DRIVING THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1991
high humidity and sunlight take a long-term toll. Make use of secure storage bins for add-on CSRS; re- close the cover flap over a built-in CSRS when it is not in use. Proper Use: Te way webbing is used when securing a child is im- portant, too. Damage in the form of tears, cuts and fraying is largely due to abrasion as the webbing slides back and forth through the CSRS’s hardware and over bus seat frames. So, to the extent possible, take care when sliding webbing. Do not allow webbing to become folded or twisted, as this weakens it, especially as it runs through metal hardware. Proper Cleaning: Of course,
cleaning, as needed, is generally advisable. But, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instruc- tions, which will provide specific guidance. Typically, hand wash- ing by scrubbing gently with a soft brush or cloth is permissible. Most manufacturers recommend using plain water or water with mild soap. Machine washing or use of strong chemical cleaners is generally prohibited. To dry webbing, first pat with a towel, and then place the webbing in a clean area with good airflow, but out of direct sunlight. Following these techniques
as part of a regular maintenance routine will help you get the most out of a CSRS investment while also maximizing child safety. Your organization can utilize a free instructional PowerPoint on CSRS maintenance and a sample inventory management log posted at
www.saferidenews.com (select Safety Topics from the homepage and look under School Bus Safety). Remember, these guidelines
are general. Always consult specific instructions from the manufacturer.
Denise Donaldson is editor of Safe Ride News Publications, LLC, publisher of child passenger safety educational materials such as "Te School Bus Safety Handbook: Choosing and Using CSRS and Wheelchairs." She can be reached at
denise@saferidenews.com.
CARING FOR AND REPLACING SEAT COVERS
WRITTEN BY TONY EVERETT VICE PRESIDENT, HSM TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS
matter what materials and processes are in place. Normal wear and tear has the next great- est impact on seat cover longevity. But this can differ from bus to bus and school to school, depending on the number of runs a bus makes in a defined period of time, the number of students who ride the bus and the number of days per year a bus is in service.
A
Be Aware of the Impact of Weather Weather, too, can play a role in seat cover longevity, especially where seats are
exposed to temperature extremes. Fortunately, new vinyl covers provide protection against the damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Nevertheless, in areas where sun and heat are a persistent problem, consider changing the direction that a bus is parked so that each day a different side of the bus absorbs the sun’s rays.
Make Seat Cover Cleaning Part of a Maintenance Routine Cleaning should occur at least monthly, using soap and water, since harsher cleaning
products can adversely affect vinyl. Cleaning the seats provides an opportunity to in- spect seat covers for damage in the form of cracks, blisters and torn seams. High-wear areas include the aisle side of the seat cushion and the upper aisle side of the back cover, where children are grabbing the seat to pull themselves to a standing position.
Check Seat Cover Materials and Verify Authenticity Vinyl repair kits are available, but inconsistency of the chemicals used in these kits
prevents us from recommending their use. We recommend replacing damaged seat covers with new ones that often can be installed over existing covers. As with any pur- chase, it is important to know what you’re getting in a seat cover. So, turn to a reputa- ble supplier, and always ask that materials be authenticated, especial- ly claims of fire block compliancy. This brings up another point; if a seat cover is damaged and the foam is visible, the fire block capability of the cover is destroyed, eliminating any question as to whether or not the seat cover should be replaced.
Replace Seat Covers and Inspect Foam While you’re replacing seat covers, inspect the seat foams for signs of degradation.
It often makes good financial sense to replace them at the same time if they both need replacing. Be aware that the seat replacement cycle typically runs from May through August, so
it’s important to plan ahead when inspecting seats and placing your order well in ad- vance to ensure your seat covers will be replaced in a timeframe that meets your needs.
Tony Everett joined HSM in January 2013 with the acquisition of The C.E. White Co., where he served as president and CEO since 2006.
s materials improve and new manufacturing processes are de- ployed, the life expectancy of school bus seat covers increases. Vandalism remains the No. 1 reason for damage to seat covers. Intentional destruction of property is difficult to defend against, no
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