Interpretation ID: aiam3412
Robinson L. P. Gas Company
R. D. No. 1
Beaver Grade Road
Coraopolis
PA 15108;
Dear Mr. Kirk: This responds to your recent letter requesting information regardin the conversion of school bus fuel systems to dual fuel carburetion running on propane gas. Specifically, you ask whether any regulations require that a protective cage be placed around a propane fuel tank, if propane carburetion is installed on a school bus.; The answer to your specific question is no. Federal motor vehicl safety standards and regulations do not require protective cages for propane fuel tanks. In fact, the Federal safety standard regarding fuel system integrity, Standard No. 301, is not directly applicable to propane fuel systems.; I am enclosing a fact sheet for your information which discusses th Federal implications of installing auxiliary fuel tanks and of converting fuel systems to use alternate fuels. From that fact sheet you will see that there may be certain responsibilities which must be met by persons converting school buses to use dual fuel systems. Please feel free to contact Hugh Oates of my staff if you have any further questions after reviewing this information (202-426-2992).; You will have to contact your State department of motor vehicles t determine if there are any local laws or regulations which would require the installation of a protective cage around propane fuel tanks.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel