Emergency Exits, Evacuation, and On-Board Safety Equipment
Domain 7 tests whether you can get people out of a bus and whether the safety equipment is really there and really works.
Exits
Know every exit and how it works: front door, rear door, push-out or break-glass side windows, and roof hatches. Each must be marked with an illuminated sign, open from inside and outside, and sound the exit alarm when opened. Keep the path to each exit clear - a bag in front of the rear door is a hazard, not storage.
Equipment
The fire extinguisher must be at least 5 B:C, securely mounted, charged, with the pin in and nozzle clear; remember PASS - pull, aim, squeeze, sweep. Carry three reflective triangles and set them out only after passengers are safe: about 10 feet behind the bus, 100 feet behind, and 100 feet ahead on a two-lane road, with greater distances on divided highways or curves. A first-aid kit is required by some states and carriers, so know your rule.
Evacuation
Stop safely off the travel lane, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, turn on hazards, and call 911 and dispatch. Choose the exit away from the hazard, assist riders with disabilities, and move everyone at least 100 feet upwind and uphill from fire. Account for every passenger by name or count, then place triangles.
Worked example
Smoke pours from the rear engine of a small bus. The correct exit is the front door, away from the smoke; you do not open the engine cover if you see flames, and you move the group upwind before anyone thinks about warning triangles.
Traps
Never having opened the roof hatch yourself; blocking the rear door with luggage; setting triangles before evacuating; failing to recount heads after evacuation.