School Bus Cleaning Checklist

Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards for school buses to ensure a safe and healthy environment for student passengers.

Health & Safety Priority

Proper cleaning and sanitization of school buses is essential for student health, especially during flu seasons and health emergencies. Follow all district policies and EPA-approved cleaning products for educational transportation.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

  • Gather all required cleaning supplies and equipment.
  • Ensure bus is parked in designated cleaning area with proper ventilation.
  • Remove all loose items, lost and found objects from seats and aisles.
  • Check for any damage or maintenance issues to report separately.
  • Verify cleaning products are EPA-approved and school district compliant.
  • Put on appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Interior Deep Cleaning

  • Sweep and vacuum all floor areas, removing debris from under seats.
  • Clean and disinfect all seat surfaces, including vinyl and fabric areas.
  • Wipe down and sanitize all handrails and grab bars.
  • Clean all windows from inside, ensuring streak-free visibility.
  • Disinfect driver's area including steering wheel, dashboard, and controls.
  • Clean and sanitize door handles, both interior and exterior access.
  • Mop floor with approved disinfectant, paying attention to high-traffic areas.
  • Clean ceiling and interior lighting fixtures for brightness and safety.

Exterior Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Wash and rinse exterior body, removing dirt, salt, and road debris.
  • Clean all exterior windows and mirrors for maximum visibility.
  • Check and clean headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
  • Clean and inspect stop sign arm and warning lights.
  • Wash wheels and wheel wells, checking for damage or wear.
  • Clean bus identification numbers and school district markings.
  • Inspect and clean door seals and weatherstripping.
  • Check exterior for any damage, dents, or graffiti requiring attention.

Sanitization & Disinfection

  • Apply EPA-approved disinfectant to all high-touch surfaces.
  • Sanitize seat backs, armrests, and student contact areas.
  • Disinfect air vents and HVAC system accessible areas.
  • Clean and sanitize emergency equipment and first aid supplies.
  • Apply antimicrobial treatment to fabric surfaces if required.
  • Allow proper dwell time for disinfectants to be effective.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation during and after chemical application.
  • Document date and products used for health compliance records.

Safety Equipment Check

  • Verify first aid kit is present, stocked, and accessible.
  • Check fire extinguisher location, pressure, and expiration date.
  • Inspect emergency exits and ensure they operate properly.
  • Test emergency roof hatches and window exits.
  • Verify reflective triangles and emergency equipment are present.
  • Check that safety instructions are posted and visible.
  • Ensure student capacity signage is clean and legible.
  • Inspect seat belts (if equipped) for proper function and cleanliness.

Final Inspection & Documentation

  • Conduct final walk-through to ensure all areas are clean.
  • Check that no cleaning supplies or equipment are left behind.
  • Verify proper ventilation before putting bus back in service.
  • Document cleaning completion time and any issues discovered.
  • Report any maintenance or repair needs to transportation department.
  • Complete cleaning checklist and submit to supervisor.
  • Store cleaning supplies properly and securely.
  • Schedule next cleaning based on usage and district policies.

Seasonal & Deep Cleaning Tasks

  • Perform monthly deep cleaning of upholstery and carpeting.
  • Clean and maintain air conditioning and heating systems.
  • Apply protective treatments to vinyl and rubber surfaces.
  • Inspect and clean under-seat storage areas thoroughly.
  • Perform quarterly cleaning of bus exterior undercarriage.
  • Check and clean drainage areas to prevent water accumulation.
  • Apply seasonal treatments for winter salt protection.
  • Coordinate with maintenance for annual deep sanitization service.
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