recommended Maintenance Practices for Transit Buses,” a series of trucking RPs applicable to buses. This document can be ordered from APTA at $50 for mem- bers and $100 for nonmembers. TCRP Reports Available Through APTA. TCRP reports published by TRB are available through APTA free of charge at www.tcrponline.org. APTA Bus Standards Program Reports. The APTA Tran- sit Bus Standards Development Program is an outgrowth of TCRP Project C-14 to develop consensus-based standards for the transit bus industry. These standards, when devel- oped, will consist of RPs applied generically and voluntar- ily to the entire transit industry. The first standards being developed are those for vehicles and related equipment, including: • Recommended Practice for Transit Bus In-Service Brake Stopping Performance Testing • Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Foundation Brake Replacement Lining Classification • Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Total Cooling System Performance Capability Testing • Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Heating, Venti- lation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Instru- mentation and Performance Testing • Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Brake Shoe Rebuild • Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Vehicle Data Recorders • Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Fire Safety • Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Operator Qual- ification and Training RPs for operating practices, safety, and other topics are also underway. When finalized, the APTA bus standards will be posted on the APTA website. Contact Information. Mail: American Public Transportation Association 1666 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 Telephone: General: 202-496-4800 Information Center: 202-496-4889 Internet: To obtain a copy of the truck RPs assembled for APTA by the TMC entitled “Recommended Mainte- nance Practices for Transit Buses,” go to www. apta.com. Click on “Book Store,” then “Catalog,” then “Operations and Technical Services,” and then 15 search for “Recommended Maintenance Practices for Transit Buses.” For a listing of bus and component OEMs, click on “E Business,” and then “COMPS.” For TCRP reports click on “Book Store,” and then select the link under “Other Resources” to order the TCRP reports. The APTA “Book Store” site also contains several other publications helpful to those developing mainte- nance practices. Click on “Operations and Technical Services” to find the following publications: “Guide- lines for Bus Maintenance,” “New Bus Manufac- turing Inspection Guidelines,” and “Wedge Brake Rebuild Recommended Practice.” PART 3: PRIORITIZING REFERENCE MATERIAL After collecting all of the reference material needed to develop practices, you can follow the suggestions below to isolate the most useful information. 1. If the OEM bus and component procedures are avail- able, use them for two important reasons: • Manufacturer’s procedures represent essential source material. • Following manufacturer’s procedures helps to ensure warranty coverage. 2. Eliminate unsuitable reference material. Do not use materials that are: • Copyrighted (unless procedures found above in Part 1, Legal Considerations, are followed), • Out of date, • Incorrect, • Confusing, or • Unsuitable for your local climate or operating condi- tions. 3. Compare and evaluate the remaining reference materials. • Decide which is the most thorough, accurate, easy to understand, and suitable to your local conditions and shop environment. • Select photos and illustrations that are the easiest to understand and that clearly show complex equipment or procedures. If none are suitable, take your own photos (see Chapter 3 for details). • Identify the information you want to use from each source using Post-It® notes or similar markers. For example, one source may provide the best list of tools needed, while another may provide the clearest step- by-step instructions. 4. Synthesize selected reference text taken from the various sources and organize it under the appropriate sections of the practice headings. • Those using the electronic Word template can type the synthesized material directly into appropriate

sections of the template. (Depending on copyright restrictions, you may also be able to copy and paste material from an electronic source.) • Those not using the Word template will have to enter the material manually into the Chapter 4 practice format (or any format you eventually decide upon). • Supplement the reference material with appropriate material developed from your agency’s collective experiences. 5. Improve the material taken from the various sources by applying the Guidebook instructions for writing effectively and inserting photographs/illustrations found in Chapter 3. When using text from more than one source, it is especially important to revise the syn- thesized text into a consistent writing style to make it easier to read. 6. Review Part 1 above and Appendix A, and consult with an attorney if available to make certain that you have used all reference materials obtained from outside sources in a legal manner. PART 4: TAILORING PRACTICES TO LOCAL CONDITIONS Background An element of this research is to provide information on tailoring maintenance practices to local conditions. An initial survey was conducted, and 62 systems responded. Agencies were asked how they felt regarding the need to tailor main- tenance practices as a result of certain local conditions. Responses are summarized in Table 2-1. The most important local condition noted by agencies responding was severe weather. Included in this category were severe heat, cold, dust, and road salt. Transit agencies and equipment OEMs were contacted for their insights into special steps taken to address unique local conditions. A posting on TRB and APTA Internet-based Web Boards 16 asked agencies to provide examples of any special steps taken to maintain and repair buses as a result of unique envi- ronmental and operating conditions. Another step was to research published information that addresses special maintenance procedures to account for unique local conditions. Two publications were found, and both address maintenance practices pertaining to cold weather operation. The first source, “TMC RP 311—Cold Weather Operation,” discusses the proper maintenance methods for preparing a heavy-duty truck for cold weather operation (+40 to −40ºF). This RP is included in the collec- tion of TMC RPs entitled “Recommended Maintenance Practices for Transit Buses,” which is available from APTA as indicated in Part 2 above. The second source includes operations and maintenance manuals prepared by engine OEMs for cold weather operation. Major engine OEMs all have manuals that address cold weather operation. Contact information for most of these OEMs can be found in the Bus and Component OEM section in Part 2 above using APTA’s COMPS service. Two primary conclusions were identified from this research. First, most transit systems are so focused on how they perform their own maintenance work that they do not view any of their procedures as being “unique.” For exam- ple, if they only have pits in their shop, they have adapted all their maintenance procedures around this shop condi- tion. The second conclusion is that weather-related condi- tions (e.g., road salt and leaves) are virtually the only con- ditions for which special maintenance practices have been developed. Except for basing PMI intervals on duty cycle at MTA New York City Transit (MTA NYCT), no signifi- cant agency practice was found that addresses a unique shop condition, fleet size, or workforce characteristic. While these special practices exist, agencies do not view them as unique. The format used in Chapter 4 to develop maintenance practices includes a section where agencies can enter a summary of special steps taken as a result of a condition unique to their operation. Summarizing these special steps will alert your agency’s maintenance personnel, some of whom may come from different climate and shop condi- tions, of the importance of following certain procedures that they may not understand as being necessary. The local condition summaries will also be helpful to other agencies considering your practice as a reference to give them insight to determine if all sections are applicable to their particular operation. Weather-Related Conditions Two sections below address weather-related conditions. The first includes ways to obtain weather information; the second includes specific maintenance procedures suggested by agencies to address weather conditions. TABLE 2-1 Conditions requiring special consideration Condition Percentage of Agencies that Felt the Condition Required Special Consideration Severe Weather 66 Fleet Makeup 52 Geographic Area 44 Workforce Considerations 40 Fleet Size 35 Number of Locations 32 Contracted Maintenance 32 Workshop Layout 18

Weather Information Agencies can obtain information on weather by visiting www.worldclimate.com and www.noaa.gov (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA). Both include useful climatic information, but the NOAA site charges a fee for some of its information. Information at these sites could be useful when considering other agency practices. After reviewing the average annual temperature data, it is possible to classify agencies as being in one of three climates based on their annual average temperature: • Cold: 49ºF or less; • Temperate: between 50ºF and 59ºF; or • Warm: 60ºF or more. Examples for each type of operating climate and their aver- age annual temperatures are shown in Table 2-2. Agencies are reminded that the averages for the cities listed below do not show the differences between extreme low and extreme high temperatures that must be considered when comparing your agency’s climate with another. Information regarding temperature extremes is available at the weather websites listed above. Weather-Related Maintenance Suggestions Suggestions for specific weather-related maintenance practices include the following. Cold weather suggestions: • When road salt is used, steam clean the bus undercar- riage before each PMI. • A new magnesium chloride de-icing salt solution is causing premature corrosion of transmission filters, electrical components, and other exposed bus compo- nents. Traces of this de-icing mixture are also being reported on new buses driven through regions that use these chemicals. Rinse bus undercarriages thoroughly, and carefully inspect radiators, charged air coolers, electrical connections, brake drums, and fasteners. 17 • Include an undercarriage wash and a high-pressure wheel wash during daily service line inspections. • Check air dryers more frequently for moisture content. • Conduct wheelchair lift PMIs more frequently to remove road salt and add lubrication. • Check auxiliary engine heaters. • Replace wheelchair lift pans with stainless steel ones as part of a mid-life refurbishment program or during new bus procurements. • Sandblast and recoat the bus chassis as part of a mid-life program. Warm weather suggestions: • Conduct an extensive air conditioning PMI in prepara- tion for summer. • Clean out radiators monthly with a suitable solvent, and flush with water to prevent overheating. • Tighten hose clamps during each PMI, and use clamps that apply a constant torque. • Check air system integrity. • Use special bearing lubricants. Miscellaneous seasonal suggestions: • Blow out radiators with air pressure to remove tree leaves in autumn months. • Blow out radiators with air pressure to remove build up of seeds and leaves from trees. • Add a wire mesh screen over the radiator door to catch leaves. Clean the wire mesh screen often to prevent clogging of the radiator. • Flush brakes with clean fresh water after significant rain to remove abrasive debris carried into the brakes by the rain. PART 5: DEVELOPING TIME STANDARDS The use of standard repair times (SRTs) is a natural complement to maintenance practices in that one defines the procedures, while the other defines the average time needed to carry out the procedures. Assigning a time to jobs allows managers to better plan for maintenance staffing levels, TABLE 2-2 Average climate classifications (in °F) Cold Temperate Warm Albany, NY = 47.3 Boston, MA = 51.3 Atlanta, GA = 61.2 Buffalo, NY = 47.7 New York, NY = 54.1 Dallas, TX = 66.2 Chicago, IL = 48.9 Philadelphia, PA = 54.1 Houston, TX = 68.7 Cleveland, OH = 49.5 Pittsburgh, PA = 52.0 Las Vegas, NV = 67.1 Detroit, MI = 48.6 San Francisco, CA = 57.0 Los Angeles, CA = 63.0 Minneapolis, MN = 44.8 Seattle, WA = 52.0 Miami, FL = 75.7 New Orleans, LA = 68.0

budgeting, and scheduling; allows worker productivity to be measured; and serves as a useful tool in directing training resources. Use of SRTs varies from agency to agency and may not be appropriate for all. For those who see the merit in establishing them, the practice format presented in Chapter 4 includes a section where SRTs can be entered. Basic requirements for establishing SRTs include: • Establishment of uniform practices to ensure that each worker is measured against equal tasks, • A process for establishing and validating the times so that they are in fact fair for the skill level required and can be repeated over time, • A process to accurately monitor worker time on each job, • A policy on how the standard times will be used within the agency, and • Involvement by maintenance workers and their union in developing SRTs. Uniform Procedures It would be unfair to expect workers to perform to a given time standard unless there is a practice that defines the work procedures for all to follow in a uniform manner. This Guide- book provides the information needed to develop those prac- tices. Without such practices, workers are free to choose whatever steps they feel are needed in order to “meet” the set time period. Practices are absolutely essential to provide the consistency needed to measure all workers equally and fairly. Establishing Standard Repair Times Agencies use a variety of methods to establish SRTs. The most comprehensive are based on industrial engineering (IE) processes that involve studying each work task, organizing those tasks in a logical and efficient sequence, assigning times to each task, and monitoring worker performance to fine-tune and validate the process. Some agencies, such as Milwaukee County Transit System, employ an industrial engineer to develop practices and SRTs, as the two are so closely allied. IE protocols used to develop SRTs can be reviewed in two publications: Industrial Engineering Hand- book by Morley H. Mathewson2 and Industrial Engineering Methods and Controls by Donald R. Herzog3. Agencies that develop SRTs typically apply fundamental IE concepts as a starting point using one or more of the fol- lowing steps: • Start with OEM-recommended “flat rate” times estab- lished for warranty reimbursement, and modify them based on the agency’s own historical information. 18 • Time each task identified in the agency’s maintenance practice. For example: – Turn engine control switch to “off” and open engine and transmission access doors: 30 sec. – Remove air conditioning belt guard: 5 min, 20 sec. – Total the times to determine the SRT for the entire job. • Time the complete job by monitoring workers of vari- ous skill levels as they follow the written practice, and then use the average time to arrive at a fair SRT. • Use SRTs developed by other agencies and adapt them to your own requirements. Regardless of the timing method used, agencies need to con- sider many of the peripheral activities surrounding the job that must be accounted for in the SRT, such as the time needed to: • Move the vehicle to and from the work area; • Obtain and complete any necessary documentation; • Obtain standard tools, special tools, and replacement parts; • Take periodic work breaks; • Address any unforeseen problems that may develop during the repair (e.g., if a fastener snaps during its removal, it takes on additional procedure to remove the broken stud); • Clean up afterward; and • Dispose of any hazardous waste. SRTs also need to be based on the proficiency levels and job classifications (e.g., A-level mechanic and journeyman) of those authorized to do the jobs. Once developed, SRTs need to be validated to ensure they represent realistic time allotments and do not compromise work quality or safety. This validation is typically done by timing separately sev- eral properly trained and qualified workers or experienced supervisors as they perform the job. Based on collective feedback, procedures and times can then be adjusted accord- ingly. The validation process continues by periodically monitoring worker time on a given job and comparing it with the established SRT to determine the percentage of on- time completions. Monitoring Time SRTs are only effective if an agency has a way to accurately monitor worker time to determine if the SRTs are being met. Most agencies use work orders (also called repair orders) to monitor time by having workers write down start and stop times or use punch-style time clocks. Data entry clerks typi- cally enter the information into the agency’s MIS, which breaks out the various jobs and related times. Other agencies use more sophisticated methods that involve bar codes and other electronic monitoring devices. In addition to monitoring 2 Mathewson, M.H., Industrial Engineering Handbook, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1963. 3 Herzog, D.R., Industrial Engineering Methods and Controls, Reston Publishing Company, Reston, VA, 1985.

the entire job time, some agencies monitor job segments to determine where employees are having the most problems. Setting Policy Agencies that monitor worker time use the information in a variety of ways. Some use SRTs to provide employee incen- tives, to impose disciplinary action, or to direct additional train- ing in specific areas. Other agencies, especially those where workers frequently rotate into different jobs, monitor per-job time but choose not to establish specific time standards. Instead, they use the times as a general indication to gauge overall worker performance across all jobs. If productivity diminishes over time on certain jobs, the worker can be called in to deter- mine the reason. Other agencies choose to select an acceptable time range rather than imposing one set time for all to adhere. Regardless of how agencies use time standards, the policy on time standards needs to be shared with workers so they clearly understand how their performance is being measured. Employee and Union Involvement Employee and union involvement is absolutely essential to improving worker productivity. Although the subject of establishing time standards may be awkward, both labor and management must participate in the process, and each must come to see the benefits in establishing SRTs for the program to be successful. The process to develop time standards includes many opportunities for management and labor to work together, and union managers can be convinced of the benefits of adopting SRTs.4 In addition to labor and management working together, successful programs to develop SRTs include: • An agreed upon process for resolving disputed SRTs and validating them, • An emphasis on improving worker productivity and directing training rather than disciplinary action, • An agreed upon policy on how SRT performance will affect staffing levels and the outsourcing of jobs, and • Incentives given to those who meet an established per- centage of SRTs. Other Sources Several publications are available to help agencies develop SRTs, including the two books referenced above on IE principles. Of particular interest is TCRP Synthesis 54: Main- tenance Productivity Practices, which includes several case studies of agencies implementing SRT programs.5 Included 19 are case study examples of agency-developed SRT programs, time study analysis charts, a comprehensive bibliography and reference list, and other helpful information. TCRP Synthesis 22: Monitoring Bus Maintenance Performance also contains information on monitoring time and using SRTs.6 These and other TCRP studies are available through TRB and APTA as described in Part 2 above. Another helpful publication is TMC RP 804, “Labor Productivity Measurement,” included in “Recommended Maintenance Practices for Transit Buses,” the collection of nearly 100 TMC RPs available through APTA (also described in Part 2 above). Although this RP is based on the TMC’s unique coding system, it contains useful information and worksheets on monitoring worker time that can be modified for individual agency use. PART 6: INTEGRATING PRACTICES WITH TRAINING For agencies with in-house training programs, mainte- nance practices can become part of the curriculum where classroom instructional material corresponds to actual work expectations on the shop floor. For agencies that rely on out- side training programs or hire prequalified workers, practices document how each job is to be performed regardless of where workers received their training or experiences. The effort put into developing maintenance practices has a secondary benefit in that the procedures and information con- tained in them can easily become a source for conducting both classroom and hands-on training. The appropriateness of using the practices in training programs depends on the level of detail contained within the practices. One approach is to detail the training material and make the practices a summary of that material. In this case, workers can use the practice to refresh their memory in key areas, referring to more detailed training material as needed. Another approach is to make the practices detailed enough to serve as stand-alone training doc- umentation. In either case, practices that become an integral part of an agency’s training program can avoid a duplication of effort and the potential for inconsistencies between train- ing instructions and actual shop-floor expectations. As with all training materials, written practices must be made easily available to all maintenance employees. PART 7: REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Overview Many federal, state, and local regulations apply to transit bus maintenance. These regulations are extensive, vary by jurisdiction, and directly affect the repair and inspection of4 Venezia, F.W., TCRP Synthesis 54: Maintenance Productivity Practices, Trans- portation Research Board, Washington, DC, 2004. 5 Venezia, F.W., TCRP Synthesis 54: Maintenance Productivity Practices, Trans- portation Research Board, Washington, DC, 2004. 6 Schiavone, J.J., TCRP Synthesis 22: Monitoring Bus Maintenance Performance, Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC, 1997.

buses and maintenance facilities and the health and safety of employees. It is the agency’s responsibility to understand and comply with applicable regulations when developing main- tenance practices. Failure to comply can result in fines and penalties. This section provides a broad overview of applicable regu- lations and offers recommendations to help agencies develop practices that promote compliance. Because the regulations are extensive and vary between local jurisdictions, this section can- not possibly address all of them. Consult with the agency’s attorney and/or safety officer, if available, to make certain that your practices are consistent with all applicable requirements. If legal or safety assistance is not available, a contact list of major regulatory agencies is provided at the end of this section to help you get the needed information. FTA PROGRAMS AND REQUIREMENTS Triennial Review FTA conducts a comprehensive audit called a Triennial Review every 3 years for all FTA grantees. An audit team from FTA inspects buses, facilities, and related maintenance records to verify compliance. Affected agencies are required to provide material from major departments, such as finance, purchasing, human resources, operations, and maintenance. The material below highlights some of the Triennial Review requirements that could be satisfied by having documented maintenance practices. As part of its review, FTA requires each agency’s mainte- nance department to have a written maintenance plan for all buses and facilities and to keep records in hard-copy or electronic format to document that the plan is being fol- lowed. For example, if an agency’s program calls for PMIs to be performed at 6,000-mile intervals, work orders or other documents must substantiate that the PMIs were performed as specified. Additionally, since FTA requires maintenance plans to be current, agencies need to prove that PMI checklists and other practices reflect the manufacturer’s requirements for new vehicles added to the fleet. FTA’s Triennial Audit Team looks closely at all agency procedures and documentation, and failure to comply could range from a simple notice for an infraction to citations, fines, or loss of FTA funding. Suggestion: Develop individual practices for PMIs and repair tasks because they are essential for complying with FTA Triennial Review requirements in that they provide documentation showing that a maintenance program exists and is being followed for specific buses and equipment. Model Transit Bus Safety and Security Program Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, FTA promulgated regulations under the Model Transit Bus Safety and Security Program requiring agencies to enhance security at transit centers and operating facilities. When the 20 threat status is elevated to an “Orange” or “Red” level, for example, FTA requires agencies to “lock down” their facil- ity by having full perimeter fencing, and gates and the abil- ity to check each person and vehicle entering. The Model Transit Bus Safety and Security Program also recognizes that proper maintenance of vehicles is critical to the safe operation of a transit system and requires agencies to establish vehicle maintenance practices to regularly address safety-related vehicle equipment, including: • Service and parking brakes; • Tires, wheels, and rims; • Steering mechanism; • Vehicle suspension; • Mirrors; • Lighting and reflectors; and • Wheelchair lifts. Suggestion: Develop a practice with instructions for responding to elevated threat levels. The practice should include procedures for contacting key maintenance employ- ees with a listing of those responsible for securing facilities, staffing points of entry, and coordinating with law enforce- ment officials. In addition, develop safety-related equipment practices that are consistent with FTA’s Model Transit Bus Safety and Security Program requirements. The FTA website listed at the end of this section contains current information needed to address these requirements. FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS The federal regulations summarized below address bus manufacturing, maintenance, facilities, human safety, and environmental protection. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (USDOT) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) USDOT regulates many facets of transportation. The material below summarizes regulations contained under the CFR as published in the Federal Register. Agencies are urged to become familiar with, and have access to, these regula- tions when developing practices. Contact information is provided at the end of this section. CFR—Best Practices Requirements CFR 49 Part 393 pertains to bus construction and manu- facturing and affects practices regarding bus specifications and equipment. Some of the areas covered by Part 393 include requirements for bus batteries and wiring, lighting, brake systems, windshield wipers and washers, exhaust systems, heaters and defrosters, driveshaft protection, tires,

horns, mirrors, floors, and other safety-related equipment. In addition to being an essential resource when developing bus specifications, Part 393 is also useful when writing bus inspection practices because it includes specific instructions for checking lighting, braking systems, brake hoses, exhaust systems, door width and height, mirrors, and other bus equip- ment. Affected equipment has a specific requirement that the inspector must verify when performing PMIs. Suggestion: Use CFR 49 Part 393 as a guide when develop- ing practices because it provides proper inspection criteria for specific bus equipment and contains information on developing inspection forms. CFR—Record-Keeping Requirements CFR 49 Part 396 outlines PMI record-keeping require- ments. It also establishes pre-trip inspection requirements and provides essential guidance for developing maintenance practices and training programs. Under Part 396, records must substantiate that the mechanic or inspector carrying out the PMI has proper train- ing, knowledge, and experience to perform the required tasks. In addition, all inspections must be documented to show that identified defects have been repaired. Suggestion: Use Part 396 as guide when developing PMIs because it includes record-keeping requirements, inspection criteria, and inspection frequency details. It also identifies the safety items that must be inspected. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) FMVSS are safety standards that all vehicle manufactur- ers must comply with. Although initial compliance with FMVSS is the responsibility of the bus OEM, agencies must have an understanding of these requirements to make certain that the requirements are not violated during maintenance and repair activities. In particular, agencies must ensure that the replacement of any FMVSS-certified part or component continues to meet original certification criteria. Suggestion: Refer to FMVSS when developing practices to make certain that all after-market parts and components used in repairs continue to meet safety requirements. Mainte- nance personnel are not allowed to substitute or compromise any system or component with noncertified parts. An under- standing of FMVSS also allows you to develop in-plant inspection practices for new buses to verify that these impor- tant safety requirements are being met by the OEMs. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) Several EPA regulations are intended to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment. Typical bus 21 maintenance operations have two sources of air pollutants: mobile (i.e., vehicles) and stationary (i.e., facilities). Vehicles It is the OEM’s responsibility to certify that vehicles com- ply with all EPA exhaust emissions regulations applicable at the date of manufacture. In some jurisdictions, however, sep- arate state and local regulations may also apply. For exam- ple, some localities require opacity tests or other verification that the engine continues to function within the compliance criteria. Due to the various requirements, agencies are urged to contact their local EPA office to determine which require- ments apply to their operation and to make certain that their practices comply. Suggestion: PMI programs should incorporate verification that all emissions-related equipment is operating according to the vehicle OEM’s specifications. Under no circumstances should a maintenance practice modify or render any emis- sions equipment inoperative. Facilities Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act (CWA) provides the national frame- work for water pollution control and water quality manage- ment. Maintenance facilities and fleet operations generate wastewater from a variety of sources and activities such as steam cleaning, vehicle and facility washing, and water runoff into drains from vehicle parking areas, refueling, and maintenance repair areas. Suggestion: Become familiar with all CWA requirements summarized below and develop practices that are consistent with them. Underground Storage Tanks.The CWA requires that all underground storage tanks (USTs) be registered with the local environmental agency, health agency, or fire depart- ment. Requirements for USTs include double-walled con- struction for underground tanks and piping. Regulations also require the tank owner (i.e., transit agency) to have certified tank testers perform periodic tests on all USTs and piping and to document the test results. Tank owners must also mon- itor for leaks by using leak-detection equipment and product inventory reconciling. Failure to comply can result in cita- tions, facility closure, or permit revocation. Storm Water Runoff. The CWA regulates contaminants that become part of storm water runoff as the storm water washes over the facility grounds. Contaminants include hydrocarbons from fuel and oil, battery acid, dirt, trash, grease, antifreeze, and other substances that mingle with storm water. Each contaminant has specific thresholds that

typically require periodic sampling. Since each jurisdiction has different requirements, agencies are urged to check with their local water resources authority or environmental/health agency. Some jurisdictions, for example, require agencies to take storm water samples from the runoff within the first half-hour of a storm that exceeds one-quarter inch of rainfall. With few exceptions, agencies are required to inspect their facilities for possible contaminants on a scheduled basis and to document the findings. Sewer Systems. Maintenance operations generate sludge and contaminated water from their bus-washing activities, and the sludge and contaminated water eventually enter the city sewer system. Separators are typically required to trap unacceptable hazardous materials on site. Agencies must also have the separated sludge and oils pumped, sampled, and disposed of in compliance with EPA and local regulations. Clean Air Act The EPA’s Clean Air Act (CAA) addresses conventional air pollutants (i.e., those that are naturally part of the environment) and regulated air pollutants (i.e., manufactured pollutants). The CAA affects maintenance facility operations and is typically regulated by local authorities. Local regula- tions are sometimes more restrictive than the CAA require- ments and often require permits. Fueling Facilities. Fueling facilities that dispense diesel, gasoline, and alternate fuels are typically regulated to prevent spillage and hydrocarbon or methane vapors from entering the atmosphere. Suggestion: Develop practices for preventing leakage and spillage. Include procedures for using and maintaining pumping systems, hoses, nozzles, and related dispensing equipment. Also develop cleanup procedure practices for spills. Auxiliary Generators. Many agencies have a back-up gen- erator to support normal operations during an electrical power outage. The manufacturer requires that these units receive periodic exercising, load testing, and PMIs. Some jurisdictions also require permits and the monitoring of exhaust emissions from auxiliary generators. Suggestion: Develop a PMI practice with scheduled intervals for generators. Include instructions for load testing and keep- ing equipment in good running order according to the OEM’s recommendations. Refrigerant Use. The CAA regulates the refrigerant used in air conditioning (AC) systems for vehicles and buildings. It requires that the refrigerant removed from any AC system be captured and recycled using a certified recovery system and 22 be operated by a licensed employee. The refrigerant (includ- ing 134a) added to any AC system must be tracked and inventoried to substantiate that no product was intentionally vented into the atmosphere. Suggestion: Practices involving refrigerant-based AC systems should include procedures for logging refrigerant use and verification that certified equipment is operating properly and employees have proper licensing. Paint and Body Repair. Paint and body repairs generate several emissions regulated by the CAA. The most common are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in most paints. Many jurisdictions also require VOC users to track the paint usage and the type of paint coatings applied. These requirements may exceed federal CAA requirements. Agencies that use large quantities of paint are typically required by the CAA to use certified paint booths that include various VOC emission-reduction equipment. Body repairs also generate dust and particulate matter (PM), also regulated under the CAA as a hazard to humans. Agen- cies are required to have proper breathing apparatuses and ventilation for employees who sand or paint vehicles. Suggestion: Check with your local health agency for regula- tions governing use of paints and thinners, and develop practices that include a process for maintaining paint logs, using personal protective equipment, and keeping the equip- ment in good working order. The type of spray gun used for painting can significantly reduce VOC emissions. Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (P2) is also regu- lated by the EPA and is intended to control waste by keeping harmful products from migrating into the food chain and from contaminating humans. Since most maintenance facili- ties generate hazardous waste, P2 applies to these facilities as well. An important element of this regulation is that it requires agencies to have a documented hazardous commu- nications program in place that includes: • A current materials safety data sheet (MSDS), which must be updated as new products are purchased, for each hazardous chemical in the workplace; • Labels and other forms of warning graphics on all chemical containers used in the workplace; • Warning signs posted in conspicuous locations; and • Documented employee training programs regarding the use, handling, and management of hazardous chemicals. The P2 program makes certain that employees are informed of hazardous products and receive documented training in proper use and disposal. (See the section on OSHA below, which also regulates personnel safety while performing work tasks.) Facility and worker safety

practices affected by P2 include disposal of waste oil and filters, antifreeze, parts-cleaning fluid, batteries, refrigerants, paint thinners, and flammables. Exhaust emissions are not part of P2; they were covered under the CAA described above. Suggestion: Develop practices to comply with P2 require- ments by including procedures for reviewing MSDSs and identifying affected products deemed unacceptable for use in your shop. Become familiar with local requirements, which differ by jurisdiction. Some areas, for example, ban chlori- nated solvents, while others simply restrict quantities. Agen- cies should also consider the use of organic alternatives to hazardous products. Local health agencies are the best place to begin obtaining information on acceptable products and chemicals. Certifications and Licenses Air Conditioning Repairs The EPA requires that all technicians working on AC systems be certified and use personal protection equipment (PPE). Brake Repairs Air brake system repairs are regulated under CFR 49 Parts 393/396 and FMVSS, which require technician certification to repair and maintain these brake systems. Use of PPE is recommended. Suggestion: For AC and air brake practices, include infor- mation alerting workers that certification is required. Also provide instructions for PPE use. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) Buses Regulations promulgated under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) affect buses by way of construction, equipment, and operational requirements. ADA mandates that all newly constructed transit buses have wheelchair access in the form of a lift or ramp. The ADA sets minimum width and height requirements for the door at the wheelchair entry and specifies how wheelchairs must be secured on the bus. The ADA also establishes requirements for either the driver to announce bus stops or the bus to be equipped with an automated bus stop annunciation system. Labels and signs that notify passengers to render their seats to persons with disabilities are also part of the ADA. Suggestion: Develop PMI practices that include procedures to verify that all ADA-mandated systems are functioning properly and include a means for the driver to notify mainte- nance of any malfunctioning equipment. 23 Facilities ADA requirements for facilities set specific standards to accommodate persons with disabilities. These require- ments are regulated by local building codes and federal law. All public facilities must comply with the ADA, which includes requirements for wheelchair ramps, restroom facilities, fire alarms, elevators, parking, and other facility areas. Suggestion: When developing facility PMI practices, be sure to include inspection and repair of ADA equipment as part of your facility maintenance program. For example, fire alarm systems and emergency evacuation plans need to be period- ically tested. All tests and drills must be supervised by a designated safety person and documented. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) Overview The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the national mechanism to ensure safe and health- ful workplace conditions, created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Individual states may choose to adopt different standards for workers in their jurisdiction. These standards will meet the approval of OSHA as long as they are as stringent as the federal requirements. OSHA regulations cover a broad range of hazards and include procedures for chemicals, containers, and container labels; equipment; industrial accidents/injuries; and training. OSHA also covers personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, hearing protection, gloves, and safety goggles for employees working in areas with specific hazards; use of shop equipment; work done in confined spaces; and operat- ing forklifts. Agencies need to understand that there are no “OSHA- exempt” states. So-called “OSHA states” have an OSHA- approved plan, while “non-OSHA states” have industrial safety rules and regulations that, while not formally approved by OSHA, nevertheless pertain to maintenance operations. States with OSHA-approved plans receive federal funding for up to 50 percent of the cost of enforcing their employee safety program. Additional information on OSHA is avail- able through the contact information shown at the end of this section. States and territories with OSHA-approved plans include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indi- ana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. In these states, the employee safety plan meets or exceeds all OSHA requirements and standards and must continue to do so to continue to receive funding. State or

OSHA inspectors may inspect at any time, and if violations are found, fines or prosecution may result. States and territories without an OSHA-approved plan include Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsyl- vania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Each of these states, however, has rules and regulations for workers. Management in these states must ensure that its maintenance operations fully comply with all applicable regulations. Penalties for noncompliance vary from state to state and include fines and possible criminal penalties. Contact the labor or employment section of your particular state government for complete information on employee safety requirements. Since these requirements are extensive and complex and vary by state, agencies are urged to use the OSHA contact information shown at the end of this section to determine which requirements apply to their particular operation. Facility Safety Safety is a major concern in and around bus maintenance facilities. While facilities are under construction, the contractor and local buildings and safety inspectors are responsible for meeting OSHA or other industrial/commercial safety require- ments. It becomes the transit agency’s responsible to comply with those requirements once the facility is occupied. In gen- eral, most facilities fall under the following mandatory require- ments that affect transit agencies: • Combustible liquids, such as battery electrolyte, fuels, petroleum solvents, welding gas, and heating oils. They are also regulated by the local fire marshal. Suggestion: Develop practices that include procedures for handling and disposing of combustible liquids and include appropriate requirements for PPE (e.g., gloves and eye pro- tection equipment). • USTs. Entry into these tanks for repair and maintenance are regulated as a “confined space entry” regardless of the products stored in the tanks. Suggestion: Develop practices that include procedures that specify the safety requirements for persons entering a confined space. Employees must have proper breathing and harness apparatuses, and a second person must be present as a “tender” to remove the first person from the tank and call for assistance if the first person should encounter breathing problems. • Work requirements. When personnel are working on or with USTs and the substances contained therein, OSHA requires that a best practice document be devel- oped that includes detailed operating instructions for system piping, valves, gauges, and pumps. 24 Suggestion: Develop a practice that satisfies OSHA’s best practice requirement. Include procedures to initiate an emergency shutdown due to a leak alarm or system malfunction. Also include requirements for PPE and proce- dures for training personnel on the use and repair of this equipment. • Compressed gas storage. Tanks that hold products such as compressed natural gas (CNG), automotive propane, oxygen, and acetylene are regulated by OSHA. The local fire marshal also has jurisdiction. Suggestion: Develop practices to ensure that portable tanks—such as oxygen, acetylene, and propane tanks—are secured (i.e., chained to a wall or post or on a proper cart) to prevent falling over and damaging the shutoff valve and causing serious danger. • Right to know. OSHA has very explicit regulations governing employees’ “right to know.” As a result, agencies are required to inform employees and make available to them all information about hazardous chemicals stored in the workplace. MSDSs are the most basic information source to use for this purpose. Federal law requires that chemical manufacturers produce and distribute Federally compliant MSDSs for each haz- ardous chemical that the manufacturers sell. OSHA requires that current MSDSs be available for each haz- ardous chemical and that employee training on this sub- ject be documented. Information provided on the MSDSs typically includes the: – Chemical identity and common name; – Physical and chemical characteristics; – Physical hazards and health hazards, including expo- sure symptoms; and – First aid measures for hazardous exposure. Suggestion: Develop a practice for collecting or producing MSDSs and include procedures for periodic (e.g., monthly) inspections of all MSDSs information and taking inventory of all chemicals on the agency’s property by a qualified person. Include the practice as part of the MSDSs training documentation. Personal Safety This section reviews requirements for employees’ per- sonal safety and includes the use of PPE such as eye protec- tion equipment, gloves, aprons, faces shields, and ear and breathing protection equipment. Use of PPE is based on established thresholds for personnel exposure to dust, PM, noise, chemicals, vapors, and other harmful conditions and may be more stringent than most agencies expect. For exam- ple, eye protection equipment and face shields are required when operating shop equipment or hand tools. Head protec- tion equipment is also required when working under a vehi- cle. OSHA also requires that personnel exercise caution when performing steam-cleaning operations and when using

caustic chemicals. Personnel must be provided with a written program (i.e., practice) that includes proper procedures for machinery disconnects and notifications to ensure that no mechanical components are activated inadvertently. Additionally, posted signs requiring PPE must be visible to all employees using certain machinery and equipment. Appropriate PPE also must be available close to hazardous equipment or procedures. In addition, some chemicals or substances used in the workplace require that employees’ health be monitored on a regular basis for exposure to toxins. Some agencies are large enough to have their own medical staff for physicals and drug testing, while others use contracted companies. Medical monitoring is most frequently done for those exposed to dust hazards such as grinding, cutting, and blast- ing work. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), provides information on medical monitor- ing. Use the contact list at the end of this section to obtain additional information. Suggestion: Develop practices incorporating all relevant OSHA and EPA requirements and include instructions to verify that all safety equipment is available and in good working order. Also document safety-related inspections required by OSHA and have these files available for audit purposes. The vast majority of OSHA requirements are common- sense safety precautions that can sometimes be overlooked in maintenance shops. A proper approach to safety is one where practices include procedures that: • Eliminate slip and trip hazards; • Eliminate hazards from frayed electrical cords and dam- aged high-pressure hoses; • Ensure access to all emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, electrical panels, eye wash stations, and first aid kits; and • Include safety instructions describing proper labeling, maintenance, and operation for fueling equipment, hoists, steam cleaners, and pits. STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS As mentioned above, many states have established their own programs to comply with federal regulations. Use the contacts provided at the end of this section to obtain addi- tional information; also contact your local health, labor, and safety departments. OSHA AND THE EPA Many states and urban areas have OSHA and EPA agen- cies to enforce federal laws at the local level. Below are some 25 specific areas where local jurisdictions often monitor federal requirements: • Forklift training certification, • Confined space entry training, • AC system maintenance and technician training, and • Air brake maintenance and technician training. Most state and local agencies interpret federal law and enforce accordingly. As mentioned above, some state and local requirements are more stringent than those established at the federal level. Department of Transportation Each state has local motor vehicle regulations that are regu- lated by the state’s own department of transportation (DOT) or department of motor vehicles (DMV). Agencies need to under- stand these regulations because these regulations apply to many facets of vehicle operation, maintenance, repair, and inspection. For example, DOT and DMV regulations clearly specify the type of license required to operate a transit bus in revenue or nonrevenue service and the level of maintenance required for specific equipment. These agencies also establish requirements for braking performance, axle weights, and pre-trip inspections. Local Health and Environmental Agencies Local health and environmental agencies typically regulate such issues as sewer systems, storm water and drainage sys- tems, worker health, and hazardous materials management. Practices worth developing spell out procedures for local per- mit compliance and renewal, such as practices for preparing and collecting MSDSs and describing how employees can access them and practices for conducting periodic safety inspections, including the timeframe (e.g., monthly or quar- terly) and person(s) responsible for ensuring compliance. In addition, if a facility is ever used for procedures involv- ing certain toxic chemicals or substances, such as lead (i.e., as in paint, piping, or fuels) and asbestos (i.e., as in brake linings or fire-resistant coverings), or has stored or used these items in construction, monitoring the air quality in the facility on a regular basis may be required. Employees working at the facility may also be required to continue medical monitoring of their health for exposure to these toxins. Practices that detail monitoring requirements are certainly worth developing. Uniform Building Codes Inspections Facilities, depending on their age and function, need to comply with uniform building codes (UBCs) and National

Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements applicable at the time of construction or modification. Compliance with these requirements is your agency’s responsibility. A prac- tice that incorporates proper maintenance and inspection pro- cedures for all facilities will help ensure compliance. Keep in mind that any modifications made to structures covered by the UBC or NFPA requirements must comply with current codes and must be permitted and properly inspected if mod- ified or rehabilitated. Fire Marshal The local fire marshal typically has authority for inspect- ing all buildings and equipment to verify compliance with state and local fire codes. Inspections typically include storage of flammable materials, fire alarms and safety sys- tems, extinguishers, and sprinklers. Maintenance and in- spection practices should include procedures for all fire and life safety items and for flammables and combustibles. The procedures should document compliance with these codes. Inspection documents must be on file and readily available for audits. COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST The following is a checklist of important federal, state, and local regulatory organizations that promulgate regula- tions that typically affect bus maintenance. Agencies are urged to use the contact information provided below to become more familiar with these organizations and their requirements. • Federal – CFR 49 Parts 393 and 396 – EPA – OSHA – FTA (if your agency is a grantee of federal funds) • State – DOT – EPA – OSHA – UBC and NFPA • Local – Fire marshal – Building inspector – Environmental agency (and local air district if applicable) COMPLIANCE MONITORING Regulatory agencies have several ways of monitoring compliance, including site visits and inspections. If inspec- 26 tors from one government agency see a violation that is outside their jurisdiction, they typically notify other regulat- ing agencies. Inspectors also monitor compliance via reports submitted from accidents or injuries, emission citations trig- gered by smoking buses, and public complaints made by employees and neighbors. Consequences of noncompliance range from a minor infraction, with a notice to correct without imposing penal- ties, to large fines. In some cases sanctions include with- holding federal or state funds and/or criminal charges if your agency is found to be negligent and causing injury, death, or excessive harm to the environment. CONTACT LIST USDOT Mail: 400 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20590 Telephone: 202-366-4000 Internet: www.dot.gov/contact.html For CFR requirements go to www.archives.gov/ federal_register/index.html Mail: To order CFR documents write to: Superintendent of Documents P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 Telephone: 202-512-1800 FMVSS Mail: 400 7th Street, SW, Room 6124 Washington, DC 20590 Telephone: 888-327-4263 202-366-2746 Internet: www.nhtsa.gov/

EPA Mail: Ariel Rios Building 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20460 Telephone: 800-490-9198 202-272-0167 Internet: www.epa.gov/ OSHA Mail: 200 Constitution Ave, NW Washington, DC 20210 Telephone: 866-487-2365 800-321-6742 Internet: www.osha.gov/ 27 FTA (Also See USDOT) Mail: 400 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20590 Telephone: 202-366-4000 Internet: www.fta.dot.gov/ CDC Mail: 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30333 Telephone: 404-639-3311 Internet: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ords/WorkerMedicalMon itoring.html

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A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices Get This Book
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TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 109: A Guidebook for Developing and Sharing Transit Bus Maintenance Practices provides guidance on how to develop effective transit bus maintenance practices tailored to the local operating environment. The report provides seven sample practices developed using the guidance.

An on-line Web Board, referenced in TCRP Report 109, no longer exists; however, the ListServ capability of the original Web Board has been taken over by the Transit Maintenance Analysis and Resource Center (TMAARC). TMAARC is managed and funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and administered by the University of South Florida's Center for Urban Transportation Research.

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