Interpretation ID: aiam0881
Engineering Manager
Motor Coach Industries
Inc.
Pembina
ND 58271;
Dear Mr. Dershko: This is in response to your requests of July 12 and August 25, 1972 for interpretations of Standard No. 217, Bus Window Retention and Release. I regret the delay in our response.; *S5.1.2* Minimum Surface Dimensions The installation of a metal bar across the rear corner windows so tha the minimum surface dimension between the bar and the edge of the glazing would be less than 8 inches would exclude the window from the window retention requirements of S5.1, as you suggest.; *S5.3.2* Emergency Exit Release The motion of the release mechanism, which you clarified in a telephon conversation on October 13 with Mr. Kevin Cavey of the Motor Vehicle Programs staff at NHTSA, meets the directional and clearance requirements of S5.3.2, since the initial motion is perpendicular to the exit surface and the required 2-inch clearance is afforded during the operation of the mechanism.; *S5.5.2* Emergency Exit Identification You are correct in your assumption that normal nighttime illuminatio may include reading lights and that it is not the intent of the standard to require self-illuminated exit identification.; *Figure 3* Access Regions for Exits Without Adjacent Seats You are correct in assuming that Figure 3B requires a 2-inch clearanc around the release mechanism and is not intended to specify the required outline for a rear shelf.; Sincerely yours, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel