Section 442.215  Ceiling and Side Walls

a)         The ceiling and side walls shall be thermally insulated with a fire-resistant material approved by the Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc., which shall also adequately reduce the noise level and vibrations.

b)         The interior of the bus shall be free of all unnecessary projections likely to cause injury.  Additional projections (e.g., external speakers, air conditioners) located within 59 inches from the floor shall be padded to prevent injury.  This includes inner lining of ceiling and walls.  Installation of book racks is not permissible.  Interior paneling is required on the ceiling and walls. Paneling shall be of steel or other suitable material of equivalent strength and durability, applied in such a manner as to present a clean, smooth and safe interior.  Exposed edges of lapped joints shall be beaded, flanged or otherwise treated and connected to reduce the likelihood of injury from exposed edges.

c)         Interior height shall be a minimum of 60 inches, measured from the floor to ceiling at any point on the longitudinal center line from the front vertical bow to the rear vertical bow.

(Source:  Amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 3255, effective February 19, 2002)